Pro Jank Footy: How a chaotic Aussie game is exporting culture without the cringe

Pro Jank Footy has launched worldwide across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC, offering a reimagined take on Australian rules football. Developed by David Ashby and Broden Kelly through Ashby’s studio, Powerbomb Games, the title positions itself as an affordable, couch-coop experience that deliberately excludes gambling mechanics and loot boxes. The project, which received initial development support from Screen Australia’s Emerging Gamemakers Fund, aims to share Australian sporting culture globally while challenging the notion that local content is too niche for international audiences.

The game reimagines the sport as a high-octane fever dream where rule changes occur whenever an opponent scores. With over 150 absurd modifications, players might encounter opponents turning into seagulls, meat pies with legs storming the oval, or a power-up involving a Ford Falcon. Other changes include a labrador stealing the ball, players losing their arms, or the game flipping upside down to cause a sore neck. These mechanics are designed to be accessible, allowing anyone from teenagers to their fathers to play without the steep learning curve associated with traditional sports simulations.

Broden Kelly, a member of the comedy group Aunty Donna, recorded 1,200 lines of commentary for the title in a single four-hour session. Kelly described the process as physically demanding, noting that he screamed for the duration of the recording until his ear began to bleed. His favourite line, captured during this delirious session, is: “This is all just pixels and one day we will all die!” The game’s aesthetic draws inspiration from 1990s Australian Football League club mascots, with South Korean artist Hyemin Yoo designing fictional teams such as the Ceduna Doonas and North Problem to evoke an 80s Asian video game vibe.

The developers argue that Australian content, exemplified by the global success of Bluey, travels well internationally. Ashby and Kelly note that international audiences, particularly in Japan, have used the game to learn about the sport, with some initially believing the game’s depiction was real before encountering the absurd elements. The title debuted at the South Australian Games Exhibition in 2025, where it won best in exhibition, preceding its global release. The developers view the game as a way to shed cultural cringe and share Australian identity without apology.

Pro Jank Footy is available on all major platforms, with a release date of 12 August for international markets and 13 August in Australia. The developers hope the game serves as a cultural touchstone similar to how South Korea exports its culture through media like Ghost of Tsushima. By focusing on local humour and avoiding industry trends towards microtransactions, the team aims to create a lasting, inclusive gaming experience that celebrates Australian weirdness.