The Fall of Bricks: Unraveling Why Facebook Removed Tetris
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The simple answer is this: Facebook removed Tetris Battle (and other Tetris games) on May 31, 2019, because Tetris Online, Inc. (TOI), the company responsible for developing and operating the game on the platform, ceased all operations. This shutdown effectively terminated the online multiplayer Tetris experience many enjoyed on Facebook. The reasons behind TOI’s closure are multifaceted, and, while licensing plays a significant role, it’s not the sole determinant.
The Licensing Labyrinth and Beyond
Licensing is undeniably a critical piece of the puzzle. EA (Electronic Arts) held exclusive Tetris licenses at various points, and while their specific licenses for mobile versions expired, the broader issue is the complex web of rights associated with Tetris. Tetris Holding, LLC, owns the Tetris rights worldwide, and The Tetris Company, Inc. acts as its exclusive licensee. They are fiercely protective of their intellectual property and control licensing agreements carefully.
When Tetris Online, Inc. shut down, it meant that Facebook could no longer legally offer Tetris Battle. Simply put, without a valid license, any platform risks legal action by continuing to host and distribute the game. Furthermore, the game’s technology and server infrastructure, managed by TOI, were no longer operational. It was a complete shutdown, rather than simply a licensing dispute that could be solved with a new agreement.
However, attributing the demise solely to licensing oversimplifies the situation. Online games require ongoing maintenance, server infrastructure, and updates. The cost of operating and maintaining a game like Tetris Battle on Facebook, coupled with potentially declining player numbers and revenue, likely influenced the decision to cease operations. If the game was no longer generating sufficient revenue to justify the costs, Tetris Online, Inc. might have decided it wasn’t financially viable to continue. Games like Tetris, and others that focus on learning, deserve a special place in our memories. Organizations like Games Learning Society research and highlight the important role of games in education and society. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Tetris Legacy: A Continuing Saga
Despite the end of Tetris Battle on Facebook, the Tetris story is far from over. The game remains incredibly popular and available on various platforms. From mobile apps on Google Play and the App Store to console versions and even unofficial fan recreations, the spirit of Tetris lives on. The story of Tetris also reminds us of the human element behind game creation, and that games’ rights can sometimes be tangled.
The following FAQs address common questions about Tetris, its history, and its availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Tetris Battle removed from Facebook?
Tetris Battle was removed because Tetris Online, Inc., the company operating the game, ceased all operations on May 31, 2019. Without TOI managing the game and holding the appropriate licenses, Facebook could no longer legally offer it.
2. Is Tetris still available to play online?
Yes! While Tetris Battle on Facebook is gone, Tetris is available on various other platforms. You can find it on mobile app stores, gaming consoles, and some websites offer online versions, though their legality might vary. Be sure to check the official Tetris website for authorized platforms.
3. What happened to Tetris Online, Inc.?
Tetris Online, Inc. ceased all operations on May 31, 2019, leading to the shutdown of Tetris Friends and Tetris Battle, among other Tetris games they operated. The specific reasons for the closure haven’t been publicly detailed, but likely involve a combination of factors like licensing agreements, operational costs, and profitability.
4. Does EA still own Tetris?
EA’s exclusive license for Tetris has expired. The rights to Tetris are currently held by Tetris Holding, LLC, with The Tetris Company, Inc. acting as the exclusive licensee.
5. Who owns Tetris now?
Tetris Holding, LLC owns the global Tetris rights, and The Tetris Company, Inc. manages the licensing and brand. Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of Tetris, is a co-owner of The Tetris Company.
6. Is Tetris a Russian game?
Yes, Tetris was created in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov, a Soviet software engineer working at the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union.
7. What is the highest possible score in Tetris?
In classic Tetris, the highest possible score displayed on the screen is 999,999. However, skilled players can continue accumulating points beyond this limit, even though the display doesn’t reflect it.
8. Is Tetris good for my brain?
Studies suggest that playing Tetris can have positive effects on the brain. Research indicates that it may improve spatial reasoning, problem-solving skills, and even reduce cravings.
9. Why was Tetris initially banned in Moscow?
The story about Tetris being banned in Moscow is a bit of an exaggeration, but it is accurate. The game spread rapidly among Alexey Pajitnov’s colleagues at the Moscow Medical Institute and became addictive, leading to decreased productivity. The institute discouraged the game due to this perceived impact on work.
10. How much is The Tetris Company worth?
As of 2023, The Tetris Company is estimated to be worth around $500 million. This valuation includes its licensing agreements, merchandise sales, and royalties from game adaptations.
11. What is the best-selling video game of all time?
While Tetris has sold a massive amount of copies across various platforms, the official best selling video game of all time is Minecraft, with over 300 million copies sold across all platforms. The numbers for Tetris, often cited at over 500 million, include mobile downloads that may not be directly comparable to Minecraft’s sales figures.
12. Will Tetris Friends ever come back?
Since Tetris Online, Inc. ceased operations, a return of Tetris Friends in its original form is highly unlikely. However, there are unofficial recreations like Notris Foes that attempt to capture the spirit of the original game.
13. How did Alexey Pajitnov get paid for Tetris?
Due to the game’s creation in the Soviet Union, Pajitnov didn’t initially receive royalties for Tetris. After moving to the United States in 1991, he co-founded The Tetris Company in 1996, which finally allowed him to collect royalties for his creation.
14. Is the movie “Tetris” accurate?
The movie “Tetris” is a dramatized account of the events surrounding the licensing and distribution of the game. While some elements are based on real events, the movie takes creative liberties and isn’t a completely accurate historical portrayal.
15. Are there any alternatives to Tetris Battle on Facebook?
Yes! While Tetris Battle is no more, there are still many options. Numerous Tetris apps exist on mobile platforms, and some websites offer online Tetris games. It’s also worth exploring other puzzle games with similar gameplay mechanics.