Mickey turns slasher as early Mouse goes public domain

Steamboat Willie, the iconic early version of Mickey Mouse, has entered the public domain in 2024, leading to its inclusion in a new indie horror game titled Infestation 88. Developed by Nightmare Forge Games, a team experienced in the horror genre since 2010, the co-op horror game portrays the once beloved character as a villainous entity in a game setting that pits players against twisted versions of classic characters and urban legends. Infestation 88, which promises a fully playable loop for up to four players acting as exterminators, is scheduled for release on Steam early access within the year and might be in that state for 6-12 months. The game's development will incorporate community feedback to refine and expand its features. While fans eagerly await, they can indulge in guides for similar horror experiences, such as Lethal Company.

Steamboat Willie entered the public domain in 2024 and was quickly transformed into a horror game icon with the release of Infestation 88.

Steamboat Willie's transition into the horror genre reflects a growing trend of utilizing public domain characters in new creative contexts. Originally appearing in the 1928 classic Disney animated short of the same name, this depiction of Mickey Mouse is a landmark in animation history. As public domain content, it allows creators to reimagine classic characters like Steamboat Willie without the constraints of copyright, offering gamers fresh and potentially unsettling experiences rooted in nostalgia.