As I previously have with Wednesday, Yes, Minister, and Charles III, I’m using this post to combine a review with some play suggestions for RPGs. This time, it’s the turn of the classic Scottish sitcom, Still Game!
The Review
Still Game, the iconic Scottish sitcom created by Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill, is a true masterpiece in the world of television comedy. This show, which originally aired from 2002 to 2007, with a revival in 2016, has cemented its place in the hearts of viewers young and old, offering a unique blend of humour, heart, and quintessential Scottish charm.
Set in the fictional Glasgow suburb of Craiglang, Still Game revolves around the lives of a group of pensioners, led by the cantankerous Jack Jarvis (Ford Kiernan) and his equally grumpy friend Victor McDade (Greg Hemphill). The show’s strength lies in its brilliant character development and the impeccable chemistry between the central duo. Jack and Victor’s witty banter, absurd escapades, and unwavering friendship form the backbone of the series.
One of the standout features of “Still Game” is its relatability. While the show primarily focuses on the elderly residents of Craiglang, its humour is universal and, living in Scotland, often inescapable! it truly is a beloved cultural touchstone in my home country. The characters’ quirks and idiosyncrasies are not limited to age, making it appealing to a broad audience. Whether it’s dealing with nosy neighbors, navigating the complexities of modern technology, or reminiscing about the good old days, the situations presented are easily recognisable and hilariously relatable.
Whilst jack and Victor are fantastic leads, the supporting cast really does add depth to the show, with characters like Isa, Winston, and Tam contributing to the humour and warmth of Craiglang. My favourite supporting character is probably Navid, the proprietor of the local corner shop. These characters are brought to life by a talented ensemble cast, and their interactions with Jack and Victor are nothing short of comedy gold. Each character has their own distinct charm and peculiarities, making them unforgettable.
“Still Game” also excels in its ability to seamlessly transition from laugh-out-loud comedy to poignant moments that tug at your heartstrings. The show’s exploration of themes like aging, friendship, and community bonds adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. The balance between humour and emotion is handled with finesse, ensuring that viewers are not just entertained but also moved by the characters’ journeys.
The show’s use of Scottish slang and dialect adds an extra layer of authenticity and humour. While some viewers may initially find it challenging to understand, the charm of the characters and the context of the situations help bridge the language gap and ultimately enhance the viewing experience.
Now, I love this show. Clearly. I’m coming at this from a Scottish perspective, though. I do understand that the strong Scottish cultural references may limit its appeal to international audiences. On the other hand, some might embrace them and appreciate the authenticity it brings to the table. Authenticity is something this show has in buckets.
Still Game is timeless. It’s a comedy gem; a near-perfect… thing that has left an indelible mark on Scottish television of television. It’s a must-watch for fans of comedy and it’s a travesty that it’s not more widely known beyond our borders. Whether you’re a resident of Glasgow or a visitor from afar, you’re sure to find something to love in this classic Scottish sitcom. Just remember to keep your Glesga dictionary handy!
Roleplaying in Craiglang
I love taking little, niche settings like these and really delving into them for potential RPG adventures. What I especially love is that this setting lends itself to a narrative-led, combat-light game. As I’ve made clear recently, this is my jam.
1. Setting:
Set your RPG in the fictional Glasgow suburb of Craiglang, where most of the show’s action takes place. If you’re stuck for inspiration, you could look at maps of Glasgow suburbs such as Maryhill. In doing this, embrace the mundane. Don’t overcomplicate things and just try to keep things simple and grounded in reality. The surreal aspects can be developed through plot and/or character.
Encourage players to create characters who are quirky, elderly residents of Craiglang or visitors to the area. Again, grounding characters in reality is the way to go, here.
2. Character Creation:
Emphasize the eccentricities of the characters. Encourage players to think about their characters’ unique traits, habits, and backstories. Use character traits from the show as inspiration, like Jack and Victor’s grumpiness, Isa’s nosiness, and Winston’s tales of his past. Likewise, consider relationships with NPCs and with other players as a rich source of backstory that can feed forward into dramatic roleplay.
3. Tone and Humour:
Still Game is known for its dry, sarcastic humour. Encourage players to embrace this style of humour in their roleplaying. Encourage improvisation and witty banter among players. Award bonus points, boons, or advantages for clever quips and one-liners.
4. Plot and Storylines:
Create episodic adventures with humorous dilemmas and conflicts, much like the show. These could involve dealing with annoying neighbors, getting caught up in absurd situations, or trying to make money through odd schemes. Incorporate elements of everyday life in Craiglang, such as trips to the local pub (The Clansman), encounters with recurring characters, and visits to the local shops.
5. NPCs (Non-Player Characters):
Populate your Craiglang with quirky NPCs who mirror the show’s characters. Have a Tam, Isa, Winston, and Navid equivalent for players to interact with. NPCs can provide quests or comedic challenges for the players to overcome.
