Only a short time has passed since the release of the game initially titled Invasion 88, and the Nightmare Forge Games team has already faced pushback. The creators decided to rename the project after a wave of feedback from players and watchdog groups. Critics highlighted the reference to the number 88, a symbol associated with white supremacist movements online. The studio contends that the number was chosen for its symmetrical design and insists the neo-Nazi connotations were unintentional.
Number of disputes
According to the Anti-Defamation League, the number 88 has long served as a shorthand symbol for white supremacists, with some fans displaying it in tattoos or using it to name related groups in online publications. After the game was officially unveiled, early reactions included concern about the naming and its thematic ties, prompting the studio to reconsider the branding.
The interactive PC project, inspired by Disney’s Steamboat Willie, was slated to be released under the title Infestation: 88. Nightmare Forge Games clarified that no other core elements of the horror title had changed. The cooperative survival game invites players to control a team of exterminators facing a series of rat infestations linked to unsettling and mysterious figures. The team explained that Infestation 88 was conceived to evoke a certain era and design symmetry, and that the 1980s setting was meant to reflect that choice. They added that the association with 88 was an oversight, and that once the issue was recognized, the name would be altered to Infestation: Origins. The studio shared this on its social channels.
The creator of the game apologized
The company stressed that it has no ties to Nazi movements and does not support such ideologies. To reinforce this message, access to some members of the official Discord server was temporarily restricted. The team promised stricter moderation and a prompt response to any hateful content, stating that bans would be issued for violations of the rules.
The developers also noted that to protect themselves from further accusations, the identities of the involved team members would remain private for the time being. They cited privacy concerns and the impact of the alleged Nazi association, clearly stating their stance against hate and urging the public to avoid doxxing or harassment. The studio affirmed its commitment to inclusive gameplay experiences and asked fans to separate creative work from real-world beliefs, emphasizing that Nazis are rejected and that the team stands against all forms of hate.