The Smurfs Roleplaying Game is a new chance for old-school fans and new ones alike to explore the big adventures of little blue guys in a fantasy world. Whether you’re an old-school fan who watched the 80s cartoon, watched the 2010s movies or read the original Belgian comics, the Smurfs are a familiar set of blue humanoids living in a fantasy world. The joyful Smurfs have remained a constant character in pop culture.
So why is The Smurfs coming back today with their own RPG? Maestro Media launched a Kickstarter campaign in October for the game, which has already reached $100,000 funds raised as of this interview. The game features the comic’s classic art, a lot of physical bits to play with and plenty of options for players seeking to explore the nostalgic fantasy setting.
The Fandomentals got to sit down with Maestro Media CEO Javon Frazier and game designer Kevin Borrup to discuss the game, how it contrasts with the older media and what players should expect from the new game.
The Fandomentals: What’s the story behind The Smurfs TTRPG? Why make it now?
Javon Frazier: We’re in the midst of a golden era for tabletop roleplaying games. Between the growth of indie games, actual play podcasts, and the success of multimedia franchises tied to RPGs, it’s a perfect time to bring The Smurfs into this space. This project came to life when [game designer] Kevin Borrup floated the concept. He recognized that the Smurfs themselves embody the spirit of roleplaying games – the idea that you can be whoever or whatever you want to be.
Kevin Borrup: The Smurfs exist outside of time In the comics and cartoons, they’ve encountered aliens, zombie Smurfs, dragons, and even faced ecological disasters. The world of the Smurfs is playful, positive, and limitless – it’s a fantastic fit for a tabletop RPG. I was actually shocked that no one had tackled this yet! We also wanted to offer an antidote to some of the darker, grimmer games that exist today. The Smurfs Roleplaying Game is light-hearted, family-friendly, and full of joy – perfect for anyone looking for some wholesome fun.
FM: What are the key mechanics that players should expect?
JF: The mechanics were designed to feel intuitive and fun. At the heart of it is the idea of “Effort.” If you really want to succeed in a challenge, you’ll need to spend Effort, which reduces the task’s difficulty. However, once your Effort is depleted, your Smurf is “smurfed out” and needs time to recover.
KB: “We also added the Smurf Power Die – a large d6 that gives players a chance for a critical success. Smurfberries also play a key role as an in-game currency, which can help Smurfs activate special powers from NPCs.”
It’s simple but strategic, and perfect for players of all ages.
FM: What sorts of stories should we expect to be running with this game of blue fellows?
JF: There’s a lot of exciting, brand-new Smurf lore to explore in the game. Without giving too much away, players will meet new creatures like the Bugoofs and time-travel to an ancient Smurfopolis and even a futuristic Smurfageddon. There’s also a mystery involving Super Smurf and a confrontation with the terrible GNAP fly.
KB: We had so much fun crafting these storylines. We wanted to stay true to the world of the Smurfs while giving players some fresh, surprising adventures to dive into.
FM: How are you handling the past canon of the cartoon? Or perhaps questions around how many male or female Smurfs exist?
JF: We’ve made sure to honor the classic Smurf Village and its beloved characters, like Smurfette, for fans of the original comics and cartoons. However, we’re also embracing the newer additions from Smurfy Grove and characters that have been introduced over the years.
KB: Players can explore the classic setting or the newer iterations. We even included characters like the Smurflings and Sassette Smurf, who some may not remember from the 1980s cartoon.”
FM: Who is this game for? Fans of the show? New TTRPG fans?
JF: This game is truly for everyone. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Smurfs or someone completely new to roleplaying games, you’ll find something to enjoy here. The mechanics are easy to learn, making it an ideal entry point for new players, while seasoned RPG fans will appreciate the strategic layers and story-driven gameplay.
KB: If you love the comics or the cartoon, you’re going to feel right at home. And if you’re a new TTRPG player, this is a great way to get your feet wet – it’s fun, engaging, and easy to teach.
FM: Who is involved in the game’s design?
JF: At the core of it all is Kevin Borrup, who brought a fully designed game concept to Peyo and Maestro Media. We’re lucky to have such a passionate and talented game creator on board.
He worked alongside Jonathan Gilmour-Long and Jason Azevedo to further develop the game mechanics and production elements. Patrick Morrison is responsible for editing the books, while Peter Wocken worked with Jason on additional graphic design.
Alain Peral and Ludo Borecki from Team Peyo created the beautiful artwork, and I have to give a special shoutout to our marketing expert, Lucy Martinez, our designer-in-residence, Daryl Andrews, and our financial guru, Eric Bertrand, for keeping everything on track.
Behind-the-scenes team William Foster is critical to making everything run smoothly. Cody Underwood, Charlie Gill, and Troy Thompson keep the buzz going on social media.
Finally, as the CEO, my job is to make sure The Smurfs Roleplaying Game is positioned for long-term success, and that all the talented people working on this project have what they need to bring it to life.
You can back The Smurfs Roleplaying Game on Kickstarter now.
Images via Maestro Media
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