Infestation 88 is an upcoming horror game by Nightmare Forge Games and the subject of 2024’s first gaming controversy after claims of Neo-Nazi imagery in its trailer and title began to surface. Read on to learn more about the situation.
Steamboat Willie-Inspired Horror Game Changes Title After Neo-Nazi Allegations
Nightmare Forge Games Claims Ignorance of the Meanings of Used Imageries
Talk about starting 2024 on a controversial note! Infestation 88 is an upcoming mascot-horror game by Nightmare Forge Games that has recently been making the rounds on the internet. After exploding onto the scene with its timely announcement trailer - more on that later - the game garnered even more attention after allegations of Neo-Nazi imagery in its trailer and title began to surface.
All the buzz seems to surround two elements of the game in particular: the "88" in the game’s title and the prolific use of rat imagery mixed in with the game’s horror aesthetic. A spokesperson from Nightmare Forge Games addressed the allegations in an interview with Kotaku, where they explained that the 88 in the title - a figure usually used to represent the Neo-Nazi salute - "strictly represents the year 1988," which is the exact year in which the game is set. As for the game’s rat and horror imagery, both can be chalked up to the game’s inspiration and subject matter, which are Steamboat Willie and mascot-horror, respectively.
"We are in the process of revising this artwork to clarify the abbreviation," the spokesperson said. "Should there still be concerns, we’re open to changing the game’s name."
Nightmare Forge Games held up their promise soon after, with the game’s official title changing to "Infestation: Origins". This change was reflected in their official game trailers, along with a statement saying that they "were unaware of any additional meanings the number 88 has.", adding, " We apologize for our ignorance on this and appreciate that this was brought to our attention so we could address it ASAP!"
Gamers Dig Deeper Into the Mouse Hole
Despite Nightmare Forge Games’ official response and subsequent action against the allegations, many gamers, streamers, and internet personalities are still convinced that the game presented Nazi-adjacent vibes.
"Look, I'm not saying it's IMPOSSIBLE that this game wasn't made with ill intent, but 88 is an immediate red flag," said streamer Josh ‘Anoriand’ Fagundes in a Twitter (X) post. "They use the word Infestation, they use rat-based imagery, it involves gassing them and counting the space ‘Infestation 88’ is 14 keystrokes".
There’s no telling if these concerns are legitimate or if this is just another case of gamers looking too deep into the details a la Game Theory. Infestation: Origins is slated for a 2024 release but with such a scandalous reception hot on the heels of its announcement, there’s no telling how it will perform on release.
Infestation Origins’ Timely Announcement After Disney Loses Copyright
The Neo-Nazi fiasco is far from Infestation: Origins’ only claim to fame during its short time in the limelight. In a move that was likely planned to gain as much attention as possible, the announcement trailer for Infestation 88 was released mere hours after Steamboat Willie - one of Disney’s most historic depictions of Mickey Mouse - entered the public domain after running its 95-year copyright protection.
Whether intended or not, the timely announcement became something of a meme in the gaming scene, as people were quick to point out the mascot-horror trope that Infestation 88 seemed to be perpetuating. The meme has been the zeitgeist of the early to late 2010s with the endless string of Five Nights at Freddy’s games and its equally endless cavalcade of copycats or similarly-themed games.
Considering the controversy that surrounded other games of its ilk like Poppy’s Playtime, Infestation: Origins is off to a shaky start.
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Infestation 88 devs address controversy over Neo-Nazi claims
