The White House has sparked controversy by using Xbox and Sega logos in a series of video games that promote deportation and financial gain. Game developers, however, need not worry; the quality of these 'Arcade.gov' offerings leaves much to be desired. Microsoft and Sega, however, may want to check if their logos were used without permission. Parody, some might argue, but the legality is questionable. Meanwhile, the games, such as 'Build the Wall,' a Tetris clone, and 'Trump Savings Tycoon,' a take on Duck Hunt, are a far cry from professional development. The official line is that these games are designed to contrast 'a culture of fun and winning' with the 'dark socialist vision' of Democrats. Sadly, the quality of the games appears to be a poor reflection of the state of US development.
As for the copyright implications, if these games are not endorsed by Microsoft and Sega, the only legal defence could be parody. But can the government argue that its official communications are intended as a joke? The answer is likely no, given the serious nature of the themes involved. The games, alongside the official statement, raise questions about the administration's approach to entertainment and its respect for intellectual property.
