Smosh Mouth - Episode #20: We Convinced Her Five Nights At Freddy's Was Real w/ Spencer Agnew

Release Date: November 6, 2023
Host: Smosh (Shayne Topp and Amanda Lehan-Canto)
Guest: Spencer Agnew

1. Introduction

In Episode #20 of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne Topp (Shane) and Amanda Lehan-Canto (Amanda) welcome their special guest, Spencer Agnew. The episode centers around gaming, delving into personal gaming histories, the psychology of game design, and even a playful prank involving the popular game Five Nights at Freddy's (FNAF).

2. Diving into Gaming

2.1. Personal Gaming Histories

The conversation kicks off with the trio sharing their favorite childhood games. Amanda reminisces about titles like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, GoldenEye for N64, and Tony Hawk Pro Skater. Spencer, recognized as the true gamer among them, lists Asian Fire, among others, highlighting his extensive gaming knowledge.

Notable Quote:
Shane [01:03]: “It's Vice City.”

2.2. Spencer's Gaming Expertise

Spencer details his ability to recall games with remarkable precision, attributing it to what he describes as a "photographic memory."

Notable Quote:
Spencer [03:05]: “I kind of absorb that kind of knowledge like a sponge.”

Amanda contrasts her gaming experience, mentioning games like Carmen Sandiego and Gateway 2000, positioning herself as less of a gamer compared to Spencer.

3. The Dark Side of Gaming: Addiction and Design

3.1. Understanding Game Addiction

The hosts delve into the addictive nature of modern games. Spencer discusses how game design often targets the brain's reward system, making games like World of Warcraft (WoW) and Call of Duty highly engaging and sometimes detrimental.

Notable Quote:
Shane [18:38]: “I got super addicted to World of Warcraft.”

3.2. Microtransactions and Monetization

Shane critiques the shift in game design from purely entertaining experiences to systems that encourage continuous spending through season passes and in-game purchases. Spencer echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the cyclical spending habits these models foster.

Notable Quote:
Spencer [25:37]: “It's a vicious cycle.”

3.3. Balancing Gameplay and Well-being

Amanda and Shane discuss personal strategies to moderate gaming, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries to prevent games from overtaking one's life.

Notable Quote:
Shane [28:01]: “I need to set aside the time that I'm playing it, and when I walk away, I'm not.”

4. Introducing Amanda to the Gaming World

4.1. Planning the Prank

Shane and Spencer reveal their plan to convince Amanda that the plot of Five Nights at Freddy's is a true story, leveraging her non-gamer status for comedic effect.

Notable Quote:
Shane [32:18]: “Because of that, we decided to prank her and convince her that the plot of Five Nights at Freddy's is a true story.”

4.2. Executing the Prank

Throughout the episode, Spencer and Shane fabricate a dark narrative around FNAF, discussing fictional murders and haunted animatronics to lull Amanda into believing the game's lore is based on reality.

Notable Quote:
Spencer [34:26]: “He ended up killing like more kids.”

Amanda gradually becomes convinced, expressing genuine shock and disbelief upon learning the "truth."

Notable Quote:
Amanda [37:05]: “Whoa, how did I miss out on this true crime story?”

5. True Crime Tangents

The discussion naturally transitions into conversations about true crime, with references to YouTubers like MatPat from Game Theory, who delve into the intricate lore of games like FNAF.

Notable Quote:
Spencer [65:08]: “Matpat has the show called Game Theory where he kind of pieces together the story.”

Amanda shares her passion for true crime, highlighting her fascination with intricate murder stories and their impact on popular culture.

Notable Quote:
Amanda [38:08]: “We always trade stories. I go rabbit hole so deep.”

6. The Aftermath: Revealing the Prank

As the episode approaches its conclusion, Shane and Spencer confess their deceit, revealing that FNAF's storyline is entirely fictional and the intricate lore was a playful fabrication.

Notable Quote:
Shane [65:26]: “We lied and I'm sorry.”

Amanda reacts with a mix of betrayal and amusement, acknowledging the effectiveness of the prank.

Notable Quote:
Amanda [67:58]: “I hate you guys so much. I believed it so hard.”

7. Conclusion and Future Plans

The hosts express enthusiasm about future collaborations, including potentially introducing Amanda to games like Dark Souls or Elden Ring. They invite listeners to suggest games for Amanda to explore, blending humor with genuine interest in cross-generational gaming experiences.

Notable Quote:
Amanda [69:17]: “I love that shit.”

Key Takeaways

• Gaming's Influence: The episode underscores the profound impact gaming can have on individuals, from fostering deep memories to the potential for addiction.

• Evolving Game Design: There's a clear critique of modern monetization strategies in gaming, emphasizing the need for balance between engaging content and ethical design.

• Cross-Generational Understanding: The playful interaction between the hosts highlights the generational gaps in gaming knowledge and preferences, promoting a dialogue for greater understanding.

• The Power of Pranks: The successful prank serves as a testament to the camaraderie among the hosts and their ability to entertain through creative storytelling.

Note: This summary omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments as per the request, focusing solely on the substantive discussions and interactions within the episode.