Game designer accuses BBC’s Traitors show of copyright breach

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

French game designer Philippe des Pallières has accused the BBC’s show Traitors of copying the concept of his card game The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow without permission. He claims the unauthorized adaptation has harmed the game's reputation and highlights the unresolved conflict between original creators and TV producers adapting interactive formats.

French game designer Philippe des Pallières has accused the BBC’s television program Traitors of infringing on his intellectual property rights. Des Pallières, who co-created the card game The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow in 2001, alleges that the BBC show closely replicates the concept of the game without permission.

Des Pallières pointed to the French version of the show, Les Traîtres, which aired in 2022, as a prior adaptation of the concept. Les Traîtres debuted approximately three months before the BBC launched its own Traitors series. He described the BBC’s production as an illegal copy, expressing frustration that the show has damaged the reputation and enjoyment of his original game.

"This is a breach of copyright. The TV show has spoilt the game. It’s hell for us," des Pallières said, highlighting the impact on his creative work nearly two decades after the game’s initial release. The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow, known for its social deduction gameplay, has been widely influential and has inspired numerous adaptations internationally.

At this time, the BBC has not issued a public response to the claims. The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between traditional game designers and television producers who adapt interactive formats for broadcast audiences.

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