Technology

New iPhone & iPad Game Allows Players to Smuggle Illegal Aliens

BOSTON (AP) — A game developed by a Boston-based tech company that allows users to drive a truck full of immigrants through the desert and try not to have them tossed out is drawing fire from some immigrant advocates.

“Smuggle Truck: Operation Immigration,” a proposed iPhone and iPad app by Owlchemy Labs targeted for released in March, lets players navigate through what appears to be the U.S-Mexican border. As the truck drives over cliffs, mountains and dead animal, immigrants fall off the truck’s bed. Scores are calculated by the number of immigrants helped crossing the U.S. border.

Developer Alex Schwartz said the idea for the satirical game came out frustration friends faced while trying to immigrate to the U.S.

“We felt like this issues was kind of a bit taboo for games and popular media,” said Schwartz. “So we wanted to build something . about this struggle that we could put into our work and our passion, which is making games.”

Schwartz said the message that developers what to send out through the game — it’s so tough to legally emigrate to the U.S. that it’s almost easier to smuggle yourself over the border despite the dangers.

But Eva Millona, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrants & Refugee Advocacy Coalition, said the game is in poor taste and trivializes the seriousness of immigrants willing to risk their lives under a broken immigration system.

“Last year 170 human beings died crossing the border,” Millona said in statement. “It’s disgraceful that anyone would try to make money out of this tragedy by making light of it in a game.”

Patricia Montes, executive director of Centro Presente, a Somerville, Massachusetts-based Latino immigrant advocacy group, agreed.

“I don’t think that people who are trying to emigrate into the U.S. think they are part of a game,” Montes said. “They do it because they are desperate.”

Comments (62)

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  • kickagrandma
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:11pm

    OK ..Guys, the whole point is to get us to accept something as fun then when it really comes, we think, “Oh, isn’t that cute? It reminds me of that game!” Remember Barney? (not Franks although it could be, I suppose) “I love you. You love me…” What was Barney? A dragon. Who IS the dragon? satan. So now whenever the cute, purple dragon says, “I love you. You love me…”, we all just sing along in “perfect harmony”. Barbie and Ken dolls….plasticized, idealized self-images that we are now seeing walking around in the “flesh” (botox, etc.) Is any of this beginning to sound familiar?????

    Report Post »  
    • LLATPOH
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:51pm

      So, Barney = Satan?

      With all respect, sounds a bit far.

      In any case, I just about vomit when I see that purple bastard anyway, so I think it’s having the reverse effect than the LaVeyans intended. :)

      Any aspect of every thing can be taken one way or another. I play Grand Theft Auto on occasion, and yet I don’t think that theft, murder, etc., are something we should legalize. I also don’t dress up like a Ken doll, and I know of 0 people who do.

      The idea that benign things like a video game or a purple dinosaur inevitably lead to further grievances against a people/deity/etc is – with all due respect – just not right.

      Report Post »  
  • THANKGODFIRST
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:04pm

    This just goes to show how big of a joke illegal immigraion is. How is it to be fixed when people look at it humorously??

    Report Post »  
  • BMWmech
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:36am

    They should make an app called “Immigrant Welfare Line”.

    Report Post »  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:30am

    Quote: Schwartz said the message that developers what to send out through the game — it’s so tough to legally emigrate to the U.S. that it’s almost easier to smuggle yourself over the border despite the dangers.

    Almost easier, which means it is more difficult to smuggle. So why not go the easier way and do it legally.

    Report Post »  
  • JoeySocal
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:29am

    I find the game funny. You know what’s not funny? I received a ticket for my tinted windows last week in socal which I know are illegal to have, but the 13 illegal aliens standing next to us on the curb laughing at me wasn’t funny. Priorities eh? Protect and serve.

    Report Post »  
  • SirShagalott
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:28am

    How do I pre-order a copy?

    Report Post » SirShagalott  
  • DarrylMueller
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:22am

    If the 50 million babies had not been killed since ‘67 would we not have press 2 for Spanish!

    Report Post » DarrylMueller  
  • DanSt
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:09am

    Mr. Schwartz needs to tell his friends we have a legal pathway of entry into this country…It starts in their country of origin…
    We don’t need “reform”, we need full and unabated enforcement…Just think of the jobs that policy would create? And I’m guessing even the TEA party would be willing to fully fund it with debt…If they can’t work, they will relocate to somewhere where they can…Law enforcement is not just for Sherrif Arpaio anymore…it’s for all of us…see one, tell someone…Our future generations deserve American values to be retained…and abiding by our laws, “is” our #1 value…

    Report Post »  
  • dawg of gawd
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:03am

    There is now an app for confession. It starts with “How long since your last confession?” and moves through the entire process from there. Offensive? Good question.

    Report Post » dawg of gawd  
  • darlenekay
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 10:54am

    I don’t like it but I respect their right to develop and sell the game. This is America. We don’t ban free speech/expression. Well, at least not today!

    Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:49am

      Except of course if you are a Conserviative, Born Again, Evangelical Christian -

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • Beware of Romans
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 10:36am

    Wheres the ‘Building the Border Fence’ ap?

    Report Post »  
  • fedlibertarian
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 10:01am

    Wait wait wait, so games with killing cops, and regular non-illegal pedros for that matter,as well as sexual content is ok, but illegals…. oh oh someone is offended. Its not a game! LMAO. I think killing space aliens is also offensive! Ban them!

