Even Mobile Games Are Speaking Out Against Trump’s Immigration Ban
In keeping with one of the more controversial promises during his campaign, Donald Trump, who recently took office as the 45th U.S. President, signed on Friday, Jan. 27, an executive order effectively banning the immigration of people from seven predominantly Muslim countries. Framed by the administration as a measure against “foreign terrorist entry” into the U.S., the immigration ban has nonetheless been seen by many as Islamophobic, racist, and anti-refugee.
Consequently, there have been numerous demonstrations against Trump’s immigration ban, with people protesting at airports in various cities across the nation, including volunteer lawyers drafting legal documents for detained passengers. On social media, there has also been an abundance of activism, with some tech luminaries notably stepping up their game in opposition of the executive order. While a number of executives from the likes of Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook have, publicly or internally, made statements about the ban, some investors and other personalities in the tech world have opted to match donations to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nonprofit that has taken Trump to task over his controversial directive.
The ACLU is also at the receiving end of noteworthy gestures of support from a couple of mobile game developers: Playdots and Vlambeer.
Connecting the world
Playdots is the creator of a series of mobile games that have players connecting colored dots, beginning with the simply named Dots. Amid the hue and cry caused by Trump’s immigration ban, the developer has decided to carry out an interesting move: showing a pop-up message in support of civil rights right within the two sequels to Dots, Two Dots and Dots & Co.
Dowload Dots, Two Dots, and Dots & Co.
In stark contrast, to Trump’s, Playdots’ message is essentially one of inclusivity and, in line with the mechanics of its games, of connection. “As an American company, we welcome players from around the world,” the message states. “We value the diversity of our team and players, and believe America should be a welcome place to all, regardless of their religion or where they come from.”
Asking players to “join us in standing up for civil rights,” Playdots’ message includes a “Support Now” button that when tapped leads to a webpage where players can donate to the ACLU.
According to Playdots’ CEO, Paul Murphy, up to four million people could see the message when they open to play the games and could potentially contribute to the ACLU’s efforts against Trump’s immigration ban in particular and for civil rights in general.
Ridiculous banning
For its part, Vlambeer has pledged to donate all of its revenue generated in the 24-hour period that ended at 3 a.m. GMT on Monday, Jan. 30. This includes revenue from its merchandise and games, including its two titles on iOS, the fishing game Ridiculous Fishing and the shoot ‘em up Super Crate Box.
Download Ridiculous Fishing and Super Crate Box
Vlambeer, which is a Dutch studio, is cofounded by Rami Ismail, who is a Muslim.
You can show your support for these developers — and, by extension, for civil rights — by downloading and playing their games.
Get the games
Learn more about the games