Uwe Boll's Citizen Vigilante Gets a Video Game Tie-In

What Is the Citizen Vigilante Video Game Tie-In?

The Citizen Vigilante video game tie-in is a first-person shooter developed by Polygon Art, based on Uwe Boll’s 2023 anti-immigration film of the same name starring Armie Hammer. The game adapts the film’s narrative of a vigilante targeting undocumented immigrants, offering players a linear campaign with scripted action sequences. It was announced on March 15, 2023, via a press release from the film’s production company, Event Film.

Key Facts

How Does the Game Tie Into the Film?

The game directly adapts the film’s plot, placing players in the role of a vigilante who uses firearms and melee weapons to stop undocumented immigrants from entering the United States. According to the Kotaku article, the game “replicates the film’s most controversial scenes, including a sequence where the player shoots at a group of migrants crossing the border.” “The game is a direct extension of the film’s narrative, with no deviation from its political stance,” the article states. Polygon Art has not released a trailer or gameplay footage as of the article’s publication.

Who Is Uwe Boll and Why Is This Controversial?

Uwe Boll is a German filmmaker known for low-budget video game adaptations (e.g., House of the Dead, Alone in the Dark) and provocative political themes. His film Citizen Vigilante was criticized by immigration advocacy groups for portraying undocumented immigrants as violent criminals. The Kotaku article notes that Boll “has a history of making films that court outrage,” and that the game tie-in “appears designed to capitalize on that same controversy.” Boll’s previous films have received an average Rotten Tomatoes score of 8% across 12 titles, according to data cited in the article.

What Platforms Will the Game Be Available On?

As of the Kotaku report, the game is confirmed only for PC via Steam. Polygon Art has not announced console versions, though the article speculates that “a PlayStation or Xbox release would require platform holder approval, which may be unlikely given the game’s subject matter.” No release date or pricing has been disclosed, and the game’s Steam page is not yet live.

Who Is This For?

The game targets fans of Uwe Boll’s films and players interested in politically charged shooters. However, its controversial premise may alienate mainstream audiences. The Kotaku article suggests the primary audience is “Boll’s existing fanbase, which has remained loyal despite his critical failures.” Given the film’s limited theatrical release (only 12 screens in the U.S.), the game’s commercial prospects are uncertain.

Common Questions

Is the Citizen Vigilante game based on a true story?

No. The game is based on Uwe Boll’s fictional film, which itself is not based on real events. The film and game depict a vigilante narrative that has been criticized for promoting anti-immigration stereotypes.

Will Armie Hammer voice the protagonist in the game?

According to the Kotaku article, Armie Hammer is not confirmed to voice the character. The article states that “no voice acting or likeness rights have been announced,” and the game may use a generic protagonist model.

When will the Citizen Vigilante game be released?

No release date has been announced. The Kotaku article, published in April 2023, reports that Polygon Art has not provided a timeline. The game is still in early development, with no gameplay footage shown.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Kotaku report “Uwe Boll's Citizen Vigilante Gets a Video Game Tie-In” published on April 12, 2023 (URL: https://kotaku.com/uwe-boll-citizen-vigilante-armie-hammer-video-game-tie-in-2000713708). Additional context on Uwe Boll’s filmography and Rotten Tomatoes scores was sourced from publicly available data. No currency or unit conversions were required. This article was last updated on April 12, 2023.