The Controversial Board Game: ‘The Sinking of the Titanic’
In 1975, the realm of board games took a dark turn with the release of ‘The Sinking of the Titanic’ by Ideal Toy Corporation. This game, aimed at families and children aged eight and older, focused on one of the most infamous maritime tragedies in history. The slogan for the game, “Play while the ship sinks… and then face the dangers of the open sea,” shocked many and ignited a wave of controversy, leading to its swift removal from store shelves.
How to Play ‘The Sinking of the Titanic’
The game unfolds in two distinct phases. Initially, players take on the role of ship’s officers aboard the Titanic, tasked with navigating the sinking ship, rescuing passengers, and gathering food and water rations. As the Titanic descends, the tension mounts. In the second phase, survivors escape in lifeboats, racing against each other to reach a rescue ship. The first player to make it to the rescue ship with two passengers and their provisions is declared the winner.
Game Mechanics
The gameplay mechanics were ingeniously designed. The board itself is divided into two interlocking pieces that simulate the ship sinking as gameplay progresses. Players roll dice, and on rolling a one or a six, parts of the board submerge, increasing the game’s urgency. If a lifeboat touches the water, it gets removed, leaving players scrambling for limited space. Innovative board designs were not new to Ideal, as they had previously achieved success with the game Mouse Trap in 1963.
The Dark Themes
The real moral unease arises from the game’s modifiers, which include scenarios like “violent storms,” “cannibals,” and “the cruel sea.” This fantastical portrayal strayed far from the historical context of the Titanic disaster. There’s little reflection on actual passengers, instead replacing them with fictional offshore threats, detaching players from the genuine human tragedy that occurred.
The Fallout and Rebranding
The public response to ‘The Sinking of the Titanic’ was overwhelmingly negative, with accusations of profiting from tragedy. Following this backlash, the game was withdrawn and re-released under the name ‘Abandon Ship,’ eliminating any references to the Titanic. Given its controversial history, the original version has since become a coveted collector’s item, with prices soaring to around 150 euros on various resale platforms like eBay.
Timing and Sensitivity
It’s essential to consider the historical context in which the game was created. The Titanic sank in April 1912, and the board game appeared 63 years later. By then, the ship’s wreck had not yet been discovered, and the haunting tales surrounding the disaster remained shrouded in myth. The game tapped into this lingering fascination, but the lack of sensitivity ultimately led to its downfall.
In summary, ‘The Sinking of the Titanic’ stands as a testament to the lengths to which game designers might go to create impactful themes, even when they tread into questionable territory. While board games are typically seen as a realm of fun, the 1975 release serves as a reminder that not all themes are appropriate for family entertainment.