Disney's horror game renamed after backlash
Jan 03, 2024 2:29 PMIn recent news, a horror game initially named "Infestation 88" which features a monstrous version of Mickey Mouse, has had its name swiftly changed to "Infestation: Origins" amidst controversy. Following criticisms from the community linking the original title to neo-Nazi ideology, developer Nightmare Forge Games issued an apology, explaining that the number 88 was chosen for aesthetic symmetry and was not intended to evoke any harmful associations. The controversy arose due to the number '88' being a code for 'Heil Hitler' and the game's imagery of rats, which were historically used as an antisemitic trope. The developer was unaware of these connotations but has since rectified the game's title. The change is already reflected on Steam, and the game is scheduled to release this year for PC.
What does '88' signify in neo-Nazi circles?The number '88' is used in neo-Nazi circles as a numerical code for 'Heil Hitler,' where 'H' is the eighth letter of the alphabet, thus 'HH' for 'Heil Hitler.'
Background: Mickey Mouse is a character originally created by Walt Disney in 1928, first appearing in the cartoon "Steamboat Willie." Disney's version of the character remains under copyright, but specific early renditions of Mickey Mouse have entered the public domain, allowing their use without permission. It's this loophole that has enabled the development team to legally create a game featuring an iteration of the iconic character, albeit with a decidedly darker twist than the original animations.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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N3rdo commented on: 2024-01-03 15:00:15
Glad to see Nightmare Forge Games took quick action to address the unfortunate naming mishap with Infestation 88 – it's crucial for creators to stay vigilant about the unintended meanings their content could convey. It's a wild twist to see a dark version of an old-school Mickey Mouse figure, just goes to show how classic characters can be reimagined in unexpected ways, as long as creatives are mindful of the historical and cultural significance of the symbols they use.
Rolling R!ck commented on: 2024-01-03 15:00:11
Whoa, talk about a close call in the gaming world – Nightmare Forge Games really dodged a PR nightmare by listening to their community and swiftly changing that controversial title. It's a solid reminder of just how much context matters in game development, and that even unintentional symbolism can pack a punch.
Sephiroth commented on: 2024-01-03 14:50:11
It's always a tricky situation when unintended associations cause a stir in the gaming community, but kudos to Nightmare Forge Games for their quick response and sensitivity to the issue. It's a good reminder that game development isn't just about creativity but also understanding and respecting the cultural context in which your work will land.
