Reader response theory is particularly relevant to the experience of Five Nights at

Freddy's, a horror video game that thrives on player engagement and interpretation. The
game's narrative is intentionally elusive, leaving gaps and ambiguities for players to fill with
their own interpretations and theories. In Five Nights at Freddy's, the player assumes the role
of a security guard tasked with surviving five nights in a haunted animatronic-filled pizza
restaurant. The game's storytelling unfolds through phone calls, newspaper clippings, and
subtle environmental cues, creating a fragmented narrative that requires active engagement
from the player to piece together. Reader response theory emphasizes the role of the audience
in constructing meaning, and in the case of Five Nights at Freddy's, players become co-
creators of the narrative. The game's success is partly attributed to the community's
collaborative effort to decode its cryptic storyline. Players share theories, speculate on the
origins of the animatronics, and collectively unravel the mysteries embedded in the game.
The fear and tension in Five Nights at Freddy's are heightened by the player's agency
and imagination. As players navigate the dimly lit corridors and monitor the security
cameras, the narrative becomes a personalized experience shaped by their reactions to
unexpected jump scares and the unfolding mysteries. Each player brings their unique
perspective, contributing to the diverse interpretations circulating within the fan community.
The open-ended nature of Five Nights at Freddy's encourages multiple readings, and the
player's response becomes a crucial part of the storytelling process. Whether through Let's
Play videos, forum discussions, or fan fiction, the game invites players to actively engage
with and contribute to the evolving narrative. In this way, reader response theory sheds light
on the dynamic and interactive nature of the player's relationship with the narrative in Five
Nights at Freddy's, making it a key lens for understanding the game's impact and appeal