The company behind Tetris has publicly distanced itself from a video game released by the Trump administration, saying it never authorised the use of its trademark or protected content. The game, titled «Build the Wall», was posted on the White House website and visually resembles the classic puzzle game, prompting a sharp response from The Tetris Company on Friday.
A spokesperson for the company said it had «not authorised the use of the Tetris trademark or any intellectual property-protected content for this game» and confirmed that the matter was being reviewed. In a statement on X, The Tetris Company added: «We take intellectual property infringement very seriously.» The White House had not immediately responded to a request for comment from AFP regarding the company's statements.
The game, published on Thursday, asks players to construct a wall to hold back a wave of «zombies», with the stated objective: «Protect the border from the incoming horde.» No specific location is named, but the title directly echoes a slogan long used by Donald Trump in connection with the border between the United States and Mexico.
A second game released the same day features a character tasked with catching and deporting undocumented immigrants near the Rio Grande. Both productions have drawn criticism over the way the administration approaches immigration policy, with observers noting the games appear to frame enforcement measures as entertainment.
The White House has defended the releases, describing them as part of a culture of «fun» and winning. The administration has not limited itself to Tetris-inspired imagery: it has also repurposed the logo of Japanese publisher Sega, replacing the company's name with MAGA, the acronym for Trump's slogan «Make America Great Again».
The games have generated significant attention online, with media outlets and commentators highlighting the unusual step of an executive branch publishing arcade-style content on its official website. The use of recognisable gaming brands without apparent permission has added a further layer of controversy, raising questions about intellectual property and the boundaries of official government communications.
The Tetris Company's statement signals a potential legal dispute, though no formal action has been announced. The company's emphasis on protecting its brand suggests it may pursue further steps if it determines that its rights have been violated. For now, the administration has offered no indication that it plans to remove the games or alter their content.