Designer Defends ‘Great Hunger’ Board Game Amid Controversy

The designer of a board game focused on the Irish famine has responded to criticism labeling the game as “offensive” and “insensitive.” Titled The Great Hunger: Ireland’s Tragedy in the 19th Century, the game was developed by Compass Games and has raised over €13,000 through crowdfunding, surpassing its initial goal of €2,000.

The game allows between two and five players to take on the roles of tenant farmers and field hands navigating the challenges of the famine. Players aim to expand their families across a map of Ireland until a card is drawn indicating “the blight arrives,” which alters the gameplay to focus on survival strategies, such as finding aid, employment, or emigrating to the United States. According to the game’s website, “Victory is survival,” with the winner being the family that manages to sustain the largest population by the end of the game.

Controversy and Reactions

The game has drawn significant backlash on social media and during a segment on RTÉ’s Liveline, where designer Kevin McPartland defended the concept. He described simulation games as “paper time machines” that help people understand historical events, likening this approach to how individuals learn about moments such as World War Two. McPartland emphasized the importance of understanding history, stating, “If you don’t know your history, you’re doomed to repeat it.”

Listeners expressed strong opinions about the appropriateness of using a board game to depict the Great Hunger. One caller, identified as Tom, shared his distress, saying, “It was like as if somebody had got a knife and literally plunged it through my heart,” questioning the sensitivity of the game. He drew a controversial analogy, asking if McPartland would consider creating a game about the Holocaust, illustrating his deep emotional connection to the subject.

McPartland countered that simulation games are serious and meant to engage players in historical narratives, arguing that they are not trivializing the events they portray. He acknowledged the painful history but maintained that the game serves as an educational tool.

Supporters Share Their Views

Despite the criticisms, some callers defended the game’s educational potential. Rosita praised the idea, suggesting that teenagers may not be inclined to attend lectures but could engage with history through a game format. “If there’s a game there, brilliant. They can go to that, they can play that, and then they can ask questions,” she remarked.

Another supporter, Paula, expressed gratitude for the new approach to history, stating that initiatives that excite younger generations about their heritage are valuable. She highlighted that the target audience for the game might not be those who already seek out traditional educational resources.

The debate around The Great Hunger board game reflects broader discussions on how we engage with sensitive historical topics. While some see potential in using interactive formats to teach history, others argue that certain events should not be trivialized through gaming. As the conversation continues, the game remains a focal point for discussions about history, education, and how best to remember the past.