As part of the promotion for the new game site "Arcade," the White House released a video on social media featuring music and visuals related to game systems from Sega, Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft. This attempt to connect politically-motivated content with game elements has sparked significant debate. Particularly, the use of Sega Genesis startup music, visual elements, and the theme song of "Sonic the Hedgehog" has been noted.
Concerns Over Unauthorized Use of Intellectual Property
The Trump administration has previously utilized various popular IPs (intellectual properties) to convey political messages. However, this incident has triggered backlash from companies like The Tetris Company. The Tetris Company clarified that they were not involved in developing the game "Build the Wall," which has been noted for its resemblance to Tetris. They also expressed concerns about the use of works against the rights holders' intentions.
Reactions from the Japanese Anime and Gaming Industry
Past incidents such as the unauthorized usage of the Pokémon theme song and the posting of edited videos from anime like 'Dragon Ball Super' have prompted much criticism. Especially, the Japanese government has voiced stringent opinions on the issue of intellectual property rights, viewing such acts as diminishing the cultural value of anime and games. Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has reiterated calls for the respect of international copyrights in light of this issue.
Voices from the Gaming Community
The game site includes games similar to 'Flappy Bird', as well as those reminiscent of Tetris, Snake, and Tapper. However, many game fans and communities have voiced concerns over this initiative. In particular, there is a strong emphasis on objections to the use of games in political campaigns. Although no official comments have been released from major companies like Sega, Nintendo, and Sony, future responses are being closely monitored.
