Game Promoting Illegal Immigration to US Sparks Controversy After Trailer at Gamescom

Controversy Erupts Over Microsoft-Funded Game Take Us North, Accused of Disguised Propaganda at Gamescom 2025

Anima Interactive’s game, Take Us North, has recently ignited considerable debate. The game portrays the experience of migrants illegally crossing the border between Mexico and the United States, blending interactive storytelling with survival elements. Players assume the role of a coyote, guiding groups through the perilous desert crossing in Sonora. According to creator Karla Reyes, the game aims to humanize the experience and give a voice to those who have undergone it. Initially, Take Us North received positive feedback for its emotional, documentary-like approach at the Day of the Devs event. However, reception shifted following its trailer debut at Gamescom 2025. Streamer Asmongold heavily criticized the game, labeling it “disguised propaganda” rather than an entertainment product. This criticism quickly spread online, potentially harming Microsoft, which funds the project through its Idxbox initiative; Anima Interactive subsequently took down its social media accounts.

Controversy Surrounds Microsoft-Backed Game Take Us North Amid Allegations of Glorifying Illegal Immigration

Elon Musk also weighed in, calling the Take Us North project “odd” and questioning Microsoft’s financial backing. Critics argue that while the game portrays illegal immigration, it also glorifies it. By inviting players to actively participate in border crossings and face survival challenges, the game risks presenting a dangerous practice—one linked with human trafficking, serious risks, and legal issues—as an adventurous experience. Anima Interactive’s team openly embraces its political stance, describing itself as “a global group of artists, storytellers, and activists,” predominantly comprising BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color) and women/non-binary individuals. Their founder states their goal is to “challenge the norm in the gaming industry.” The Xbox program Idxbox, which supports Take Us North, aims to empower game creators from underrepresented groups—including Black, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, and disabled developers—as well as teams with unique perspectives. Its mission is to foster diverse narratives and characters within the gaming landscape.

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Jonathan Dubinski

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