Controversial "January 6th" Pinball Game Sparks Debate Among Some at CPAC Exhibition
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) is known for showcasing a wide array of merchandise and trinkets that cater to conservative values.
This year's event included a twist on the classic arcade pinball game that has ignited controversy and sparked discussions about the political significance of the exhibit.
Entrepreneur Jonathan Linowes created a virtual pinball game that features photos from the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, along with graphics of the U.S. Capitol and media networks such as MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN.
A pinball machine themed around the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot is featured at CPAC 2024 at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. (CPAC)
The game offers several modes, including "Stop the Steal," "Fake News," "Peaceful Protest," and "It's a Setup." Additionally, it includes modes such as "Babbitt Murder," referencing the rioter who was shot and killed by police, and "Political Prisoners." Videos from the day playout on a screen above as players progress through each mode.
Linowes, who comes from the tech world, told The Hill that he hopes to reach an audience that is typically not politically engaged. He also expressed his frustration with the left-leaning bias prevalent in tech events and decided to create the "J6" pinball game to shed light on what he believes is the truth about the events of January 6TH.
A pinball machine themed around the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot is featured at CPAC 2024 at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. (CPAC)
He also said he’s faced backlash when he attempted to share the game on gaming websites and was banned due to the platforms' concerns about hosting content associated with "terrorists."
Alongside the pinball game, the CPAC exhibition hall featured other items that nodded to conservative messaging. These included "Woke Tears Water" bottles, bedazzled guns, and candy labeled "Make America Great Again." The collection of merchandise aimed to resonate with attendees who share conservative values and perspectives.
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CPAC, in its second day, hosted Republican speakers such as Rep. Byron Donalds, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, and Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Trump and his choice for co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC).
The event included notable Republicans like former President Donald Trump, Reps. Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, and Elise Stefanik, as well as Sen. JD Vance and Republican Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake.
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