
The Origins of FNAF
By Giuseppina Moussaoui

23 Sep, 2023

Scott Cawthon, the game developer, had initially thought of incorporating a wolf animatronic and a beaver into his new game. He had spent hours designing and coding these characters into existence.

However, he decided to scrap the idea. The beaver character seemed to be a subtle reference to Cheaper and Sons Lumber Co., a company that had heavily criticized his previous work.

This criticism had pushed Scott to create a new game, which would eventually become the Five Nights at Freddy's series. The decision to scrap the beaver character was a symbolic move against his critics.

Instead of the wolf, the idea of a fox animatronic was suggested. This idea came from an unexpected source: his own children and his father.

Scott's dad was supportive of his son's game development endeavors. He often gave his input, and he was the one who suggested changing the wolf to a fox.

Scott's children were also a great source of ideas. They loved playing games and often gave their father feedback on his creations. It was their idea to add a fox animatronic.

The process of creating the fox, which would later be known as Foxy, was a challenging one for Scott. He had to create a 3D model of the character, a task that was far from simple.

The task became even more difficult when Scott had to work on it during a long 45-hour drive to visit his family. The bumpy road made it hard to concentrate on the intricate details.

The rough ride had an unintended effect on Foxy's design. The bumps and shakes of the drive caused Scott to make Foxy look torn up and worn out.

When the game was finally ready, Scott's children were the first to play it. They were excited to see their ideas come to life and to play their father's creation.

However, they were also scared. The game was filled with jump scares and creepy characters. The children found it thrilling, but also terrifying.

The first time Chica, one of the animatronics, jump-scared them, one of the kids almost knocked over the laptop. The sudden movement and the loud noise had startled them.

Despite the scares, the kids loved the game. They were proud of their dad and the game he had created. They eagerly shared it with their friends and soon word spread about the new game.

The game quickly became a hit, with gamers praising its unique concept and eerie atmosphere. Scott was thrilled to see his game being enjoyed by so many people.

The success of the game was not only a personal victory for Scott, but it also served as a response to his critics. The game he had created out of the ashes of criticism had become a phenomenon.

The characters he had created, especially Foxy, became fan favorites. They were unique and terrifying, a perfect combination for a horror game.

The game continued to evolve, with new characters and storylines being added. Scott kept his ear to the ground, listening to fan feedback and incorporating their ideas.

His children continued to be his first testers. They played each new version of the game, giving their feedback and sharing their ideas.

Despite the success, Scott never forgot the criticism he had faced. It fueled his desire to create and improve, to prove his critics wrong.

Scott's story is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. Despite facing criticism and challenges, he created a game that is loved by millions.

It's also a reminder of the importance of listening to feedback. Scott's children and father were instrumental in shaping the game, proving that great ideas can come from unexpected places.

Finally, Scott's story is a lesson in turning negatives into positives. The criticism he faced led to the creation of a game that has brought joy and excitement to countless people.

Today, the Five Nights at Freddy's series continues to thrive. New games are still being released, each one building on the unique world that Scott created.

Scott's dedication and creativity have inspired many other game developers. His story serves as a beacon of hope for those facing criticism and challenges in their own endeavors.

The legacy of Five Nights at Freddy's is a testament to Scott's vision and determination. It's a reminder that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.