See video clip of game.

A video game that depicts would-be undocumented immigrants bouncing off of the bed of a pickup is drawing criticism from immigrant rights organization.

"It is insensitive," said Pedro Rios, director of the American Friends Service Committee in San Diego. "Without a doubt, it trivializes what is a real concern."

"Smuggle Truck: Operation Immigration" is a proposed iPhone and iPad app by Boston-based Owlchemy Labs that is targeted for release in March. The game allows players to navigate a truck carrying immigrants through desert and mountain areas. Immigrants, including a baby, fall off the truck as it drives over cliffs and mountains and the goal is to get as many as possible across the border, all set to lively music.

The makers of "Smuggle Truck" on their website said the game was inspired by their view, based on the experiences of some friends, that it is easier for undocumented immigrants to come to the United States than it is for legal immigrants.

"The comment was thrown around that ‘it's so tough to legally immigrate to the U.S., it's almost easier to smuggle yourself over the border', and thus ‘Smuggle Truck' was born," the makers said on their website.

Rios pointed out that thousands of people have died trying to cross the border through desert and mountain areas and in vehicle accidents, which "has been devastating for many families."

Rios said the makers of this game appeared to be capitalizing on a hot-button issue. "Unfortunately they got it wrong with this video game."

"It's not a good thing to essentially trivialize a difficult decision people make in trying to come to this country," Rios said.

"These cartoonish looking Mexicans flying out of the truck interest only people with extreme ideas about immigration issues."

The company that created the game sent an e-mail Monday night in response to a request for an interview.

"We are aware that some are offended by the game's content while others see it as satire. ‘Smuggle Truck' is stirring up a lot of discussions on the Internet about immigration and we believe that it is better for the topic to be discussed openly rather than not at all. We are listening to all the concerns people voice about the game," read the communication from Owlchemy Labs.

Previously, developer Alex Schwartz had told a reporter in Boston that the intent was not to offend immigrants and that the games' characters were not stereotypical.

"For example, one of the immigrants is a nerdy looking guy with a pocket protector," Schwartz said.

Rios said the makers' efforts to "de-Mexicanize" the characters' appearance does not change his view of the game.

"It's extremely insensitive. It doesn't contribute to the immigration debate in any real way."

An Associated Press story contributed to this report.