San Francisco Developer Faces Backlash Over Tenderloin Zombie Game
A newly released browser game set in San Francisco's Tenderloin district, where players shoot virtual zombies, has ignited controversy for its perceived depiction of homeless individuals.
A San Francisco tech developer has drawn sharp criticism for creating a browser-based video game that allows players to shoot zombies in a setting inspired by the city's Tenderloin neighborhood. The developer, Pierre-Louis Biojout, posted on X that he "monetized" the area because "San Francisco couldn't fix the Tenderloin."
Biojout unveiled the free, multiplayer game, describing it on X as a "Call of Duty style zombie shooter on the real SF streets." He claimed to have developed the game in a single weekend using AI coding tools, despite having no prior game development experience. The game has reportedly generated $300 in advertising revenue.
The game's premise quickly sparked outrage online, with many users accusing Biojout of trivializing the city's homelessness crisis. Critics on social media platforms condemned the game, with one user calling the developer "a huge piece of s–t" and another stating, "Guy makes a game where you shoot homeless people and thinks he’s the hero."
However, the game also garnered some positive reactions from players. "Best game I play so far this year," one user commented, while another found humor in the in-game elements. Some supporters defended Biojout, arguing that the criticism should be directed at city officials for their handling of the homelessness issue.
Biojout has appeared unperturbed by the controversy, responding to a critical comment by asking, "Why not?"
