A new board game called The Troubles: Shadow War in Northern Ireland 1964-1998 is under development by US company Compass Games. The game lets two to six players take on roles such as the IRA, British army, or political factions to simulate the Northern Ireland conflict. Players can plant bombs, negotiate deals, and fight for control within six hours of gameplay. The game uses dice, tokens, and 260 cards divided into eight historical periods, including the 1970s Bloody Years and 1980s hunger strikes. Game pieces represent forces like RUC troops, IRA units, and political groups in colors like blue, black, red, and green. However, the game has sparked outrage in Northern Ireland. Kenny Donaldson from the South East Fermanagh Foundation says, “They’re oversimplifying what is a very complex issue.” He fears the game could retraumatise victims. “Many will feel that it has the effect of minimising their suffering.” Donaldson also argues that the Troubles are still part of Northern Irish society today. He questioned how 9/11 families would feel about a similar game based on that tragedy. Compass Games founder Bill Thomas told The Guardian the game is still in development and needs play testing. He said the aim is to “protect history, not to make fun of it.” The game was designed by teacher Hugh O’Donnell and features over 200 pages of complex rules. Thomas hopes the game will educate younger generations, especially in America, where many are unaware of the Troubles. “Do you want that memory to never exist, for no one outside Northern Ireland or the UK to understand that it ever happened?” he asked. The game is not yet for sale but was available for preorder at $85 (£63.20), triggering debate about its sensitivity and historical representation.