Magic tricks are usually designed to fool an audience. In Magicians: The Devil’s Deal, they might just save your life.
Revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase, Magicians: The Devil’s Deal is a striking new first-person action adventure from Uppercut Games and Focus Entertainment Publishing. Blending supernatural powers, fast-paced combat, exploration and a dark revenge story, the game is set to launch in 2027 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC – with a Day One arrival on Xbox Game Pass already confirmed.
Set within a twisted, hellish interpretation of Victorian London, this is a world where stage magic is far more than simple illusion.
At A Glance
- Magicians: The Devil’s Deal announced at Xbox Games Showcase 2026
- Launching in 2027
- Coming to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC
- Available Day One on Xbox Game Pass
- Supports Xbox Play Anywhere
- Developed by Uppercut Games
- Published by Focus Entertainment Publishing
- First-person action adventure with narrative focus
Welcome To Theatreland
The setting of Magicians: The Devil’s Deal may be one of its biggest draws.
Players take on the role of Jacob Menteuro, a celebrated stage magician whose career and life come crashing down after betrayal at the hands of his rivals, known as the Masters. Cast into Hell and trapped within Theatreland, an infernal reflection of Victorian London, Jacob finds himself facing eternal torment.
That is, until the Devil makes him an offer.
A dangerous pact transforms Jacob’s theatrical talents into genuine supernatural powers, setting him on a path of revenge against those who betrayed him. The deeper he ventures into Theatreland’s shifting realms, the more powerful – and potentially more corrupted – he becomes.
When Illusions Become Weapons
Uppercut Games is building its latest project around the idea that magic should feel spectacular as well as deadly. Cards become razor-sharp projectiles. Chains can restrain enemies. Gravity bends to Jacob’s will. Stagecraft evolves into a lethal arsenal capable of taking on Theatreland’s fanatics, performers and powerful rulers.
Each region is controlled by one of the Masters, presenting unique encounters and challenges that require players to adapt, experiment and master their growing collection of supernatural abilities.
Expect the emphasis to focus on combining powers, observing enemy behaviour and approaching combat encounters creatively rather than simply relying on brute force.
A Dark Story Of Revenge And Deception
Beyond the action, Magicians: The Devil’s Deal promises a narrative centred around betrayal, ambition and obsession.
Jacob’s quest is not simply about defeating the Masters. As he uncovers the truth behind their treachery, he must also confront the consequences of his own deal with the Devil.
Theatreland itself reflects this theme. Every environment, character and encounter is built around performance, illusion and manipulation, creating a world where appearances can never be trusted.
From BioShock Veterans To A New Original IP
Uppercut Games may be best known for titles such as Submerged and City of Brass, but the studio’s founders also bring experience from their time working on the BioShock franchise at Irrational Games.
That pedigree certainly shows in the reveal, with Magicians: The Devil’s Deal combining atmospheric world-building, strong visual identity and supernatural powers in ways that may remind some players of BioShock’s most memorable moments.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the talented teams at Uppercut Games, who are doing an excellent job executing the vision that first attracted us to Magicians: The Devil’s Deal” expressed Vincent Chataignier, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Focus Entertainment. “Its unique universe allows for original gameplay experiences — something that has always been central to Focus’ editorial DNA. This project marks an important step for us, both as a new partnership and as an opportunity to bring a unique creative vision and player experience to life. We’re excited to finally share this game with the world and look forward to seeing players discover it.“
“We fell in love with the world of stage magic through 1890s posters — a rich, flamboyant vision filled with tricks, demons, and colourful characters” says Ed Orman, co-founder and Director at Uppercut Games. “As a studio, we strive to create deep experiences players can get lost in through exploration and storytelling. Magicians: The Devil’s Deal brings those passions together. With Focus Entertainment, we’re creating a world of spectacular characters, stage-magic powers, and a story shaped by deception and betrayal. We can’t wait for players to experience its twists and turns.”
Of course, this appears to be carving out its own identity, replacing plasmids and underwater cities with stage magic, demons and Victorian-inspired nightmares.
For now, aspiring magicians will need to wait a little longer before stepping onto Theatreland’s deadly stage.
