Local gaming sector to represent Canberra at the World Stage
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A Canberra-made game will be announced on the world stage at the XBOX Games Showcase, marking a major milestone for Screen Canberra.
One of the most prominent events in the gaming world is set to reveal Canberra-based studio Uppercut Games and their narrative-driven game Magician’s: The Devil’s Deal. The Xbox Games Showcase is an annual event that reaches millions of players and industry professionals, platforming local Game-makers to world audiences.
This is a huge win for Canberra’s creative industry, as this project is the first to achieve global success under the Canberra Screen and Games Fund. This new funding initiative has been created in partnership with the ACT Government to grow the local Screen and Digital Games Industry, and support local studios like Uppercut.
Screen Canberra CEO Holly Trueman says the announcement validated the vision behind the fund.
“Uppercut Games has built something genuinely world-class right here in the ACT. We’re excited to be able to support the Uppercut team to reach global audiences while creating and employing in Canberra.”
Magician’s: The Devil’s Deal is the product of a unique creative vision that optimises the player’s experience through worldbuilding, storytelling, and high-stakes challenges.
Following the first-person shooter (FPS) style, the player enters Theatreland, a twisted world run on illusion and control. The player takes on the role of protagonist Jacob Menteuro, a stage magician who makes a deal with the devil to escape eternal suffering. He must master deadly magic and steal the powers of rival magicians to fight his way out of hell.
The game is set for release in 2027.
“We’ve been building an amazing team at Uppercut Games here in Canberra and across Australia in order to make this game,” says Ed Orman, Co-Founder and Director at Uppercut Games.
“To have it revealed as part of the XBOX Games Showcase is something we’re immensely proud of.”
Magicians: The Devil’s Deal is available to wishlist now on Steam, with a planned release in 2027.
Watch the trailer on XBOX’s YouTube channel.
