Creator of Irish Famine board game responds to backlash
Creator of Irish Famine board game responds to backlash
Creator of Irish Famine board game responds to backlash
By Philip Downes
January 15, 2026
Summary
The American creator of a controversial Irish Famine-themed board game, Kevin McPartland, has addressed backlash from the Irish public. Marketed as a historical simulation, the game encourages players to survive famine-era hardships. Critics argue it trivializes tragedy, comparing it to a Holocaust-themed game. McPartland defends it as educational, aiming to inform Americans about An Gorta Mór. While supporters appreciate its immersive design, others condemn its tone and lack of cultural consultation. The debate underscores the tension between education and sensitivity in portraying historical trauma.
Reference
Downes, P. (2026, January 15). Creator of Irish Famine board game responds to backlash. Extra.ie. https://extra.ie/2026/01/15/news/irish-famine-board-game-response