The release of a series of policy-themed arcade games by the White House has drawn criticism for using elements perceived as culturally insensitive, while also infringing on copyrights. One game, “Build the Wall”, mirrors the classic video game Tetris and involves players stacking shapes to prevent a “zombie border siege”. This has prompted Tetris Company to distance itself from the game. Kerri Brusca, a Tetris spokesperson, confirmed they were not involved in the creation of this game, noting that Tetris has been a source of enjoyment across cultures for more than four decades.
Concerns Over Copyright and Cultural Insensitivity
Multiple companies, including Sega, Nintendo, Xbox, and the Flappy Bird Foundation Group, have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the unauthorised use of their intellectual property in these games. The Trump administration has previously faced issues for copyright infringement on multiple fronts, notably by having to withdraw materials from the Department of Homeland Security due to DMCA requests.
The Broader Implications of the Games
The apparent aim of these games, aside from rallying support for the administration’s policies and entertaining Trump’s supporters, seems to be to unsettle political opponents. Another game, “Rio Run”, mimics “snake” but with a Border Patrol agent collecting migrants, which highlights the administration’s contentious deportation policies.
These games serve as inadvertent critiques of the administration’s policies. For instance, “Flappy Bill”, a take on Flappy Bird, involves helping a bald eagle deliver legislation to the National Mall. Ironically, the administration has reduced protections under the Endangered Species Act, which previously saved bald eagles from extinction, and has faced backlash for changes to the National Mall.
Policy Failures Reflected in Gameplay
Another game, “Supply Line”, reminiscent of Tapper, tasks players with removing unhealthy processed foods from an assembly line. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has primarily focused on rolling back vaccine and food regulations, rather than addressing food safety concerns. These games collectively portray the administration’s missteps, as illustrated by the inadequate investigation into the spread of cyclosporiasis, a severe parasitic illness, due to cuts in the Food and Drug Administration.
These arcade games have spurred discussions about both their insensitivity and the broader ramifications of Trump’s policies, highlighting deficiencies and incongruities within his administration.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.