We Take Copyright Infringement Very Seriously

The internet is ablaze after the Trump administration launched a series of games on its Arcade.Gov website, including a title called “Build the Wall.” The move has drawn immediate criticism, with many pointing to the blatant political messaging embedded within what should be lighthearted entertainment. Now, The Tetris Company has officially weighed in, and their statement is a powerful rebuke.

Tetris Stands for Unity

The Tetris Company’s official pages responded swiftly after news of “Build the Wall” broke. Their message was clear: they have no association with the game and strongly disagree with its underlying sentiment. “At Tetris, we believe in the power of connection and bringing people together, not dividing them,” the statement read. “To our fans everywhere: we love you, we see you, and we’re grateful to have you in our community.” This strong stance underscores the company’s commitment to its core values.

The game itself features a description that reads, “Protect the border from the coming horde,” a phrase that directly clashes with Tetris’s message of global unity. The statement also explicitly stated that The Tetris Company takes copyright infringement very seriously, hinting at potential legal action down the line, although no formal lawsuit has been filed yet.

Arcade.Gov: A Collection of Controversial Titles

The Arcade.Gov website, launched yesterday, features a total of five games, including not only “Build the Wall” but also clones of popular titles like Flappy Bird (“Flappy Bill”) and Snake (“Rio Run”). Other games encourage players to engage in activities such as “border patrol along the Rio Grande” and even fill “Trump accounts.” The site’s developers have promised more games are on the way, further fueling concerns about the political agenda being pushed through seemingly innocuous entertainment.

The launch of Arcade.Gov was met with immediate backlash online. Many users have called out companies whose intellectual property is featured in the website’s promotional video, urging them to take action against its use. While Sega has yet to comment, The Tetris Company’s vocal opposition sets a strong example for others to follow.

One user cleverly pointed out that games are typically about breaking walls, not building them – a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the absurdity of “Build the Wall.” Others have simply expressed their appreciation for Tetris speaking up and defending its values. The response highlights the power of gaming communities in holding companies accountable.

Kerri Brusca, from The Tetris Company, further elaborated on the matter to The Verge, stating: “For more than 40 years, Tetris has brought people together across generations and cultures through play and joy. The objective of the game has always been to stack with purpose to clear as many lines as possible. We are currently reviewing the matter.” This statement reinforces the company’s commitment to its original vision and suggests that further action may be taken.

IGN reported on the site’s original launch earlier today, highlighting the controversy surrounding the Trump administration’s use of gaming. This isn’t the first time the administration has courted controversy with similar moves, including previous instances involving posts referencing the Halo series. While Microsoft remained silent in that instance, other companies and individuals have spoken out. The Pokémon Company and even Master Chief actor Steve Downes are amongst those who have spoken up against such actions.