Canberra's Uppercut Games is putting Australia on the global gaming map with the unveiling of their latest title, Magicians: The Devil's Deal, at the Xbox Showcase 2026. This narrative-driven first-person shooter, set in the twisted world of Theatreland, promises an immersive experience for players as they embark on a journey with Jacob Menteuro, a celebrated stage magician who finds himself in Hell. With a release date set for 2027 on Xbox, PS5, and PC, the game has already generated significant buzz, thanks to the efforts of co-founder and director Ed Orman and the talented team at Uppercut Games.
The video game industry, a powerhouse worth an astonishing $250 billion annually, has long been dominated by a few key players. However, Australia's contribution to this multi-billion-dollar industry has been somewhat limited. That is, until now. Magicians: The Devil's Deal marks a significant shift in this narrative, showcasing the potential for local talent to create captivating gaming experiences that can compete on a global scale.
In an interview, Orman expressed his pride in sharing the project with the world, highlighting the dedication of the team in Canberra and across Australia. "We've been building an amazing team at Uppercut Games here in Canberra and across Australia to make this game," he said. "To have it revealed as part of the Xbox Games Showcase is something we're immensely proud of."
The development of Magicians: The Devil's Deal has been a collaborative effort, with partial funding from Screen Canberra. CEO Holly Trueman shared her excitement about the venture into gaming, noting that Screen Canberra has traditionally supported TV and film projects but has recently expanded its focus to include games. "We have only just started funding games," she explained. "Screen Canberra has been supporting TV and film projects for a long time, but we haven't really had a formal mechanism to support games until recently."
The success of Magicians: The Devil's Deal has already sparked discussions about Canberra's potential to become the gaming capital of Australia. Trueman expressed her desire for the city to embrace this opportunity, saying, "In Canberra, we can’t dig up iron ore, but maybe the iron ore is in the form of the next smash hit game."
This sentiment resonates with the broader gaming community, which has witnessed the rise of Australian indie games in recent years. Titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong, developed in Adelaide, and Untitled Goose Game, developed in Melbourne, have garnered international acclaim and commercial success. With Magicians: The Devil's Deal joining this growing list, Australia is poised to solidify its position in the global gaming industry.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the unveiling of Magicians: The Devil's Deal at the Xbox Showcase 2026 marks a significant milestone for Canberra and Australia. It serves as a testament to the creativity and talent within the local gaming community and inspires further exploration and investment in the industry. With the right support and continued dedication, Australia is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the global gaming landscape.
