Five Nights At Freddy’s Creator Retires After Recent Controversy

After recent controversy, Five Nights at Freddy's creator Scott Cawthon has announced he's retiring as a professional game developer. Speaking on his own website, Cawthon just released this statement:

I’ve had a blessed, fulfilling, and rich career. I’ve been shown great kindness and I’ve tried to show great kindness in return. I’ve tried to make some good games (let the debate ensue), and I’ve witnessed the creation of possibly the most creative and talented fanbase on the planet.

But here on the seventh anniversary of the first game’s trailer, as I realize that I was in my mid-30s when I created the series and now I’m approaching my mid-40s, I realize that I miss a lot of things that I got to focus on before Five Nights at Freddy’s became such a success. I miss making games for my kids, I miss doing it just for fun, and I miss making RPGs even though I stink at it. All of this is to say that I am retiring.

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Five Nights At Freddy’s Creator Retires After Recent Controversy

The announcement follows news that he'd made political donations to divisive politicians. That included former president Donald Trump and Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, who previously backed anti-LGBT judical candidates and laws, alongside Tulsi Gabbard, who's record has also come under fire. Matters weren't helped by a Reddit post by Cawthon, who claimed to love LGBTQ+ members of his fanbase despite backing such figures, though some fans issued support through Twitter hashtag #ThankYouScott.

So, what's next then for the popular horror series? For anyone looking forward to FNAF: Security Breach, the series isn't going anywhere just yet. While he's not named a successor yet, he confirmed plans to choose someone else for “running the show". That's coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC, and we'll keep you updated as we learn more.