'Ridiculous' rules of AFL inspire video game by Danger 5 creator
Mixing 1990s-era gameplay aesthetics with silly power-ups, Pro Jank Footy has fun with a national obsession.
Australian rules football is a quirky sport, says Danger 5 creator David Ashby. Explaining the game to newcomers can sound nonsensical, he explains. The sport features two teams of 18 players each, competing to kick a ball between goal posts. Ashby has developed Pro Jank Footy, an arcade video game that incorporates absurd rules and South Australian teams like the Salisbury Park Snags and Ceduna Doonas.
The game's humor comes from embracing the sport's eccentricities, says Ashby. Broden Kelly, a member of comedy group Aunty Donna, recorded voiceovers for the game. Kelly, who hosted a football podcast, notes that the tedium of recording lines led to some creative improvisations. The game's developers commissioned custom cabinets for the game, featuring wood-panelled design and radio commentary reminiscent of old pubs and arcades. The goal is to bring joy and tactility to digital play, says Louis Roots, the game's designer.
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