mtn space is pleased to host the anonymous art collective The Secret Handshake for a week-long interactive pop-up featuring one of three arcade games that were previously installed at the DC War Memorial. Inspired by the Trump administration’s use of video game–style military propaganda promoting the conflict with Iran, the work merges war messaging with gaming aesthetics to deliver a sharp satirical critique that has already drawn attention online and in the press. Visit mtn space to experience Operation Epic Furious: Straight to Hell.
Viral Trump-Iran War Video Game Moves to South Florida
After drawing massive crowds at the DC War Memorial and spreading across social media, the ultra-patriotic Iran war arcade game, Operation Epic Furious: Strait to Hell, is heading to south Florida, roughly ten minutes from Mar-a-Lago.
Starting Monday, a fully functional arcade cabinet will be installed for the next five days at mtn space in Downtown Lake Worth Beach.
The game was created by the anonymous art collective The Secret Handshake in response to the Trump administration’s use of video game-style military propaganda promoting the conflict with Iran. Unlike the administration’s hype reels, however, this game actually lets Americans participate.
So far, more than 200,000 people have played Operation Epic Furious online at epicfurious.com, while photos and videos of the installation have spread widely across social media, including a viral image showing National Guard members gathered around one of the cabinets playing the game themselves.
The project has also received widespread national press coverage. WIRED called it “an unhinged new video game about Trump and the Iran war.” The Verge described it as “a scathing commentary that also happens to be a loving tribute to classic RPGs.” Esquire called it “an instant classic” and “perfectly savage.”
Meanwhile, the game itself remains proudly unwinnable. Players battle enemies including Iranian schoolgirls, low-flow shower heads, DEI, and other threats to American freedom, like the Pope. And the only way to lose is by trying to hold Melania’s hand. But since it’s set in the Middle East, you also can’t really win either.
A plaque beside the arcade cabinets reads:
“The Trump administration knows that the best way to sell combat is by making it a video game. That’s why they’ve been pumping out the ‘sickest’ Iran war video game hype reels. But why stop at clips when you could go full throttle? Introducing Operation Epic Furious: Strait to Hell, a high-octane, flag-waving, boots-on-the-ground simulator where freedom isn’t debated, it’s deployed. No briefings, no hesitation; just pure pixelated patriotism. Strap in and play hard, because this game may never end.”
The arcade cabinets will remain installed at mtn space for the next five days. The game is also playable for free online at epicfurious.com.
— The Secret Handshake
