Playing Politics: September 2026

The September 2026 edition of the Video Games Industry Memo addresses the intersection of American political messaging and the gaming sector, specifically focusing on the White House’s recent utilization of video game intellectual property for promotional purposes. The primary thesis argues that the gaming industry’s current strategy of silence regarding the unauthorized use of its assets by political actors is unsustainable and risks damaging the industry's reputation through tacit association with partisan propaganda.

The analysis highlights two specific instances of concern: the launch of a White House-branded arcade featuring modified versions of popular games and the use of copyright-infringing social media content that depicts political figures within established gaming aesthetics. Despite these clear instances of intellectual property infringement, major industry stakeholders, including Nintendo and Sega, have remained notably passive. The author contends that this lack of public pushback is a strategic error, suggesting that companies must proactively and consistently clarify their lack of involvement in political messaging to maintain their neutrality and protect their brand integrity.

Beyond the focus on political propaganda, the publication notes significant industry developments, including reports of potential consolidation efforts involving the Saudi Public Investment Fund, specifically regarding a mooted merger between Savvy Games and Electronic Arts. These observations underscore a broader trend of high-stakes geopolitical and corporate maneuvering within the global gaming market. The content serves as a call to action for industry leaders to adopt a more assertive stance in defending their intellectual property against political appropriation.