Board Game on Mafia Wars Faces Backlash in Italy

Critics say the game trivializes Mafia violence, prompting an apology from its creator.

The German board game 'La Famiglia – The Great Mafia War,' inspired by the 1980s Mafia conflicts, has sparked significant criticism in Sicily.
The game's creator, Maximilian Maria Thiel, apologized, stating it was never his intention to offend and acknowledging he underestimated the sensitivity of the subject.
Critics, including Sicilian politicians and the family of anti-Mafia judge Giovanni Falcone, argue the game dishonors victims and trivializes Mafia violence.
Thiel announced plans to include a background booklet in future editions to provide context and address concerns raised by critics.
Calls have been made to ban the game in Sicily, with accusations that it undermines efforts to combat Mafia influence and promote justice.