Three British comedy shows about computer games
The popularity of computer games has experienced exponential growth over the past few decades, evolving from a niche hobby for basement-dwelling nerds (think Moss from The IT Crowd) into a global phenomenon enjoyed by many people.
This rise can be attributed to advancements in technology, which have enhanced the complexity and realism of games, making them more immersive and engaging. It's also fostered whole spin-off industries. For example, the computer game Counter Strike has the lively scene of CS:GO, where the game itself is just the beginning. Here, skin gambling adds a whole new layer of excitement. It's where fans of the game come together betting on outcomes not with conventional currency, but with digital treasures. The mind boggles.
Anyway, here's three British comedy series that have put computer games at their heart:
Dead Pixels
This sitcom created by Jon Brown premiered in 2019, offering a fresh take on the intersection of gaming and real life. The show follows three friends: Meg (Alexa Davies), Nicky (Will Merrick) and Usman (Sargon Yelda), who are obsessed with a fictional MMORPG called Kingdom Scrolls. Their lives revolve around the game, blurring the lines between their virtual adventures and real-world interactions.
Dead Pixels is unabashedly rooted in gaming culture. The show alternates between live-action scenes and animated sequences that represent the in-game world of Kingdom Scrolls. This dual narrative structure allows viewers to experience the characters' virtual escapades alongside their real-life antics. The humour often stems from the contrast between their heroic in-game personas and their mundane, sometimes dysfunctional, everyday lives.
Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit
Not a narrative sitcom, but a comedy panel show. Aired on TV channel Dave from 2016 to 2018, the three series of this show blended comedians with video game playing. Whilst the programme features Mock The Week host Dara O Briain's name in the title, it was actually created by the team captains: Steve McNeil and Sam Pamphilon. They ran it as a live show, before bringing it to TV.
Go 8 Bit was gloriously centred around video games. Each episode featured a mix of classic and contemporary games, with the celebrities competing in challenges that tested their gaming skills and knowledge. The show's format allowed for a diverse range of games to be showcased, from arcade classics to the latest releases, providing a comprehensive look at gaming culture through a comedic lens.
Lagging
This CBBC comedy is the freshest comedy in our list, having had its most recent run (Series 3) in 2023.
The comedy offers a refreshing and humourous glimpse into the lives of five teenage friends who are passionate about computer games. First premiering in 2021, the show initially revolves around Sol, Mo, Ray, Cedric, and Leah, who navigate the ups and downs of adolescence while bonding over their shared love for gaming.
Set in the virtual and real worlds, Lagging intertwines the characters' in-game adventures with their real-life challenges, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative. The series captures the essence of modern gaming culture, addressing themes of friendship, teamwork, and the impact of technology on relationships. For a generation that has grown up playing Minecraft, Fortnite and the like, it was clearly a natural premise via which to base a series.