The White House launched a video game. A major games company is not impressed
SBS News
β’Sat, 5 Sep 2026 01:00:39 +0000
π° What Happened
The White House released a selection of arcade-style video games on Friday in an apparent youth-outreach push, including a block-stacking game called 'Build the Wall' that told players to 'protect the border from the coming horde'. The games use imagery resembling titles from major developers including Sega, Microsoft-owned Xbox and the Flappy Bird Foundation. The Tetris Company says it did not authorise or license the Tetris brand or intellectual property for the game and is 'currently reviewing the matter'.
π The Backstory
Facing stiff competition in the November midterm elections, the Trump administration has turned to video games to try to court younger voters. The arcade-style games and promotional content appear to draw on copyrighted material without permission from the companies whose brands they echo. The Tetris Company told AFP it was not involved in the creation of 'Build the Wall' and is exploring its options, which could include legal action.
π― Why It Matters
The controversy tests whether official government outreach can borrow from commercial entertainment brands without licensing, and whether the companies will push back legally. It also reveals how the administration is trying to reach young voters in a tight midterm environment. For game developers, the episode could set a precedent for how their intellectual property is protected from political use.
The White House released a selection of arcade-style video games on Friday in an apparent youth-outreach push, including a block-stacking game called 'Build the Wall' that told players to 'protect the border from the coming horde'. The games use imagery resembling titles from major developers including Sega, Microsoft-owned Xbox and the Flappy Bird Foundation. The Tetris Company says it did not authorise or license the Tetris brand or intellectual property for the game and is 'currently reviewing the matter'.
Facing stiff competition in the November midterm elections, the Trump administration has turned to video games to try to court younger voters. The arcade-style games and promotional content appear to draw on copyrighted material without permission from the companies whose brands they echo. The Tetris Company told AFP it was not involved in the creation of 'Build the Wall' and is exploring its options, which could include legal action.
The controversy tests whether official government outreach can borrow from commercial entertainment brands without licensing, and whether the companies will push back legally. It also reveals how the administration is trying to reach young voters in a tight midterm environment. For game developers, the episode could set a precedent for how their intellectual property is protected from political use.