On March 14, 2024, Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery concluded its immersive augmented reality (AR) journey, marking the end of nearly five years of engaging gameplay. The announcement of the shutdown was made on the official Five Nights at Freddy’s Twitter account, signaling a close to this chapter in the franchise’s history.
The Rise of an AR Phenomenon
Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery was launched in November 2019, developed by Illumix in collaboration with Scott Cawthon, the creator of the original Five Nights at Freddy’s series. The game introduced players to a world where they subscribed to the “Fazbear Funtime Service,” only to receive deliveries of animatronics with lethal intentions. The immersive AR experience required players to fend off these animatronics and survive as long as possible, blending the thrill of the franchise with the interactive possibilities of augmented reality.
A Gradual Farewell
The process of shutting down Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery began on February 3, 2024, when the game was removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This was followed by the complete shutdown of the servers on March 14, 2024. Players who had already downloaded the game found it unplayable after the servers went offline, with a farewell message from the developers expressing gratitude for the support over the years. Illumix also used their Twitter account to thank the dedicated player base and Scott Cawthon for his involvement in the game’s development.
Final Bonuses for Loyal Players
In the final days leading up to the shutdown, Illumix provided special bonuses to players as a gesture of appreciation. These included a rewards multiplier during missions and the ability to purchase the Dark Circus DLC using Faz-Coins instead of real money. Despite the game’s high ratings on both app stores, these final incentives aimed to give players a memorable closing experience.
A Legacy and a Future
Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery was notable for being both Illumix’s first foray into game development and the franchise’s first mobile game. The game was initially teased during a 2018 interview with Scott Cawthon, who, while not exclusively working on the game, contributed to its development. Markiplier, a popular content creator, also participated in the game’s promotion as the spokesperson for the Fazbear Funtime Service in the launch trailer.
Looking Ahead
As the community bids farewell to Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery, fans can look forward to new developments in the franchise. The upcoming 10th-anniversary celebration promises to bring exciting surprises and additions, ensuring that the legacy of Five Nights at Freddy’s continues to evolve and captivate its audience.
