Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Survivors' Group Condemns 'Troubles' Board Game as Publisher Defends Unfinished Title

Compass Games describes the title as an unfinished educational simulation.

Overview

  • The South East Fermanagh Foundation said the US-made game risks triggering victims and minimizing suffering from the Northern Ireland conflict.
  • The Troubles: Shadow War in Northern Ireland lets two to six players assume roles such as the IRA, British forces, loyalist paramilitaries, the RUC, or political leaders.
  • Game materials reference charged episodes and figures, including cards on bombing, internment, the Nutting Squad, Bandit Country, and a card mentioning the alleged IRA mole known as Stakeknife, alongside imagery from Free Derry Corner.
  • The Independent reported the game had been listed for pre-sale since 2021 at $85 with a delayed 2023 release and that the product page appeared to be removed following media coverage.
  • Compass Games founder Bill Thomas told The Guardian the game is not close to final, requires extensive play-testing, may be years from release, and is intended to help teach history.