Police Warning Parents About Video Game Character 'Huggy Wuggy'

Ever since video games became a major source of entertainment for kids, parents have been concerned about the content. Whether it's the time spent playing, or the violence and sexuality that seems, more and more, to be a driving force in the content of the games, parents are filled with anxiety about what their kids are playing.

It's a difficult road to navigate when the very video games that are supposed to be geared toward kids, seem to be extremely adult. Parents are doing the best they can to watch what their young children are watching, but it is becoming harder and harder every day.

There is so much content, much of which looks like it is for young kids. But, some content, especially video game content, is NOT.

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What is Huggy Wuggy?

Although I am unfamiliar with the Huggy Wuggy, or the video game Poppy Playtime, I have been seeing many social media posts from parents and law enforcement warning parents of the violent content and themes in the video game with characters that look like scary oversized stuffed animals.

Many are even upset about the song related to the Huggy Wuggy character

Parent warning about Huggy Wuggy

Lafayette County, WI sheriff's warning to parents

<div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto">The video game was rated for ages 8 or above but was then updated to ages 12 or above. The game teaches younger audiences that their toys and other things they previously felt comfortable with are now scary and can kill them.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto">The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a warning to parents due to a series of videos surrounding Poppy Playtime character Huggy Wuggy. The warnings are due to the character's initially child-friendly visuals, which very quickly turn nightmarish.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto">The concerning videos are FAN-MADE, produced by someone who admires a particular TV show, film, or videogame. The following is a list of some of the YouTube Channels that have made the concerning videos:</div></div>

Some of the violence that is associated with Huggy Wuggy

More detail about the violent concerns from the Lafayette County, WI sheriff's post on Facebook.

<div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto">In one of the videos a toy cartoon character tells a cartoon person, “My hugs don’t hurt one bit, you’ll be dead before the pain comes!” The character then hugs and squeezes the person until they turn blue and passes out.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q"><div dir="auto">In another video, a female character is drugged, passes out, and it is inferred a sexual assault is performed on her. In the same video, the female character’s husband sees a video of the sexual assault and believes the female character had committed adultery. The male character then hits the female character and divorces her.</div></div>

Gamers Defend Huggy Wuggy

This video seeks to add some perspective to the concerns about video games. If you look at the comments, you will be able to read how the gamers explain the misconception. They explain the game and its intention in great detail.

Many of them feel that the police and parent warnings are ridiculous and unwarranted. When it comes to the Poppy Playtime video game, they blame the parents for not monitoring their young children who might be exposed to the game.

Parent perspective on Huggy Wuggy

After researching and watching the videos, I can honestly say that I understand the concern. I get that the gamers want to defend the game and the story and reason behind the character, but I have a real problem with any kind of media that is strictly for adults, yet uses childlike characters and songs.

At one point the game stated that it was for ages 8 and older. Are you kidding me??!?! It has since been changed to 12 and over, but come on. The name, characters, and music, it's all geared toward kids. I find this type of deviant, purposeful, maneuvering to market inappropriate things to kids, completely unacceptable.

Shame on MOB Games. You know better, but you chose to do it anyway. If it's for adults, make the characters look more adult and make sure it's labeled for adults.

PARENTS BEWARE: Huggy Wuggy is NOT for your young kids.

Entire Facebook post from Wisconsin law enforcement

FBI Seeking Individuals Who May Have Information Regarding the Identity of a Child Sexual Assault Victims

Since 2004, the through FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has collaborated with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in obtaining images of unknown adults who are wanted for questioning in child pornography cases. To date, 31 adults have been identified which led to the identification of 51 child victims. Here is a list of adults who are wanted in questioning with ongoing child sexual abuse cases.

If you have any information regarding the identity of John Doe 45 or the room where the video took place, please submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov/, or call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

We'd also like to remind you that no charges have been filed in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.