New video game is 'journey through Scots folklore' where players can pick up Gaelic

Daily Record

17-05-2025

The video game, developed in Edinburgh, helps gamers practice what was once Scotland's primary language
The Gaelic language is a vital part of Scotland's culture and creativity. It influences and shapes Scottish literature, music, art, film and TV, and all aspects of collective creative activity - and it is now entering the gaming world.
Gamers, who also have a penchant for language-learning, will be delighted to know they can merge their two passions thanks to a new Xbox game that promises to be a "journey through Scottish folklore".
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The game claims to help players pick up Scottish Gaelic by giving users the option to play the game in what was once Scotland's primary language. The language is still spoken by around 60,000 people today, with the Western Isles being the hub for the historic tongue.
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The game was developed by Ant Workshop, an indie video game developer based in Edinburgh. Tony Gowland is the mastermind behind the game and the founder of Ant Workshop.
He wanted to showcase the rich but often overlooked legends and tales of Scotland. Speaking to NAG magazine, Tony explained: "We wanted something different. Scottish folklore doesn't get the spotlight like Greek myths, so we saw it as a great opportunity to introduce players to these stories.
"It felt like a no-brainer for a game about Scottish mythology. We're excited to be part of a trend where more games are incorporating local languages, like Sker with Welsh."
Into the Restless Ruins is a "roguelike deck builder" and a deck of cards, representing rooms and corridors, are used to grow the labyrinth of the ruins, all with a nod to Scotland and the language which is undergoing a revival.
"Into the Restless Ruins is rooted in Scottish folklore," the Xbox description reads.
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"Explore a world inspired by Celtic legends, from witches and faeries to the eerie Maiden and her connection to the Harvests, with the option to immerse yourself in the experience by playing in Scottish Gaelic."
The summary goes on: Auto-battle your way through them, harvesting as much Glimour as you can from the cursed residents before darkness overcomes your torch.
"Earn favours from the Harvest Maiden, find Relics to trade with the Hen Wife, Wulver and other characters from Scottish folklore to upgrade and curate your deck. You should just hope you are strong enough to face The Warden when you can finally reach it."
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Gaming enthusiasts can create dungeons as they play and place rooms like campfires, libraries, and portals to unlock powerful effects and adapt your approach to every challenge.
There is also 'Endless Replayability,' which means each run offers a new dungeon layout, fresh challenges, and evolving strategies, so the younger players among us don't get bored.
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In fact, new dangers are confronted with every attempt, "from generated ruins to powerful enemies and artefacts that redefine your strategy."
Hidden treasure can be unlocked, too, meaning rare charms, weapons, and lore fragments to uncover the secrets of the Restless Ruins are there to be discovered.
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One gaming enthusiast on X said: "I've had a chance to demo Into the Restless Ruins... it's a very solid, fun experience." Another agreed: "I played it today and I loved it."
A five-star rating on Xbox's website read: "The combination of building a dungeon with a deck of cards and then battling through the labyrinth you've crafted, taking advantage of each room's special abilities is very satisfying."
Into the Restless Ruins is a single-player game for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch and Xbox X|S.