Tetris Company Distances Itself from White House Game Copycat

The Tetris Company has confirmed that it has no affiliation with the Trump administration’s latest game, Build the Wall. This game, which mimics the mechanics of Tetris, is among six new arcade-style titles introduced by the White House recently.

In a statement on Instagram, the Tetris Company expressed its commitment to fostering connection and community. They stated, “At Tetris we believe in the power of connection and bringing people together. To our fans everywhere: we love you, we see you, and we’re grateful to have you in our community.” They also clarified that they had “no involvement in the creation of Build the Wall” and emphasized their serious stance on copyright issues.

Build the Wall challenges players to stack and fit falling bricks into a wall that gradually rises, reminiscent of the classic Tetris gameplay. unlike traditional Tetris, completing a line does not clear the bricks from the board. Instead, the wall continues to grow, reflecting the game’s aim to defend against an approaching “zombie horde.” The game’s setting, near an ambiguous “Southern Border,” overtly highlights its anti-immigration theme. This concept aligns with President Donald Trump’s long-standing policy to erect a barrier across the US-Mexico border, a goal that has persisted throughout his administration.

When approached for comments by Engadget, the Tetris Company reiterated that it did not create or authorize the use of its brand or intellectual property for Build the Wall. They stated, “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.”

While it might seem unusual for a presidential administration to release a series of browser-based games, this move aligns with the Trump administration’s distinctive method of online engagement and its casual approach to copyright matters. The White House has aimed to connect with the public through gaming culture, even resorting to using Halo memes to promote ICE recruitment. Such instances of cultural engagement—often lacking proper licensing—have previously resulted in DMCA takedowns. Given that Tetris is not the only intellectual property being utilized without permission, it raises concerns over whether these browser games could face similar repercussions.