June 2024 Archive: Scottish Slang Takes Center Stage in "Still Wakes The Deep"

In June 2024 we posted a deep dive into the horror game Still Wakes The Deep and its unique subtitle option. The game lets you switch from a generic International English track to an "English (UK)" track that’s peppered with real Scottish slang. The move isn’t just a gimmick – it changes the whole feel of the game, making the North Sea setting feel genuinely local.

Rob McLachlan, the lead designer at The Chinese Room, announced the feature on Xitter. He explained that the team wanted players to hear the language locals would actually use while fishing out their nightmares. By adding authentic dialect, the developers aimed to boost immersion and give a nod to the region that inspired the game’s atmosphere.

If you’re wondering why you should bother toggling subtitles, think about the difference between hearing a plain “I'm scared” and a Scots‑flavoured "Ah’m pure skrewed!" The latter adds personality, humour, and a touch of realism that pulls you deeper into the story. It’s a small change that packs a big punch for anyone who loves a good linguistic Easter egg.

Why the Subtitle Switch Matters

The subtitle switch does more than translate text on screen. It replaces generic phrasing with region‑specific idioms, giving each line a distinct voice. For example, a warning that might read “danger ahead” in International English becomes “watch yer back, mate” in the UK version. That shift instantly grounds the narrative in a place you can almost hear the wind blowing off the sea.

Players have reported that the Scottish slang version feels more tense and personal. The slang adds a layer of cultural context, making the horror feel less like a generic jump‑scare and more like something that could happen in a real fishing community. It also shows the developers’ respect for the language and the people who speak it.

What the Slang Sounds Like

Here are a few of the slang terms you’ll encounter with the UK subtitles turned on:

Pure dead – meaning completely exhausted or scared.
Glaikit – a light‑hearted way to call someone foolish.
Wee – not just “small”; it’s a term of endearment used everywhere.

These words aren’t just tossed in for flavor; they’re woven into dialogue and on‑screen prompts. The result is a game that feels like a local legend being told around a pub, rather than a distant, polished horror title.

Switching the subtitles is simple. In the game’s settings menu, select “Subtitle Language” and choose “English (UK).” The change takes effect immediately, and you’ll hear the differences the next time you load a new scene. No extra downloads, no hidden fees – just an option that makes the experience feel more personal.

Overall, the June 2024 post highlighted how a thoughtful subtitle choice can transform a game’s atmosphere. It showed that even in a genre dominated by jump scares, attention to language can create a richer, more immersive world. If you haven’t tried the UK subtitle track yet, give it a go – you might find yourself saying “aye” to the game’s spooky charm more often than you expected.