You've read all that right.
Here’s a crazy one for you: the original Mickey Mouse is now within the public domain, prompting one video game developer to use the figure in a horror game that had unintended connections to Neo-Nazism.
Originally titled Infestation 88, Nightmare Forge Games has since been made aware of Neo-Nazi connections to the number 88, coupled with the phrase “infestation”, and has responded accordingly.
“Unfortunately, at the time of [the game’s] announcement, we were unaware of any additional meanings the number ’88’ has,” the developer said in a statement. “Through feedback from the community, we learned it did, and therefore made this name change ASAP.”
The developer said it wanted to “apologize for our ignorance on this topic and appreciate that it was brought to our attention so we could address it,” adding, “[t]here is no intentional use of Nazi symbolism in our game nor studio, and we’ll continue to address any concerns as they arise. We strongly stand against Nazism and hate in any form.”
The title is now been renamed to Infestation Origins as a result.
According to IGN, the developer also was criticised — and apologised — for a “lack of moderation” that caused the game’s Discord server to be “flooded with users posting hateful and Nazi rhetoric”. This was coupled with a report by Motherboard that suggested the title has been created using a combination of existing assets and AI.
With all that out of the way, Infestation Origins will feature a likeness of the original Mickey Mouse now that his first appearance in “Steamboat Willie” is in the public domain.
“This game is inspired by works that are now in the public domain,” Nightmare Forge Games said on the game’s Steam page.
“This independent creation has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise endorsed by any original authors of said works,” the notice continued. “All content in this game is used under appropriate public domain guidelines, and is not affiliated with, related to, or endorsed by any existing intellectual property or trademark holders.”
You can check out Infestation 88, now Infestation Origins, above if you’re curious.
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