A provocative new board game set during the tumultuous period of the Troubles in Northern Ireland has sparked widespread outrage, with many feeling it trivialized and oversimplified the region's long-lasting conflict. The game, titled "The Troubles: Shadow War," is a product of Compass Games, a US-based company that creates games about military history.
Players take on the roles of security forces, the IRA, loyalist paramilitaries, or nationalist/unionist politicians, navigating complex politics and security currents to emerge victorious. The game includes maps, tokens, and a deck of 260 cards depicting pivotal moments in Northern Ireland's recent history, such as Margaret Thatcher's battle against republican hunger strikers and the IRA's "target mainland" campaign.
However, critics have expressed deep concerns that the game trivializes the region's traumatic past. Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation stated that players can plant bombs, make political deals, and attempt to prevail over opponents, which he deemed as "minimizing their suffering." Donaldson argued that the game fails to grasp the enduring legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland society.
"It's oversimplifying what is a very complex issue," said Donaldson. "The core failure of this initiative is the lack of understanding that 'the Northern Ireland Troubles' are not past tense, they remain inextricably linked with Northern Ireland society today."
Compass Games' founder and president Bill Thomas insisted that the game aims to provide an accurate depiction of Northern Ireland's conflict and protect history. However, critics question whether it is possible for a game to adequately convey the complexities and nuances of such a deeply ingrained and traumatic event.
The game has sparked debate about how to approach sensitive topics like the Troubles in popular culture, with some arguing that educational tools like this game can raise awareness and spark discussion among younger generations. Nevertheless, many feel that it would be irresponsible to profit from the suffering of others without providing context or sensitivity.
"This is not the final version," Thomas assured in a statement. "It's not even close to being final. It has to be play tested."
Despite assurances, concerns remain about the game's potential impact on victims and survivors, who may feel retraumatized by its depiction of violent actions and sensitive topics.
Players take on the roles of security forces, the IRA, loyalist paramilitaries, or nationalist/unionist politicians, navigating complex politics and security currents to emerge victorious. The game includes maps, tokens, and a deck of 260 cards depicting pivotal moments in Northern Ireland's recent history, such as Margaret Thatcher's battle against republican hunger strikers and the IRA's "target mainland" campaign.
However, critics have expressed deep concerns that the game trivializes the region's traumatic past. Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation stated that players can plant bombs, make political deals, and attempt to prevail over opponents, which he deemed as "minimizing their suffering." Donaldson argued that the game fails to grasp the enduring legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland society.
"It's oversimplifying what is a very complex issue," said Donaldson. "The core failure of this initiative is the lack of understanding that 'the Northern Ireland Troubles' are not past tense, they remain inextricably linked with Northern Ireland society today."
Compass Games' founder and president Bill Thomas insisted that the game aims to provide an accurate depiction of Northern Ireland's conflict and protect history. However, critics question whether it is possible for a game to adequately convey the complexities and nuances of such a deeply ingrained and traumatic event.
The game has sparked debate about how to approach sensitive topics like the Troubles in popular culture, with some arguing that educational tools like this game can raise awareness and spark discussion among younger generations. Nevertheless, many feel that it would be irresponsible to profit from the suffering of others without providing context or sensitivity.
"This is not the final version," Thomas assured in a statement. "It's not even close to being final. It has to be play tested."
Despite assurances, concerns remain about the game's potential impact on victims and survivors, who may feel retraumatized by its depiction of violent actions and sensitive topics.
... I mean, come on, can't they just leave some stuff alone? Back in my day, we didn't make games about wars and conflicts, we just played games that had a happy ending. And don't even get me started on the fact that it's okay to plant bombs in a game 
... What's wrong with these people? It's not like they're trying to romanticize violence or anything, but still, shouldn't they be more thoughtful about how they approach this stuff? I mean, 260 cards depicting historical events is a lot, but does it have to include the bombings and shootings and all that jazz? Can't they just stick to the politics and stuff? It's not like we want our trauma for sale as some kind of entertainment 
...
. I mean, I get that they're trying to educate people about the Troubles in Northern Ireland, but do we really need a game that makes it feel like a giant video game? It's all about strategy and winning, which just feels so wrong for something as sensitive and complex as this topic.
. I mean, I've seen some serious backlash from people who are actually affected by these events, and it's hard not to agree with them.
. I think Compass Games should really take some time to rethink their approach before they start selling this thing to the public.
this game is so wrong 
it's like they're cashing in on people's suffering 
in Northern Ireland today 
I mean, come on, who thought it was a good idea to make a board game about a conflict that's still very much alive for many people? 
it's not just about winning or losing, it's about respect and empathy 
and the game totally lacks that 
but it's not like we need more of these types of games 
it's like they're perpetuating a cycle of hurt and anger 
instead of trying to heal and move forward 
and now they're just trying to backtrack and apologize 
