One of Australia’s leading independent film distributors, Umbrella Entertainment, has announced a bold new venture into the Australian video gaming industry, Umbrella Gaming. Following suit from their film team, Umbrella Gaming will support the release of independently made games from across Australasia.
Along with that news, Umbrella Gaming’s first confirmed acquisition is “Pro Jank Footy,” an absurdist Australian Rules Football-inspired comedy arcade game from Powerbomb Games. Created by David Ashby (“Danger 5”) and Tyler Roach (formerly of Mighty Kingdom) and featuring Broden Kelly of Aunty Donna providing in-game commentary, “Pro Jank Footy” showcases Aussie football culture and humour with stylised lo-fi visuals, with a planned release for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series S/X.
Ashby, director at Powerbomb Games, said “When we set out to make “Pro Jank Footy,” we decided on two things. One, make a fun and chaotic retro throwback of Australian Rules Football. And two, keep the production an Australian story.”
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“Umbrella recognise the plethora of talent we have in this country, as we are one of many developers making weird and wonderful games that truly have appeal at home and abroad. We’re humbled to be their first.”
Umbrella’s distribution model will closely model their approach to film distribution; offering end to end support including PR and marketing campaigns and direct platform liaison. In the indie space, distribution is often handled internally by developers.
Umbrella’s expansion into gaming is part of the company’s growing interest in interactive IP across both games and film. Other recent acquisitions for Umbrella Entertainment included ANZ distribution rights for “Exit 8,” a Japanese thriller film based on the viral game of the same name by Kotake Create, and “Return to Silent Hill,” the highly anticipated new feature film adaptation of KONAMI’s iconic survival horror games.
Umbrella’s General Manager, Ari Harrison, said: “We’re stoked to launch Umbrella Gaming as a new home for bold, original games from Australia and New Zealand’s most creative minds. Just as Umbrella has championed independent film, we’re now bringing that same passion and experience to the world of indie games – backing distinctive voices, supporting end-to-end releases, and helping local stories reach global audiences.
“Pro Jank Footy” and “Exit 8” will both be presented by Umbrella at SXSW Sydney this October, ahead of “Pro Jank Footy” wide releasing on all platforms in 2026.