Summary
Update: In response to complaints and concerns regarding the title potentially having antisemitic connotations, Nightmare Forge Games has refuted the claims and renamed the game toInfestation: Origins. The original article follows.
A new co-op horror game titledInfestation 88was recently revealed, and it features a terrifying version of Mickey Mouse. This comes shortly afterSteamboat Willie, a short film starring the earliest iteration ofMickey Mouse, went into the public domain.
The first day of every year doubles as Public Domain Day, where copyright protection for creative works expires, allowing them to be used without restrictions or need for permission. Many people get extra excited when popular cartoon characters go into the public domain, as they can be used in various forms of media. One example was the 2023horror filmWinnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, which used the likeness of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and more. For 2024, Disney’sSteamboat Williewas one of the notable short films that became available, so horror game developer Nightmare Forge Games revealed its latest project featuring the iconic Mickey Mouse character.
Nightmare Forge Games announcedInfestation 88, a survival horror co-op game that will pit players against mutated rodents, including a horrifying monster with Mickey Mouse’s face. Armed with infestation gear, players must work together to eradicate the rodents' nests and subdue the outbreak, while also trying to survive against entities based on classic characters and urban legends.Infestation 88is still in development, but its Steam page notes that it will be available for Early Access sometime in 2024.
Many gamers took to social media to express their surprise that Nightmare Forge Games already had something prepared onceSteamboat Williewent into the public domain. The reactions were also mixed, as some didn’t feel confident aboutInfestation 88’s quality, and weren’t thrilled about seeing Mickey Mouse in a horror game. However, there were still gamers who thought that Nightmare Forge Games was able to add an interesting twist toDisney’s beloved mouse.
Apart fromSteamboat Willie, the Disney short filmPlane Crazyalso became available in the public domain, along with Disney characters Minnie Mouse (as depicted inSteamboat WillieandPlane Crazy) and Tigger (as depicted inThe House at Pooh Corner).
Infestation 88will be the latest horror game inspired by children’s characters, a subgenre that was popularized bygames likeFive Nights At Freddy’s. While the co-op shooter doesn’t necessarily utilize a child-like aesthetic, it still has a chance to make players fear a character that’s beloved by many.
Apart fromInfestation 88, another Mickey Mouse-adjacent game that has players excited isFumi Games’Mouse. Described as a cross betweenCupheadandDoom, this upcoming FPS title flaunts a unique rubber hose animation style, with characters resembling classic Disney characters. However, unlikeInfestation 88, players will have to wait longer forMouseas it’s slated for release in 2025.
