Umbrella sets up new indie games division, Umbrella Gaming
Umbrella has launched Umbrella Gaming to distribute independent video games across Australia and New Zealand, beginning with Pro Jank Footy.
The announcement:
Umbrella, one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading independent film distributors has officially launched UMBRELLA GAMING, a new distribution division dedicated to supporting and releasing independent video games across Australasia. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution and follows closely on the heels of its recent rebrand, signalling a bold expansion into the interactive entertainment space.
UMBRELLA GAMING’S first acquisition is Pro Jank Footy, an absurdist Australian Rules Football-inspired comedy game created by David Ashby (Danger 5) and Tyler Roach (formerly of Mighty Kingdom), produced by Cam Rogers and featuring Broden Kelly of Aunty Donna, performing in-game commentary. The game blends chaotic local footy culture with irreverent humour and stylised, low-fi gameplay. Pro Jank Footy will be publicly showcased at major events including PAX Australia and SXSW Sydney in 2025, ahead of a planned global release in 2026 across all major platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch).
POWERBOMB GAMES’ director, David Ashby, 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. 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 GAMING will support game releases through end-to-end distribution services, including PR and marketing campaigns and direct platform liaison. In the indie space, distribution is often handled internally by developers whereas Umbrella’s involvement mirrors the traditional film model, where producers partner with experienced distributors to help titles reach wider audiences and markets.
Umbrella’s expansion into gaming aligns with its growing interest in interactive IP across both games and film. The company recently acquired ANZ distribution rights for Exit 8, a Japanese thriller film based on the viral game of the same name by KOTAKE CREATE. The film builds on the psychological tension and minimalist horror that captured global attention across TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube. Umbrella will distribute the film across Australia and New Zealand, tapping into the growing crossover between horror and gaming audiences.
Umbrella has also recently acquired the psychological horror-thriller Return to Silent Hill, the highly anticipated new feature film adaptation of KONAMI’s iconic survival horror franchise. Co-written and directed by Christophe Gans (Silent Hill, Brotherhood of the Wolf) with music by game composer Akira Yamaoka, the film marks a return to the eerie, emotional storytelling of the original games.
Both Pro Jank Footy and Exit 8 will be presented as part of the SXSW Sydney lineup in October.
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.”
Source: Nixco
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