6. Challenges and Encounters:
Design challenges that require creative and humorous solutions. These might involve avoiding the authorities, dealing with eccentric neighbors, or navigating the intricacies of modern technology. Encourage players to use their characters’ unique traits to overcome challenges.
7. Rewards and Consequences:
In a Still Game RPG, success doesn’t necessarily mean wealth or power. Reward players with humor and the satisfaction of solving absurd problems. Use consequences like amusing mishaps or comical failures to maintain the show’s spirit.
This is good advice for most games, actually; it’s what roleplaying games should be about. It’s not combat, or players competing. Narrative first, always.
8. Encourage In-Character Interaction:
Still Game thrives on character interactions. Encourage players to engage with each other in-character and embrace their characters’ quirks during discussions and arguments. Investment during character creation, as mentioned above, is really important here on looking for opportunities to define pre-existing character relationships and for players to understand their own characters and how they would react to situations and the behaviours of other characters.
9. Keep It Lighthearted:
Still Game is all about humour and camaraderie. Make sure everyone understands that the goal is to have fun and not take the game too seriously. I think that using a rules-light system will help with this. I certainly feel less rigid in my gameplay when the game itself is less rigid. I’m going to come to suggestions for games a little later, but FATE is a really good system for this sort of looser, character-driven play.
10. Glesga Dialect and Slang:
If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate some Glasgow dialect and slang into the game. It can add authenticity and humour, but be sure to help players understand it if necessary. This is obviously going to be a lot easier for my fellow Scots, but it’s something worth considering, even in a tokenistic way if you can’t commit to doing all or most of the game in a Glaswegian patois. See it as an opportunity to learn some braw new words!
Running a “Still Game” RPG could be a riotous and memorable experience for you and your group. Remember to stay true to the show’s unique and warm brand of humour and encourage players to embrace their inner Craiglang resident as they navigate the quirky world of Still Game.
Game System Suggestions
Creating a roleplaying game (RPG) system for a “Still Game” setting can be a fun and creative endeavour. You can use existing RPG systems and modify them to suit the sitcom’s tone and style or create a custom system tailored specifically to the world of Craiglang. Here are a few RPG systems that can serve as a foundation:
FATE Core:
FATE is a flexible, narrative-focused system that allows for easy adaptation to various settings. It’s perfect for capturing the humour and character-driven stories of Still Game. Use character aspects to highlight each character’s quirks and traits, and use Fate Points to encourage players to lean into their characters’ personalities for bonuses or rerolls. The aspects system is genuinely and delightfully fantastic. I love it and cannot recommend it enough for these types of character-driven, narrative-focused games. You should also create simple stunts that reflect the unique abilities or catchphrases of the characters.
Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) System:
Okay, this one will take a bit of work, but would be fun! PbtA games, like Apocalypse World or Monsterhearts, can work well for capturing the character-driven storytelling of Still Game. They don’t fit thematically, but the PbtA system has proven to be very adaptable. You could create playbooks that represent different types of Craiglang residents, with each playbook focusing on a particular character archetype or stereotype. Use the system’s core mechanics for ‘moves’ and rolls to resolve comedic and dramatic situations.
Risus: The Anything RPG:
Risus is another incredibly flexible and lighthearted RPG system that can be easily adapted for a Still Game session. Create character clichés that represent the archetypal residents of Craiglang, and use a simple dice pool mechanic to resolve actions. Encourage players to describe their actions in a humorous and exaggerated manner.
Fiasco:
Fiasco is a narrative-driven RPG system that focuses on creating dramatic and often humorous stories with interconnected characters. Choose a Fiasco playset or create a custom one specifically tailored to the “Still Game” setting. The playset will provide you with relationships, locations, and objects that drive the story. Of course, I can get you started with Fiasco with this Still Game-inspired playset:
This post was actually started before I started writing that. I just got carried away and ended up finishing the playset before this post!
Use Fiasco’s dice-rolling mechanics to determine the outcome of scenes and the progression of the story. Encourage players to embrace the quirky and eccentric qualities of their characters as they navigate the humorous and often absurd situations that arise.
Fiasco’s improvisational and collaborative nature can lead to hilarious and unpredictable outcomes, making it a fantastic choice for capturing the spirit of “Still Game.” With Fiasco, you can easily create memorable episodes in the world of Craiglang, complete with quirky characters and the signature humor of the show.
Conclusion
Whichever system you choose or create, the key is to capture the humour, camaraderie, and eccentricity of Still Game. Personally, Ultimately, the game should, like the show, be about friendship. I think that Fiasco and FATE are the best systems for this sort of game. I’d lean towards FATE if you’re looking for a more structured experience led by a GM, playing to a set scenario. Fiasco, meanwhile, would better suit those looking to simply explore characters and improvise a story as they go. Be open to improvisation, encourage players to embrace the absurdity of the setting, and focus on character interactions and storytelling to ensure an enjoyable and authentic experience in the world of Still Game.
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