The developers of recently announced horror game Infestation 88 have changed its name to Infestation: Origins in response to accusations that a number of elements of it could be interpreted to have Neo-Nazi connotations.
The game, which is set to become available via early access at some point in 2024, features a slasherised version of Steamboat Willie, an early version of Mickey Mouse that’s just become public domain. However, the details about it released so far have raised some eyebrows online, leading developer Nightmare Forge Games to issue a response.
A number of the aspects of the game that have drawn criticism for their potential Nazi connotations are outlined in this Twitter thread by streamer Josh ‘Anoriand’ Fagundes. It’s the combination of things like the use of the number 88, which can be used as a numerical code signifying the phrase “Heil Hitler”, in the game’s title and the use of “rat-based imagery” that’ve left some wondering whether the game is intentionally trying to attract attention from Nazis.