Pro Jank Footy Game Takes Australian Rules Global

Pro Jank Footy, a new video game developed by David Ashby, is set to introduce Australian rules football to a global audience by infusing the sport with a unique brand of absurdity. Ashby, known for his comedic work on projects like Italian Spider-Man and Danger 5, conceived the game two years ago at a fantasy football barbecue, envisioning a video game that amplifies the inherent strangeness of Australia's national sport. The game aims to make the complex and often bewildering rules of Australian rules football more accessible and entertaining through exaggerated and humorous gameplay mechanics.

Ashby describes the challenge of explaining Australian rules football to those unfamiliar with it, highlighting its unique characteristics such as eighteen players per side, the use of a cricket oval, a rugby ball, and the requirement to bounce the ball periodically while kicking it between goal posts. These elements, when presented without context, can sound fantastical. Pro Jank Footy intends to lean into this perceived strangeness, transforming the sport into an even more bizarre spectacle within the digital realm. The game's premise involves elements such as meat pies with legs and Ford Falcons appearing on the oval, pushing the boundaries of conventional sports simulation into the territory of surreal comedy.

Broden Kelly from the comedy group Aunty Donna is also involved in the project, contributing to its chaotic and silly nature. The collaboration between Ashby's comedic vision and Kelly's improvisational style is expected to imbue Pro Jank Footy with a distinctive humor that resonates with players seeking unconventional gaming experiences. The game's development is driven by a desire to create a fun and engaging experience that transcends cultural and geographical barriers, potentially fostering a wider appreciation for Australian rules football beyond its traditional fan base.

The game's approach is not just about replicating the sport but about reinterpreting it through a lens of playful exaggeration and comedic invention. By incorporating outlandish elements, Pro Jank Footy seeks to capture the imagination of players who may not have prior knowledge of Australian rules football, making it an entry point into the sport's culture. The developers hope that the game's unique blend of sport and comedy will appeal to a broad demographic, ultimately contributing to the international recognition and popularity of Australian rules football.