Concerns Rise Over Epstein-Themed Online Games Among Children
Emergence of Epstein-Themed Games
A wave of online games inspired by Jeffrey Epstein has recently gained traction on social media platforms. Parents nationwide are expressing their unease as children discuss titles like 'Five Nights at Epstein’s' and 'Epstein Clicker.' These games surfaced shortly after new documents related to Epstein became public. Online discussions characterize Epstein Clicker as a satirical indie clicker game, akin to Cookie Clicker. Users on TikTok attribute its creation to developers known as Gh0stKn1ght, jknnkla, and FL0W. Gameplay videos reveal elements of dark humor, including features that involve 'resurrecting' Epstein and upgrades associated with him. Some clips reference a feature dubbed 'MOSSAD Mode.'
A TikTok account named @epsteinclicker promoted a website, epsteinclicker.com, showcasing gameplay clips. However, visitors to the site encountered a message indicating that it had exceeded its monthly bandwidth limit and required an upgrade to function again.
Conversations about these games have also emerged on Reddit. One user in the r/CookieClicker community noted that the graphics were reminiscent of the original Cookie Clicker, despite no direct connection to the new games. In r/videogames, users have been inquiring about the origins of these Epstein-themed games. One user shared on X, 'My little sister mentioned her classmates are playing “Epstein Clicker.” They’re in 6th grade, by the way.'
On itch.io, an indie game marketplace, a listing related to the topic featured fictional content about a character named Epstinoid Beta Mk.2. The description humorously stated, 'From the smoke rises… the worst possible resurrection imaginable: Epstinoid Beta Mk.2, a rubbery, malfunctioning clone built by the underworld’s budget science department. He looks like someone tried to 3D-print a scandal.'
Understanding 'Five Nights' Game
Another title, 'Five Nights at Epstein’s,' emerged weeks prior, seemingly inspired by the horror game series 'Five Nights at Freddy's.' Some parents have expressed concern over the disturbing nature of the content, as reported by various media outlets.
One concerned individual shared a detailed warning online after witnessing middle school students playing the game on their school Chromebooks. They recounted, 'I learned today that a group of boys in one of the classes was playing a game on their Chromebooks called '5 Nights at Epstein’s Island.' They were laughing and joking about it. Apparently, you could make a baby or little girl cry to lure Epstein and other predators to them. This is deeply troubling for numerous reasons, and the school has been informed. Please, I urge you to talk to your children!'
Numerous users on TikTok, Reddit, and X have called for schools to intervene, with many urging developers to take down the games. Some have labeled the content as harmful and inappropriate for children, while others argue that the dark humor may be beyond kids' comprehension. Schools in various areas have informed families that they will block access to these game sites on student devices. As of now, no game developer associated with these titles has issued an official statement, and many posts indicate that the games are small-scale projects created by anonymous or indie developers.