The proposed game is taking pre-orders online
A board game proposal from an American company has triggered widespread anger over its depiction of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Using dice, tokens and a 260-card deck, participants take on roles representing the IRA, the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
The Troubles: Shadow War in Northern Ireland 1964-1998 isn’t yet on sale, but news of the game has provoked fury amongst victims’ advocacy organisations.
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Kenny Donaldson from the South East Fermanagh Foundation told the Guardian: “They’re oversimplifying what is a very complex issue.
“Many will feel that it has the effect of minimising their suffering.”
Mr Donaldson also highlighted that the proposed game ignores the lasting impact of the conflict, reports the Irish Star.
“What would be the likely response of 9/11 families were these US producers to make a comparable board game about 9/11, with players being the FBI, a terrorist murdering pilot?
“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.”
Connecticut-based publisher Compass Games, which focuses on military history board games, is behind the project. The company is currently taking pre-orders on its website for the Troubles-themed game, priced at $85 (£63.20).
Bill Thomas, who founded and heads the company, explained to the Guardian: “This is not the final version. It’s not even close to being final. It has to be playtested. We’re doing a lot of development on it.”
He stressed: “This is to protect history, not to make fun of it.”
Between two and six participants play the game, assuming the roles of various “factions” such as security forces, the IRA, loyalist paramilitaries, or nationalist and unionist politicians. They compete to gain the upper hand while managing political and security challenges.
Paramilitaries in the game have the choice to either attack or collaborate with security forces. Political factions can decide between supporting terrorism, participating in elections, or sharing power.
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