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Fandom Fashion & FNAF: A Chat with Amy Roberts of Style Theory
It was August 2014 when Five Nights at Freddy’s first released – and it took over YouTube feeds everywhere as we watched our favorite Let’s Play-ers try to survive their first shift as the security guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. It was an instant hit, and it inspired many of us to try our hands at surviving as we learned how to manage the security cameras, check in on Foxy, and balance our precious power to ensure we had enough to last through the night. 🫣
Since then, this game has transformed from a simple (yet terrifying) point-and-click game to stunning VR in Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted and an epic open-world mystery in Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach.
Hidden secrets within each game have kept fans theorizing for years, and it’s built a community that connected through their shared love of the game, the characters, and the lore.
The fandom that has grown around the phenomenon of Five Nights at Freddy’s over the last ten years is strong. It’s one we’ve been a part of – and you know us, we live for showing off our fandom through our apparel and accessories. 😍
So, to celebrate the launch of our new Five Nights at Freddy’s collection, we thought: who better to sit down and chat with than Amy Roberts of Style Theory?! 🤩
We chatted with Amy about all things FNAF: the community, what the game means to her, and how fandom fashion can connect all of us when we show off what we love:
FNAF has become such a phenomenon – it really has skyrocketed since the first game came out – can you talk about the early days of FNAF and how the community/fandom has grown around it?
When I joined the fandom, it was still pretty small. There weren't hundreds of people making videos and cosplays about it online yet. Seeing how so many creative minds have come together for this HUGE fandom has been WILD. Now there are amazing talents like John FuhNaff, LittleJem, and, you know, a little unknown channel called Game Theory. It's truly like watching a kid grow up and realize their potential.
What’s been the biggest impact FNAF has had on you?
FNAF is at the heart of the Theorist audience, and from my early days running all of the channels - it's been a HUGE part of my life. For me, FNAF is community. It's a place where fans come together to theorize and celebrate a game that has become so entwined with their everyday lives. I've met amazing people I never would have if not for FNAF. In no small part, FNAF has changed my life in so many immeasurable ways.
What do you think has been one of the best things about the fandom surrounding FNAF?
The creativity. I am in awe of the intricate cosplays people have built of the animatronics. I can only hope to one day be as good at cosplay builds as they are. Until then, I really love cosplay bounding as an alternative – where people make outfits inspired by their favorite characters. Loungefly's product adds such a flair to any FNAF-bound.
We’ve gone from finding secrets hidden in the code to dissecting images of staff bots dressed as a family in the basement of the pizzeria – as the lore has grown and expanded, have you noticed a shift or a change in how people interact with the games and the lore?
I think the fandom has shaped how the official lore has expanded. Without the fan theories – or, you know, the Gaaaame Theories – I don't think the world would have gotten as big as it has. The fan's hunger for lore meant the FNAF team had to keep up – and, as someone who loves collectibles and secrets, it's become my favorite part of each new game.
Do you have a favorite era of FNAF?
I really love Security Breach – it's so fun and colorful. It completely changed the game – so to speak – for the franchise. Plus, I love Monty Gator. Though I have a soft spot in my heart for FNAF World. You gotta love the Hot Cheese.
If you were to get hired at Freddy Fazbear’s as the security guard – and no security guard uniform was required – what ensemble are you putting together?
Listen, I know the dangers out there for a Security Guard. While I'd love to put fashion first, to stay alive I would be dressing head to toe in "anti-surveillance" pattern clothing. It's made to confuse computers and cameras – and hopefully it would work on an animatronic.
Fandom has become intricately tied with style – people love to show off what they love through what they wear – what’s something you’ve noticed about the progression of fandom coming into the style space?
That fandom and fashion can work with each other – not against each other. Fandom merchandise has had a HUGE glow up in the past five or so years. They aren't just faces on tee shirts, they are cute and functional. Beyond that, I think themed styling has really taken hold of mainstream fashion. The way you see celebrities dressing on theme for the red carpet of their new movies has made it cool to be a nerd, and to do it with a high fashion twist.
When we look at fandom fashion, everyone has their own individual style, but there’s also a sense of community that gets built when you see someone wearing something that represents a fandom you love or someone wearing something that was made by a creator or brand you love – can you talk about the connections that can be made between people through a shared fandom style?
It's hard to get more personal than what you put on your body. It creates a message to those around you – and helps other fans realize you have this important connection. Fandom style can build a bridge between strangers and give people a starting place to grow new connections.
Is there any advice you can give for someone who wants to show off more of their fandom through their everyday style?
Start with a character you love and see what you already have in your closet. You'll likely be surprised how you've already bought items subconsciously because they remind you of that character. The easiest way to start is by creating an outfit with the same color blocking as the character design. Then you start looking for small ways to add that fandom flair – some jewelry, a bag, or even a sock. Whatever fits your personal aesthetic best.
What does FNAF mean to you?
FNAF represents a huge turning point in my life. Without that franchise, my job – my life right now – probably wouldn't exist. So for me, it represents a franchise that has opened doors for creators and other indie game makers to find their audience.
We know Mike made $120 for the security guard position, which comes out to $4/hour – How much would one have to pay you to take the job as the overnight security guard at Freddy Fazbear’s?
Oh, they could not AFFORD me. Let's start at $5 million for ONE night – and I get to wear the outfit I designed earlier. If they say yes, then MAYBE we can talk.
Don’t Miss the Loungefly Five Nights at Freddy’s Collection
f you’re ready to have your own Five Nights at Freddy’s style – don’t miss out on our new collection! And if you want some outfit inspo – check out the ensembles Amy builds!
