As the holiday season approaches and festive menus are curated with gastronomic delights, one controversial item often finds its way onto shopping lists – Foie Gras. A perceived delicacy, foie gras involves the controversial production process of force-feeding ducks, subjecting them to inhumane conditions and unnatural procedures that enlarge their livers. While the production of foie gras has been banned in numerous European countries due to its cruelty, consumption persists, and its importation remains unrestricted.
In light of the upcoming festive season, Wakker Dier, a Dutch animal rights organization dedicated to improving animal welfare in the livestock industry, aims to shed light on the cruelty associated with foie gras production. To achieve this, they collaborated with Antwerp-based creative studio Mutant to create a thought-provoking campaign. Drawing inspiration from the traditional board game, Game of the Goose, which has been played in Europe and the US since the 15th century, Mutant crafted a special version to convey the harsh realities of foie gras production.
At first glance, the game mirrors the traditional version, featuring retro styling with vibrant colors and nostalgic illustrations. However, a closer inspection reveals a stark contrast. Mutant replaced the traditional imagery and rules with haunting illustrations depicting the horrific procedures inflicted on animals in foie gras production. The rules of the game have been rewritten to accurately reflect the grim realities faced by geese in the name of human consumption.
The game, launched as part of an influencer campaign, will be sent to Dutch animal rights influencers. The accompanying film will be shared on the organization’s social channels, aiming to reach a broader audience and raise awareness about the ethical concerns associated with foie gras.
In this innovative version of Game of the Goose, players encounter chilling scenarios that mirror the cruelties faced by geese in foie gras production. For instance, landing on a specific space might entail experiencing force-feeding through a steel tube or facing the consequences of a perforated esophagus. The game’s rules offer a compelling and accurate representation of the hardships endured by geese in the foie gras industry.
Published in Germany in December 2023, the ‘Game of the Goose’ campaign not only showcases Mutant’s creative prowess but also serves as a poignant reminder of the ethical considerations surrounding foie gras. Through this impactful initiative, Wakker Dier aims to encourage a reconsideration of foie gras consumption during the holiday season and promote awareness about the need for more humane practices in the food industry. As the festive season approaches, the campaign seeks to prompt individuals to reflect on the choices they make and the ethical implications of their festive feasts.
