A Scottish man’s innovative video game project inspired by Paisley has captured the attention of TikTok users, amassing over 330,000 views and sparking discussions about its resemblance to the iconic Grand Theft Auto series. The video, which was initially shared by his partner, features the work of Richard Gellatly, a 34-year-old graphic designer from Paisley, who has embraced the nickname ‘Bovine’ in his professional endeavors.
While many viewers have drawn parallels between Gellatly’s project and the Grand Theft Auto franchise, he is keen to clarify that the visual similarities are superficial. Gellatly emphasizes that his game aims to steer clear of in-game violence and the glorification of poverty, themes often associated with the popular series. Instead, he envisions a game that prioritizes exploration and mystery, offering a unique experience rooted in the cultural fabric of Paisley.
“I know it has the ‘GTA Paisley’ connotations, which are funny to read, but my aim would be to avoid in-game violence or glorifying poverty, which has been done already with more class than I ever could achieve,” Gellatly explained. His goal is to develop a downloadable game that incorporates mystery and puzzle elements, alongside a focus on character interactions.
Gellatly’s aspirations extend beyond entertainment; he hopes to create something that resonates with individuals affected by dementia or those who wish to revisit their childhood neighborhoods in a playable or virtual reality format. “The pie in the sky idea is to make it a downloadable game with mystery and puzzle elements and a focus on character interaction,” he shared.
Despite not being a game developer by trade, Gellatly’s extensive background in graphic design positions him well for this endeavor. He has garnered experience through his work with major music festivals, including TRNSMT and Terminal V, over the past 15 years. The advancements in game development software, particularly Unreal Engine, have empowered individuals like him to venture into the realm of game creation.
As a native of Paisley, Gellatly is committed to ensuring that his project accurately reflects the town’s essence. He meticulously collects reference materials, such as street-level photographs and satellite images, to inform his designs. “For something like this, I collect as much reference material as possible, like street-level photos, satellite images, etc., then begin modeling a rough draft with basic cubes and stuff in Blender,” he explained.
His design process involves recreating branding and materials that are specific to Paisley, including shop fronts and architectural details, using tools like GIMP and Photoshop. Gellatly also experiments with various lighting styles, favoring nighttime urban settings to enhance the visual appeal of his project. “I usually come back to the very unoriginal urban location at night with rain, which makes anything look interesting,” he noted.
As the project continues to gain traction online, Gellatly’s vision for a game that celebrates the unique culture and history of Paisley resonates with many. His approach to game design underscores the growing trend of incorporating local narratives into interactive media, allowing players to engage with their environments in new and meaningful ways.
With the potential for a game that combines nostalgia and exploration, Richard Gellatly’s project is set to not only entertain but also connect players to the rich tapestry of their hometown. As he navigates the challenges of game development, the excitement surrounding his work highlights the power of social media in bringing innovative ideas to the forefront.
