Scott Cawthon, the creator of the massively popular Five Nights At Freddy video game series, has announced that he's stepping away from video game development - at a professional level, at least.
"I've had a blessed, fulfilling, and rich career," Cawthon wrote in an update on his website. "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."
Fans needn't worry about the Five Nights At Freddy's series coming to a complete end, however. Cawthon stressed that he has plans to choose someone else to take over "running the show". A new release, Five Nights At Freddy's: Security Breach, is expected later this year. A movie is also in production at Blumhouse, although who knows if that'll ever see the light of day?
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Cawthon was recently criticised when financial records revealed he'd donated to a number of divisive political figures in the U.S, including former president Donald Trump and Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell.
"I'm a Republican. I'm a Christian. I'm pro-life. I believe in God," Cawthon responded at the time. "I also believe in equality, and in science, and in common sense. Despite what some may say, all of those things can go together. That's not an apology or promise to change, it's the way it's always been."
Cawthon's announcement has been met with an outpouring of love and appreciation from fans on social media, who got the hashtag #ThankYouScott trending in the US.
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"The world of gaming will never be the same," wrote @ColorsphereJAD. "Thank you Scott Cawthon. For everything, you've done for us. I wouldn't be here without the things you made, the worlds you helped us to escape to, the spark that would give life to my creative side."
"Thank you so so much for starting this series," added @KinoSelynn. "It's changed my life and I'm forever grateful. I've looked up to you all my life and i still do."
Featured Image Credit: Scott Cawthon