Media Release: Canberra-Made Game Announced on the World Stage at XBOX Games Showcase
Tuesday, 9 June
Screen Canberra celebrates the first games project supported by the Canberra Screen and Games Fund reaching a major global milestone
Uppercut Games’ Magicians: The Devil’s Deal was announced at XBOX Games Showcase, one of the world’s most-watched gaming events.
The announcement marks a landmark moment for the ACT’s growing games sector and for Screen Canberra, which supported the project through the Canberra Screen and Games Fund.
Developed by Canberra-based studio Uppercut Games, Magicians: The Devil’s Deal is a narrative-driven first-person shooter set in Theatreland, a twisted world built on illusion and control. Players take on the role of Jacob Menteuro, a celebrated stage magician cast into Hell, who must master deadly magic, steal the powers of rival magicians, and fight his way free. The game is set for release in 2027.
The XBOX Games Showcase is among the most prominent annual events in the global games industry, reaching millions of players and industry professionals worldwide. Securing a reveal slot alongside international publisher Focus Entertainment represents a significant commercial and reputational achievement for an Australian independent studio.
Ed Orman, Co-Founder and Director at Uppercut Games. “We’ve been building an amazing team at Uppercut Games here in Canberra and across Australia in order to make this game.” Said 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.”
Screen Canberra CEO Holly Trueman said 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.”
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.
Media Contact: Claudia Vannithone | 0409 999 644 or claudia@agency9.com.au
