The Bite of ’87: Unraveling the Mystery of Five Nights at Freddy’s Most Infamous Incident

Introduction

What is the Bite of ’87, and why does it continue to send shivers down the spines of Five Nights at Freddy’s fans years after its initial mention? The Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise, a masterclass in atmospheric horror and jump scares, has captivated players with its simple yet terrifying gameplay loop: survive the night against animatronic horrors in a dilapidated pizzeria. Beneath the surface of jump scares and limited resources lies a complex lore, filled with tragic backstories, hidden clues, and unresolved mysteries. Perhaps no single event is more shrouded in mystery and fuels more passionate debate than the notorious incident known as the Bite of ’87.

This catastrophic event, vaguely referenced throughout the games, has become a cornerstone of the FNAF universe. The lack of concrete details, coupled with Scott Cawthon’s penchant for ambiguity, has transformed the Bite of ’87 from a simple plot point into a tantalizing enigma, driving countless fan theories, analyses, and discussions. The Bite of ’87 remains a complex and controversial topic within the FNAF community, sparking endless debate about the victim, the perpetrator, and its ultimate significance to the overarching narrative. It’s a puzzle that players are determined to solve, piecing together fragments of information to uncover the truth behind this infamous incident.

Defining the Bite: Facts, Speculation, and the Allure of the Unknown

While the Five Nights at Freddy’s games drip-feed information, leaving much open to interpretation, certain facts surrounding the Bite of ’87 have emerged, though even these are subject to fan scrutiny. The incident occurred at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, most likely the original establishment where the franchise began its dark narrative. A critical, horrifying detail is that an animatronic malfunctioned, or otherwise intended harm and bit a person with enough force to damage or remove the victim’s frontal lobe. Adding to the grim nature of the accident, and perhaps a stroke of luck, the victim survived the attack, but they were left with lasting and significant brain damage. This event resulted in drastic changes within the Freddy Fazbear’s franchise, as animatronics were restricted from freely roaming during the day. These new preventative measures were taken in an attempt to ensure the safety of customers and employees.

The allure of the Bite of ’87 lies precisely in what is *not* known. The identity of the animatronic responsible, the exact circumstances surrounding the event, and even the identity of the victim remain unconfirmed by the game’s creator. This ambiguity fuels speculation and allows fans to construct their own interpretations, contributing to the enduring fascination with the incident. The absence of definitive answers makes the Bite of ’87 a uniquely engaging mystery within the horror game landscape.

The Suspects: Animatronics in the Crosshairs of Suspicion

Identifying the perpetrator of the Bite of ’87 is perhaps the most hotly debated topic within the FNAF community. Several animatronics have been implicated, each with compelling arguments for and against their involvement.

Foxy the Pirate Fox

Foxy the Pirate Fox is a perennial suspect, often pointed to due to his damaged jaw and the “out of order” sign prominently displayed in front of his Pirate Cove. The argument in favor of Foxy centers around the idea that his malfunctioning jaw and erratic movements made him a dangerous liability. His signature running pattern and aggressive jump scare animation further fuel the suspicion. However, counterarguments suggest that Foxy’s movements, while alarming, lack the precision required to inflict such a specific injury. Some argue that his jaw, while damaged, wouldn’t be capable of delivering the force needed for a frontal lobe bite.

Mangle

Mangle, the dismantled and chaotic version of Foxy found in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, is another prime suspect. Mangle’s mangled appearance and ability to climb and hang from the ceiling make her a terrifying and unpredictable presence. The primary argument against Mangle is that her disheveled state makes a precise bite, targeting the frontal lobe, improbable. She hangs from the ceiling, putting her in a prime position to bite downwards, potentially aligning with the angle of the injury. The arguments against Mangle include that she wasn’t active at the original location where the bite likely happened.

Freddy Fazbear

Freddy Fazbear himself, while less frequently implicated, is not entirely off the hook. Theories pointing to Freddy often suggest a rare programming malfunction or hidden animosity within his programming. It’s worth noting that Freddy’s potential involvement could tie into the larger narrative of animatronic possession and vengeful spirits. There isn’t strong supporting evidence of Freddy’s part in the bite, which makes him a less likely suspect.