    Report Post » fedlibertarian  
  • HerMajestysThunder
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 10:00am

    I’m an artist and worked on the game Infinity Blade for iPhone. Big bosses, no illegals.
    http://www.epicgames.com/infinityblade/
    What if instead of illegal aliens, we call them convenience store robbers? They’re breaking the law just the same. This looks like a fun game.

    Report Post » HerMajestysThunder  
  • They misunderestimated me
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:54am

    I wonder if the truck has to jump over the terrorist on prayer rugs out in the desert?

    Report Post »  
  • They misunderestimated me
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:52am

    I don‘t think it’s offensive at all. This game is obviously a fictional fairytale. Our borders have never been more secure. ~ Janet

    Report Post »  
  • streetrodder
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:20am

    They should have another version having a truck hauling illegals back into Mexico and trying to make it through the war zone near and south of the border.

    Report Post »  
  • Scaz
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:10am

    I just searched for it for the Droid. no luck, Damn!

    Report Post » Scaz  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:03am

    FunnY!

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • charlanakelly
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:59am

    It‘s amazing how the Left’s Agenda always shows up in some form of entertainment. They are always ramming their ideas down our throat in hopes that a majority will become numb and complacent to it ultimately allowing their ideology to willingly be established in our society. We need to hold fast to our convictions.

    Report Post » charlanakelly  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 2:06pm

      To anyone that reads Charlanakelly’s post, This is pure wisdom.

      Media and entertainment try to numb people to moral degradation to the point where it becomes the norm in society. This is what they want is for people with conservative values to grow tired and complacent so they can just step over top of you! Once you give up and give them a stronghold you are doomed!

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
  • Tickdog
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:54am

    i would make sure i wrecked the truck at the border every time.. it would make me feel much better about things..

    Report Post » Tickdog  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:50am

    “Last year 170 human beings died crossing the border,” Too bad seniorita, tell them to stay home and fix their own country instead of coming here and dragging ours down.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • SgtHenick
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:49am

    *snicker*

    Report Post » SgtHenick  
  • kentuckypatriot
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:48am

    The article said ” the frustration friends face while trying to immigrate to the U. S. Since when are these illegals our friends????

    Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • Non_Probate_Asset
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 10:49am

      First, what does someone’s immigration status have to do with whether or not they could be a good friend?

      Second, how do you know he was talking about illegally immigrating? The legal method of immigration can be extremely frustrating considering our broken immigration system.

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:47am

    Let’s block that sucker…. ohhh, could that be what the left wants? We give the OK to block the illegals, then it turns around and bites us on the…… hmmmmm.

    Report Post »  
  • GeauxAlready
    Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:45am

    .
    Now thats funny…..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • jbl8199
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:47am

      This isn’t that bad. They should play Grand Theft Auto sometime.

      Report Post » jbl8199  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:50am

      The fact simply remains, we have a LEGAL method of entry into the country and application to become a citizen of the USA. Let them follow this path, and if the CITIZENS of the country decide that the need to reform the method of imigration needs changing, we have the means via both the house and senate represenatives we elect to start the legislation going.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • jeff29910
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:51am

      I wonder if there will be a free trial version…

      Report Post » jeff29910  
    • GeauxAlready
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:54am

      .
      Maybe ya’ll can develop one with a Predator Drome so we can chase them around the desert…..

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • HillBillySam1
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:02am

      Why do they think that it’s about smuggling illegal immigrants across from Mexico??…..it looks very similar to how my kin folk go to the Dollar Store every Saturday morning……maybe I should sue??

      Report Post »  
    • BuckOfama
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:03am

      I’m gonna download it illegally

      Report Post »  
    • tranquilraider
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:29am

      Do you think it will let you pull over halfway through to try to extort more money and give you the option to leave the illegals in the desert to die? Just wondering if it will be realistic…

      Report Post » tranquilraider  
    • Decade of Greed
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 10:25am

      Funny funny stuff

      Report Post »  
    • Rogue
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 10:27am

      “….so tough to legally emigrate to the U.S….” Should have thought of that before you got a criminal record in your last country of residence. The immigration rules are not that stringent if you have a clean record and a documented past – it simply takes time, and most are unwilling to wait it out. I’d like to see that game end with the truck happening upon a National Guard unit just over the finish line.

      Report Post » Rogue  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:03am

      That is probably equal or less than the number of American who crossed the border legally into Mexico and were killed while they were there. These people need to get over themselves and support closing the border. This just shows who is, and is not, a true American. Too many good people come into this country legally and wait for years to become a citizen, including my daughter-in-law, who is still waiting.

      Report Post »  
    • SirShagalott
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:28am

      How do I pre-order a copy???

      Report Post » SirShagalott  
    • Docrow
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 11:36am

      That’s funny!

      Report Post » Docrow  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:28pm

      They have videos about shooting cops .. when they come out with the one like that on illegals .. then I will purchase … don’t give me crap ..after all .. it’s ONLY a viideo game!

      Report Post »  
    • Runeback
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:57pm

      I agree with Snowleopard, just because it is difficult to immigrate legally doesn’t mean it is Ok to break the law by sneaking in. We need a fence but HUGE gates in the fence to let people in legally but document the people who are coming in, otherwise we get terrorists coming through the holes in the fence.

      Report Post » Runeback  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on February 8, 2011 at 2:13pm

      Watch the anchor baby error video that the game had, now isn’t this true!
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l01NPWXWGo&feature=related

      One thing for sure, let’s not become numb to the seriousness of this issue!

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
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