Magicians: The Devil’s Deal — Everything We Know

How is there no first-person shooter game starring a magician? A first-person spellcasting game, more rightly. If the idea has crossed your mind, happy to report that Uppercut Games and Focus Entertainment will soon be making it a reality. Revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase, the trailer instantly blew my mind. It’s deeply rich with atmosphere and detail.

A magician is flamboyant in their presence and attitude. And the trailer nails that charm and sense of mystery exceptionally well. You get hints of BioShock’s art style but also Dishonored’s gameplay, yet still with a unique identity of its own. The release date is in the year 2027. In the meantime, I’ve compiled everything you need to know about the upcoming Magicians: The Devil’s Deal down below.

What is Magicians: The Devil’s Deal?

Magicians: The Devil’s Deal is an upcoming first-person shooter game driven by a rich narrative full of twists and turns. You’ll play as a magician using the power of magic to survive. But this won’t be like the magic you may have played before. Instead, your powers have a distinct tinge of a magician’s tricks.

Story

The protagonist is called Jacob Menteuro, a famous magician who’s been through hell and back, quite literally. He once was a powerful illusionist but had a falling out with his partners and was forced to strike a deal with the devil. That never ends well, does it? Trapped in hell, he now has to survive hellish demons and monsters using the tools of his craft. His tricks are his saving grace, which he can use to steal the powers of rival magicians, and hopefully, escape the hellish version of Theatreland.

The world you explore is ripe with mystery. Exploring it will lead down twisted paths. Steam says that it’s a world shaped by “illusion and control.” An interesting detail of the story is that magic no longer exists on the stage. It’s broken through to the world, shattering it at its core. In hell, your prominent adversaries are rival magicians called the Masters. And the only way to defeat them is to use magic, put on a stellar performance, and deceive your way out of hell.

Gameplay

The gameplay is about becoming the most powerful trickster. You’ll unlock abilities that influence how you fight, adapt, and survive. These abilities will continually expand and grow in power, thriving on control and precision. Interestingly, they are designed around magic tricks. For instance, you’ll turn cards into razor-sharp projectiles and use chains to trap enemies. You can even bend gravity.

Besides the Masters, you’ll face more enemy types, from twisted performers to terrifying fanatics. Through paying close attention to your environment and mastering your magic skills, you’ll gradually mold into the role of the most powerful trickster.

In the story, your peers betray you. So, your mission is also fueled by revenge. You’re hellbent on defeating the Masters and stealing their magic. Even then, you must be careful of vengeance because it may lead to sinking deeper into darkness.

The actual game is set in Victorian London. However, your entering hell reveals more realms that are an internal reflection of your home. You’re trapped in a corrupted place, where nothing is what it seems, and every scene is the chance to shape the story through performance and deception.

Development

Magicians: The Devil’s Deal comes to you from the developer, Uppercut Games, and publisher, Focus Entertainment. They’ve developed your skills and abilities as tricks you can use to solve different problems in different ways. For example, Levitation, which you can use to suspend an enemy in the air. The same ability, however, can be used to move platforms, toss objects at enemies, or create new paths. These suggest some puzzle-platforming, while the devs clarify that the game will be a single-player campaign. You’ll explore Theatreland, looking for supplies for survival or to enhance your abilities. Some NPCs may offer you more help than you initially realize.

The devs speak about their love for 1890s stage magic. All of the popular magic acts at the time, and the endearing and talented folks who put them together. I’ll be curious to see some tricks that blow my mind, or the popular ones. Although the game won’t be a magic show, I hope it feels like one to watch and play through.

Trailer

What a joy it’s been to watch the reveal trailer for Magicians: The Devil’s Deal. It certainly feels unique, with an exciting art style I can’t wait to explore more of. The cutscenes already feel like they’ll be so dramatic, with stage presence and wonder. And the mysteries seem like they’ll really catch you by surprise. It’s one thing for the magician to disappear and not have a clue how. It’s another for them to end up in hell, and then the true adventure begins.

The gameplay already looks fun as hell. All of the heavy atmospheric red lighting of eternal flames and distorted monsters stir up dread, which is even more unnerving when you seem to still be in London, walking down the streets and into rundown theatres. It’s nice to take a break from first-person shooters. Call of Duty. Battlefield. They’re all punchy and sweet. However, I can’t wait to wave my magic wand and explore all of the ways it can manipulate the world around me. In one frame, you hold a glowing glass orb in your hand. What explosive damage can I do with it?

Release Date

Magicians: The Devil’s Deal is officially releasing in 2027. It’ll launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms. Moreover, the game will be available on Xbox Game Pass from Day One of launch. Focus Entertainment’s official website only lists the Standard Edition, which you can buy from the corresponding Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox stores. If at all they announce any updates on the editions, pre-orders, the story, or gameplay, you’ll find it on the official website or social media handle.