Donald Trump’s White House has pulled a bizarre new video game from its online arcade after Tetris, the iconic block-stacking game, raised concerns about copyright infringement. The game, titled “Build the Wall,” appeared to mimic Tetris while turning the classic gameplay into a political-themed challenge.
The White House removed its Tetris-style ‘Build the Wall’ game days after the company raised copyright concerns
As per PEOPLE, “Build the Wall” was among several retro-style games launched on the White House website. It depicts that it’s a part of an effort to promote President Donald Trump’s political agenda through entertainment and internet culture. Players were asked to build a wall along the southern border by arranging falling blocks, using mechanics designed to resemble the classic Tetris format.
However, Tetris soon addressed the game publicly. In a Sept. 4 Instagram post, the company made clear that it had no role in creating the White House game.
“At Tetris we believe in the power of connection and building people together, not dividing them,” the company wrote. The company also added, “To our fans everywhere: we love you, we see you, and we’re grateful to have you in our community,” before clarifying that it was not involved in the creation of “Build the Wall.”
The warning became even more direct in the post’s caption: “P.S. The Tetris Company was not involved in the creation of ‘Build the Wall’. P.P.S. We take copyright infringement very seriously.”
Shortly afterward, “Build the Wall” disappeared from the White House’s online arcade. However, the administration has not publicly confirmed whether Tetris’ copyright concerns connect to the game’s removal.
Meanwhile, the arcade still features other games, including “Rio Run.” That immigration-themed game uses mechanics similar to the classic mobile game Snake, with players taking on the role of a border patrol officer and collecting people attempting to cross the Rio Grande. The game’s scoring system also incorporates deportations.
For now, the White House’s online arcade remains active. However, one of its most politically charged games is no longer available. Social media posts related to “Build the Wall,” however, remain online.
