Infestation studio changes game name following concern over Neo-Nazi symbolism
Nightmare Forge Games has changed the name of horror game Infestation 88 after speculation that the number in its title was a Neo-Nazi symbol.
Originally titled Infestation 88 and later stylised as '88, the studio has now removed the number entirely from its name. The game, which had its debut trailer earlier this week after the original Steamboat Willie Disney cartoon entered the public domain, is now known as Infestation: Origins.
The studio has since stated the number 88 was originally chosen for its «symmetrical design» and insisted any connection with Neo-Nazi connotations was unintentional.
The number 88 is used as a shorthand symbol by white supremacists and, as explained by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), can be commonly found «as a tattoo or graphic symbol; as part of the name of a group, publication or website; or as part of a screenname or e-mail address». Following the reveal video, some viewers raised concern about the game's name and themes which prompted changes by the studio.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nightmare Forge Games stated it would change the name.
«Our game Infestation 88 is set in the 1980s, with the year 1988 being chosen simply due to its symmetrical design in the game's artwork/logo,» reads the statement.
«Unfortunately, we were unaware of any additional meanings the number 88 has. However, after learning about this, we're changing the game's name to Infestation: Origins. We apologise for our ignorance on this and appreciate that this was brought to our attention so we could address it ASAP.»
Eurogamer has contacted Nightmare Forge Games for further comment.
The studio has now updated the game's name and artwork on Steam, as you can see in the images below.
Nightmare Forge
Read more on eurogamer.net
