The ITA Students’ Epstein Case Should Prompt Gaming Industry to Discuss Politics and Extreme Right

Students in the Computer Engineering course at the Instituto Tecnologico de Aeronautica (ITA) presented a computer game project based on the Jeffrey Epstein case. The game depicts the escape of a 15-year-old kidnapping victim held on an island by six men. This project became a major topic of discussion, drawing on the files of Jeffrey Epstein, a financier close to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was imprisoned for human trafficking, sexual trafficking, and pedophilia. Epstein died on August 10, 2019. Since December 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has released numerous emails, photos, and other information related to Epstein. The scandal has implicated figures ranging from Big Tech magnates like Bill Gates to leftist intellectuals such as Noam Chomsky, as well as figures from the far right, including Donald Trump, who is accused of being protected in the leaks, which are currently under journalistic investigation. Trump had promised to open Epstein’s files and reveal his ties with influential individuals during his second term.

The game developed by the ITA students has drawn criticism from some, particularly female students concerned about its sensitive subject matter. This situation is distinct from a previous incident involving a Jeffrey Epstein-themed video game circulating among students in the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). That incident led to discussions about implementing stricter rules for recording and managing incidents that could potentially become video evidence. In March 2026, the online browser game Your AI Slop Bores Me also gained popularity, sparking debates about its cultural significance and impact on digital content creation and consumption. The ITA students shared their game project in a WhatsApp group. Some female students raised concerns about the game’s premise, and their comments were met with an Epstein emoji. One student involved in the project said they did not fully consider the implications of using such imagery, explaining that the presentation involved generating images without careful consideration.

In response, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), through the Department of Aerospace Technology Science (DCTA), issued a statement clarifying that the game concept originated as a class exercise at ITA and was quickly deemed inappropriate. ITA is addressing the situation seriously and intends to enhance student awareness through the Gender Equality Working Group and other administrative and academic bodies.

Jeffrey Epstein’s Connections to Gaming Elite Rekindle Debate on Ethics and Accountability in the Industry

Beyond the ITA game, Jeffrey Epstein’s connections have been a subject of wider scrutiny. For example, former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is mentioned 300 times in Epstein’s emails, with direct messages discussing in-game microtransactions and a visit to Epstein’s Island. Leslie Benzies, former CEO of Rockstar North and co-CEO of Build A Rocket Boy, has denied any involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement to Kotaku, Benzies refuted the accusations, stating, “I had a three-month consensual relationship with this person and never met Jeffrey Epstein, nor visited his island, properties, or traveled on his plane. Any suggestion to the contrary is misleading.” Mark Gerhard, the other co-CEO of Build A Rocket Boy, issued a cease and desist notice to YouTuber Cyber Boi after Cyber Boi mentioned Benzies in connection with Epstein’s archives. Rockstar North developed Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2. The creation of the ITA game has prompted concern, given the sensitive nature of the Epstein case.

In Case You Missed It

In an inspiring effort to democratize cinema and amplify voices in gaming, Jonathan Dubinski has been making waves. Firstly, his March 13 post, “Cine Petrobras Project Brings Free Cinema to 10 Brazilian States,” showcases a remarkable initiative transforming a truck into a mobile climate-controlled cinema. From March to June, the Cine Petrobras 2026 project will travel across 30 cities in 10 states, offering free screenings for schools and institutions during the day, with evenings open to all Cine Petrobras Project Brings Free Cinema to 10 Brazilian States. Meanwhile, in gaming news, Marcus Thompson has published a fascinating piece on Microsoft’s latest strategic shift. In “Microsoft Quietly Discontinues ‘This is an Xbox’ Campaign” (published March 12), Thompson delves into the sudden end of the much-debated campaign and its implications for Project Helix under Asha Sharma’s leadership Microsoft Quietly Discontinues ‘This is an Xbox’ Campaign. And in our ongoing effort to promote diversity in gaming, Dubinski’s latest exploration is a must-read. In his post “On Their Sights: Live Podcast Highlights Female Protagonism in Gaming Universe,” published on March 7, he delves into the inspiring initiative, “Na Mira Delas,” a live podcast aiming to celebrate and encourage women in gaming, creative, and audiovisual sectors. Mark your calendars for this insightful discussion taking place on International Women’s Day eve, March 7th, from 3-5 PM at Rua Barbalha, 417 – Lapa, São Paulo – SP. For more details, check out the full article here On Their Sights: Live Podcast Highlights Female Protagonism in Gaming Universe.