Controversial pipeline video game cleared by independent review

Pipe Trouble, a video game sponsored by Canada's TV Ontario about building an oil pipeline, is now available on iOS and Android devices after it was recently cleared of advocating eco-terrorism by an independent review panel.

The game, where players build pipelines while dealing with economics, regulations, efficiency, the environment and sabotage, was initially released on TVO's website but was later pulled after reports claimed that the game advocated eco-terrorism. It was believed that the root of the problem was that players were able to blow up pipelines in the game. The game drew nation-wide attention and TVO was ultimately pressured to remove the game from its site.

Today, developer Pop Sandbox Production and Publishing released a statement confirming that, following an independent review of the game, it is now available to play online as well as on iOS and Android devices.

The findings of the review state that: "Pipe Trouble does not support, glamorize or advocate violence in any way ... Pipe Trouble is not a game about blowing up pipelines. It is a game about building pipelines. To succeed, players must pit their spatial ability and speed against economics, regulations, efficiency, the environment and yes, sabotage. The game is designed to make you think and it does."

Pipe Trouble was showcased at this year's Cannes Film Festival and the 10th annual Games for Change conference in New York. It is currently available for iPhone, iPad and select Android tablets for 99 cents. A free trial is playable at www.pipetrouble.com.