During PAX and SXSW Sydney last year, I came across an incredible organisation making waves in the gaming world: GUCK. Based in Victoria and spearheaded by company directors Hayley Percy (Wiradjuri) and Kati Elizabeth, this team is creating something truly groundbreaking—Blaktasia, Australia’s first-ever Aboriginal-led mobile game.
What makes GUCK’s work so impressive isn’t just the innovative game they’re developing; it’s the thoughtful, community-driven process they’ve undertaken to bring Blaktasia to life. Over the past four years, GUCK has heavily invested in professional development, pre-production, and community collaboration, ensuring the game authentically represents First Nations culture.
Governed by the Blak Cloud advisory board, every leadership role on the project is held by First Peoples, further emphasising their commitment to Indigenous representation and leadership.
So, what is Blaktasia? It’s a First Nations fantasy game where players restore magical bushlands and defeat a corrupting force called The Murk. You’ll unlock biomes, encounter native animals, earn “Mulga Magic” skills, trade items, play mini-games, and solve puzzles to regenerate and customise a vibrant world inspired by Country. It’s a blend of adventure, creativity, and cultural storytelling that’s never been seen in Australian gaming before.
Although the game isn’t available to download just yet, excitement is building, with the team promising more updates over the coming year. In the meantime, you can support Blaktasia and the talented team at GUCK by following them on Instagram and visiting their website for sneak peeks and more information: www.blaktasia.com.
When Blaktasia is released, let’s make sure to support this trailblazing project—download the game, share it with friends, and celebrate the incredible work of GUCK in showcasing First Nations talent in the gaming industry.
