Why do people incorporate 'Tom's Train' (from the cartoon 'Thomas & Friends') into action game mods?

This article digs into the intriguing trend of modding Thomas the Tank Engine into video games, highlighting the seemingly bizarre transformation of a beloved children's character into something dark and twisted. It explores how nostalgia plays a crucial role in this phenomenon, particularly among adults who grew up with Thomas. The modding community has taken this innocent character and crafted creative interpretations that blend childhood imagination with elements of darker popular culture. The piece emphasizes the fun and irony that internet users express through these adaptations, illustrating how modern memes have made such transformations commonplace. Ultimately, this trend offers a reflection of broader cultural trends, where people seek to articulate their feelings and critique mass culture through familiar and cherished characters.