FNAF Folklore
Abstract
In an increasingly connected online world folklore can be created and shared in a multitude of ways. This website will look specifically at how the popular “Let’s Play” and style videos on Youtube have helped to popularize, build, and reinforce the folklore surrounding the popular Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) video game franchise. By examining the context and knowledge transfer potential of this genre we will uncover how these videos can contribute to folklore tradition and group identity.
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Original Gameplay
Franchise
The original indie horror game Five Nights at Freddy's offered a relatively simple story line and game controls. The player is a security guard at a rundown animatronic themed pizza place. The job is to watch the security cameras overnight, avoid the evil puppets who will sneak up on you, and conserve power throughout the shift. The player is unable to move besides pressing buttons and checking cameras and the game relies heavily on suspense, discomfort, and jumpscares to create an anxiety inducing experience. The game also provides very limited instructions for players, leaving it up to them to work out the rules of the game and come up with strategies.
Since its release in 2014 FNAF has been followup up by an additional 8 video games as well as several novels, mini games, and an upcoming feature film. Many of the elements of this continued media franchise feature clues and Easter eggs which gradually reveal the overarching story line and help to create the folklore of the game. The positive reaction to the original games and quickly growing fanbase surrounding the franchise was largely evident in Youtube gaming communities where the “Let’s Play” video format was already well know and lent itself very well to the suspenseful and emotional nature of the games.