A planned board game based on the Northern Ireland Troubles has ignited fierce condemnation from victims' rights groups, who accuse its US creators of turning a painful conflict into entertainment and ignoring its living legacy.
Gameplay Sparks Outcry Over Sensitivity
The game, titled The Troubles: Shadow War in Northern Ireland 1964-1998, is under development by Compass Games, a Connecticut-based company specialising in military history board games. It allows two to six players to adopt factions such as security forces, the IRA, loyalist paramilitaries, or nationalist and unionist politicians, using dice, tokens, and a deck of 260 cards to navigate political and security dynamics over six hours of gameplay.
Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation, a victims' rights group, voiced strong objections, stating that the game could retraumatise survivors. "They're oversimplifying what is a very complex issue," he said. "Many will feel that it has the effect of minimising their suffering." He drew a parallel to how 9/11 families might react to a similar game about that tragedy, emphasising that the Troubles are not a distant historical event but remain deeply embedded in Northern Irish society today.
Design and Development Details
Designed by Hugh O'Donnell, a secondary school teacher in Scotland, the game traces its roots back to the 1886 Home Rule Bill, covering Ireland's partition and the evolution of Northern Ireland. Bill Thomas, founder and president of Compass Games, confirmed the game is still in early development and not expected for release for several years, pending extensive playtesting. He defended the project as an educational tool, aimed at preserving history rather than mocking it. "Kids in their 20s and 30s in America know nothing about history. You have to make it interesting," Thomas argued, suggesting that engaging formats are necessary to ensure the memory of the Troubles is not forgotten outside the region.
The game includes components like blue cubes for RUC troops, black octagons for IRA active service units, and colour-coded pieces for various factions, along with a historical playbook and rules booklet. Cards feature titles such as 'nutting squad', 'sniper at work', and 'Stakeknife', referencing real events and figures from the conflict.
Broader Implications and Reactions
Disclosure of the game's preorder listing at $85 (£63.20) on the Compass Games website prompted an outcry, with the Belfast Telegraph first reporting the story. Critics argue that by allowing players to simulate actions like planting bombs or making political deals, the game trivialises a period marked by violence and loss. Donaldson highlighted the risk of triggering survivors, noting that the conflict's legacy continues to affect communities daily.
Despite the controversy, Thomas maintains that the game seeks to provide an accurate depiction, with over 200 pages of rules reflecting its complexity. He questioned whether it is better to let the history fade or to present it in a way that engages a broader audience. However, victims' groups remain unconvinced, calling for greater sensitivity and awareness from external creators when addressing such traumatic histories.
