It’s Not Art!

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For individuals born in the 70s and 80s, Tetris on the Nintendo Game Boy remains an unforgettable symbol of video gaming. Despite the passage of time, this classic game has stayed relevant, thanks to numerous modern adaptations. Moreover, its utility in enhancing memory or serving as a therapeutic tool for trauma has not only attracted new players but also kept its original fanbase engaged.

At Gamescom LATAM, Game Rant had a chat with Henk Rogers, one of the co-founders of The Tetris Company. He shared his insights about the dynamic gaming industry and the continued appeal of Tetris. Furthermore, he expressed his feelings towards numerous Tetris imitations that have emerged throughout the years.

Henk Rogers on Copying Games

It’s hardly surprising that, over time, numerous games similar to Tetris have emerged due to its immense popularity. Rogers acknowledges that this is a testament to the innovative nature of Tetris, marking it as a trailblazer and the original in its category. However, he also understands that many of these imitations might tarnish the reputation of their creators, who he believes would be better served dedicating their talent and effort towards more distinctive projects instead. He put it simply,

If someone duplicates your game, it could be seen as a form of compliment, but at the same time, I feel that if you aim to succeed or make money, it’s not wise to mimic another’s work. After all, imitation isn’t truly art, as you haven’t produced anything original. In essence, it’s like being a cover band. You can certainly do better than that.

Successful Tetris Clones are Dealt With Appropriately

Sometimes, a game similar to Tetris might turn out to be financially profitable. In such cases, Rogers and his team move quickly to safeguard their intellectual property. Given the vastness of The Tetris Company compared to the companies behind these clones, they typically don’t have much time before Rogers and his team successfully protect their rights. Rogers added.

In essence, if a competitor earns profit, we will undoubtedly take action against them. This is the nature of the game. To possess intellectual property, you must safeguard it. We’ve had to assert our dominance against pretenders on occasion. Now, things are relatively peaceful as there are no significant companies trying to copy Tetris, only smaller entities.

Rogers’ unyielding stance towards the Tetris brand underscores his strong guardianship of it. His latest work, “The Perfect Game,” delves deeper into the film that was out some years back, recounting the voyage taken by Rogers and Tetris’ creator Alexey Pajitnov to transform Tetris into the worldwide phenomenon it ultimately became. With a history spanning over 40 years, Rogers foresees no imminent alteration in the franchise’s longevity.

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2025-05-04 20:35