Aboriginal-led studio Guck, which currently works out of Naarm (Melbourne), has officially announced its debut game, . As announced, the title is a mobile adventure about restoring the bush and saving animals, while facing down a corrupting force known as the Murk. The game is inspired by Indigenous Australian culture, art, and practices, and has been developed by a pioneering “100% Aboriginal-Led” team.
With the support of Screen Australia, Guck has spent the last few years realising its vision for , and working to create a game that represents a milestone achievement for Australian game development. Notably, was announced with the launch of NAIDOC Week – an early July celebration designed to spotlight and uplift First Nations culture and stories. What better opportunity to celebrate the work of Guck, and its push toward creating more authentic, mindful representation for Indigenous culture? After years of misrepresentation, misappropriation and ignorance of this culture in video games, looks to be a salve, elevating Indigenous artists, writers, and game developers in its design.
For now, only the cover name and artwork for the game has been revealed, but we’re likely to see much more about it in the coming months. Per Guck, it’s set to release as a free game by late 2024. Once has launched, the team behind the project will disband.
Wherever developers go, they will spread their expertise and experience – although Guck has made clear its impact should and will co.
