‘Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF), the creation of game designer Scott Cawthon, is perhaps one of the most popular gaming franchises in the world. What began as a horror-themed video game has now spawned a media empire and acquired broad recognition among gamers.
After announcing his resignation from game creation in mid-2021, Cawthon told his committed following that the FNAF series will be passed over to “someone [he] could trust” There is no official confirmation as to who will succeed Cawthon, however, some have speculated that Steel Wool Studios has been given the keys.
Since he stepped down in June 2021, Scott Cawthon’s replacement for the FNAF brand has not been revealed
The creator of the FNAF series, Scott Cawthon, announced his retirement on the website of Scott Games on June 17, 2021. He wrote, according to Polygon
“I have enjoyed a wonderful, rewarding, and prosperous career. I have tried to repay the immense kindness that has been extended to me. I’ve attempted to develop some wonderful games (let the discussion follow), and I’ve seen the birth of maybe the most creative and skilled fans on the globe.”
Following the revelation that he had contributed to Republican politicians and groups, a dispute arose over his political convictions. Cawthon afterward wrote;
“But now on the seventh anniversary of the first game’s trailer, when I reflect that I was in my mid-30s when I started the series and am now entering my forties, I realize that I miss a lot of the things I was able to focus on prior to FNAF’s popularity.
I miss doing it for pleasure, and I miss creating RPGs despite being terrible at it. All of this is a prelude to my retirement.”
In addition, he addressed and praised the LGBTQ+ population of the fans in reaction to the misconceptions and criticism he received for supporting conservative candidates.
Despite speculation that his retirement is the result of social media ‘ canceling’ him, Cawthon noted that he intends to “concentrate on his six children.” Since Cawthon’s retirement from the brand seven months ago, he has not formally announced a replacement to lead the FNAF series.
Is this the conclusion of FNAF? No. This just indicates that someone else will eventually be in charge; someone I’ve chosen and who I trust. It remains to be seen how everything plays out, but an announcement will be made at some time,” he promised the audience.
FNAF’s partnership with Steel Wool Studios and ownership transfer rumors
Since 2014, Scott Cawthon has independently developed and published the FNAF game series. Cawthon engaged Steel Wool Studios for the production of “Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted” to reproduce the game in virtual reality (VR).
Cawthon reportedly chose Steel Wool because he was impressed with the few virtual reality games they have made. Rodney Brett, a character artist at Steel Wool, addressed Variety about the process of game production;
“[Scott] wants us to hopefully do another ‘Five Nights’ in the future. I’m unsure if he wants to create another VR game.”
After the release of “Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted” in May 2019, Steel Wool Studios CEO and co-founder Andrew Dayton told Gaming Trend;
“[Scott] is the ideal independent video game creator. Enthusiastic, inventive, and in tune with his audience. He genuinely cares about the fanbase and is an inspiration to us.”
Several months after Cawthon’s retirement, Steel Wool Studios will create and release “Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach” on December 16, 2021. In December 2021, despite initial bugs in the game, it was chosen as the best new game by Player’s Choice.
In a post-launch release, Ray McCaffrey, Executive Producer of Steel Wool Studios, stated that the bugs had been fixed, and he added on the company’s website:
When it comes to Security breaches, we are in it for the long haul. This game has a promising future ahead.”
There are credible allegations that Steel Wool Studios now owns Five Nights at Freddy’s, although no official statement has been made.
Final words
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