Pro Jank Footy launches for consoles and PC on August 12

Pro Jank Footy, an over-the-top arcade comedy-sports game reimagining Australian Rules Football, is set to launch on August 12, 2026, across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 1 and 2, and PC via Steam. The game, developed by Adelaide-based studio Powerbomb Games in collaboration with Tinker Town, blends the chaotic energy of 1990s sports titles like NBA Jam with the absurdity of Australia’s often-misunderstood football culture.

The core mechanic of Pro Jank Footy revolves around a unique power-up system: whenever a player scores a goal, the opposing team selects a randomly generated power-up that alters the match. These range from absurdities like transforming players into seagulls or cars to reshaping the field with additional goalposts or introducing a third team. With over 150 power-ups, the game ensures no two matches are ever the same, descending from a traditional sport into “janky chaos” as the match progresses.

David Ashby, the game’s creative director and co-creator of the comedy series *Danger 5*, described Pro Jank Footy as a “love letter to Aussie Rules Footy and retro sports games.” The project began as a challenge in 2024, when Ashby was dared to create a video game by Cam Rogers, an entertainment lawyer who later became the game’s producer. The team included Broden Kelly of Australian comedy collective Aunty Donna, who provides in-game commentary, and Hyemin Yoo, an artist whose animations infuse the game with a distinct visual style.

The game features multiple modes, including a single-player Season Mode where players build a deck of power-ups to defeat 10 increasingly ridiculous teams, such as a squad of giants or a team composed entirely of cars. Local multiplayer and online play are also supported, with couch co-op as a central focus. A “Normal Footy” mode allows players to experience the sport without power-ups, offering a contrast to the game’s signature chaos.

Pro Jank Footy’s release follows a cult following cultivated through festival appearances, including events like Playtopia in South Africa and Bitsummit in Japan. Free-to-play arcade cabinets, designed to resemble traditional pubs, have been installed in Melbourne, Victoria, further embedding the game into local culture. The title’s developer, Powerbomb Games, received support from Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation, while publisher Umbrella Gaming—launched as a new division of Australia’s Umbrella Entertainment—has positioned the game as a flagship title for its expansion into interactive entertainment.

The game’s humor and satirical take on Australian Rules Football aim to demystify the sport for global audiences. “When we exhibited Pro Jank Footy in Japan, a lot of players didn’t even realize our game was based on a real sport,” Ashby said. “We hope that this sentiment continues as more people play our game.” The title’s release coincides with a growing interest in indie games that blend local culture with absurdity, positioning it as a potential gateway for international players to engage with Australia’s unique sporting traditions.

Pro Jank Footy will be available in multiple languages, including English, German, and Japanese, and will be showcased at major gaming events like PAX Australia and SXSW Sydney in 2025. With its mix of retro aesthetics, chaotic gameplay, and irreverent humor, the game promises to redefine how audiences experience both Australian Rules Football and the arcade sports genre.