Pop Sandbox Productions

Pipe Trouble

Pipe Trouble takes a clever new spin on an old arcade classic and uses over-the-top satire to draw awareness and prompt larger mainstream discussion for ongoing real-world issues surrounding the exploitation of natural gas. Tasked with building their own pipeline, players struggle to balance using the least pipe to make the most money against the impact on local environment and neighbouring farms. On the right, a gas company rep oversees the budget and pushes to create the most direct economical route (every piece of pipe costs money and every second counts). Meanwhile, on the left, a volatile farmer gauges impact on the area and community. Lay too close to the pastures and risk springing a leak that kills livestock and makes people sick. Build through forest or near residences and incite protesters that block your way. Suffer a leak or otherwise incite local outrage and you risk sabotage that could sink the operation! Pipe Trouble was designed to engage a new audience in the ongoing energy debate and aims to explore timely issues in an entirely novel way without immediately vilifying industry.