Other Animatronics

Other animatronics, such as Golden Freddy, have been mentioned in connection to the Bite of ’87, but these theories tend to be less substantiated and often rely on circumstantial evidence. They typically are dismissed because of their lack of in-game presence during the first game.

The Victims: Unmasking the Unfortunate Soul

Just as the identity of the perpetrator remains elusive, the victim of the Bite of ’87 is another key piece of the puzzle that has evaded definitive confirmation. Several characters have been proposed as potential candidates, each with their own set of evidence and counterarguments.

The Phone Guy

The Phone Guy, the helpful (and ultimately doomed) voice providing instructions to the player in the first three games, is one popular contender. His sudden disappearance after mentioning the animatronics’ increasing freedom of movement raises suspicion. Furthermore, his knowledge of the animatronics’ behavior and his eventual demise lend credence to the theory that he was the victim of the Bite. The main problem with this theory is that the Phone Guy doesn’t die until the first Five Nights at Freddy’s game, while the Bite of ’87 happens before.

Jeremy Fitzgerald

Jeremy Fitzgerald, the night guard in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, is another frequently discussed candidate. His shift to the day shift at the end of the game, explicitly instructed to “stay close to the animatronics,” raises red flags. This sudden reassignment suggests that management suspected a potential incident and wanted Jeremy to be present as a witness or a target. Jeremy’s proximity to the animatronics during a period of known malfunctions makes him a plausible victim, but it’s not a certainty.

Other Possibilities

The possibility remains that the victim was a child, a different staff member, or even someone entirely unconnected to the main characters. The ambiguity surrounding the victim’s identity underscores the tragic nature of the event and highlights the inherent danger of the Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza environment. Knowing the victim would tie the bite more directly to characters and perhaps motivations.

The Impact: Repercussions Rippling Through the FNAF Universe

The Bite of ’87 wasn’t merely a random incident; it had profound consequences for the Freddy Fazbear’s franchise and the wider FNAF universe. The event led to significant changes in restaurant security protocols, most notably the restriction of animatronic movement during the day. This restriction fundamentally altered the gameplay experience in subsequent games, forcing players to confront the animatronics in new and terrifying ways.

The Bite of ’87 undoubtedly damaged the reputation of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The incident likely led to lawsuits, investigations, and a decline in customer confidence, contributing to the eventual closure of the restaurant. The event serves as a chilling example of corporate negligence and the potential dangers of advanced technology gone awry. The brand has forever been tarnished.

Furthermore, the Bite of ’87 has had a lasting impact on the storyline of subsequent FNAF games. The event is frequently referenced, alluded to, and used as a plot device to further the overall narrative. It is directly responsible for how the animatronics are viewed. It’s also influenced the behavior of animatronics in newer titles, especially the animatronics whose design reflects the older ones.

Community Speculation and Unending Debates

The enduring mystery of the Bite of ’87 has fueled countless fan theories, discussions, and debates within the FNAF community. Players have poured over every detail, analyzed every line of dialogue, and scrutinized every pixel of the game in an attempt to unravel the truth behind the incident.

Some theories suggest that the Bite of ’87 was a deliberate act, orchestrated by a malevolent force within the animatronics. Others propose that it was a tragic accident caused by a technical malfunction or a sudden surge in animatronic aggression. Some have created entire timelines, and maps.

Scott Cawthon’s deliberate ambiguity has played a significant role in the enduring fascination with the Bite of ’87. By withholding definitive answers, he has encouraged players to engage with the lore on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The event becomes a source of ongoing discovery.

Conclusion: An Enduring Enigma

The Bite of ’87 remains one of the most captivating and debated mysteries within the Five Nights at Freddy’s universe. The lack of concrete details, the multitude of potential suspects, and the profound impact on the franchise have all contributed to its enduring appeal.

Despite the countless theories and analyses, the true story behind the Bite of ’87 may never be fully revealed. Perhaps that is the point. The ambiguity allows fans to explore the dark underbelly of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, creating their own narratives and interpretations of this infamous event.

Ultimately, the Bite of ’87 serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent dangers of technology, corporate negligence, and the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition. Is it merely a plot device, or does it represent something deeper, a symbol of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of the seemingly innocent world of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza? The answer, like the event itself, remains shrouded in mystery, inviting players to continue searching for the truth. What are your thoughts on the Bite of ’87? Join the discussion and share your theories!