15 Game Theories That Might Actually Be True!

Key Takeaways

• Hidden Clues: Many popular game theories are supported by in-game clues, developer interviews, and narrative breadcrumbs that suggest a deeper story.

• Developer Intent: Some theories, like "Luigi was meant to be in Super Mario 64," have been confirmed by official leaks, revealing original developer intentions.

• Shared Universes: Evidence suggests some game universes, like Half-Life and Portal, are deliberately interconnected.

• Community Driven: Players often uncover hidden lore and secrets years after a game's release, fueling ongoing debate and adding layers of meaning to the experience.

Introduction: The Secrets Hidden in the Code

From hidden levels to cryptic Easter eggs, video games are playgrounds for imagination and mystery. Over the years, fans have developed wild theories about their favorite games—many of which seem like playful speculation at first. But in some cases, the evidence is so compelling and the clues so meticulously scattered that you can't help but ask: what if it's true?

This article explores the most intriguing game theories that might actually be true, from sinister secrets in children’s games to elaborate shared universes and developer-confirmed surprises.

1. Link Is Dead in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

One of the most chilling and plausible theories is that Link is dead during the events of the game, and Termina is his journey through purgatory.

The Evidence:

• The game's five regions mirror the five stages of grief: denial (Clock Town), anger (Woodfall), bargaining (Snowhead), depression (Great Bay), and acceptance (Ikana Canyon).

• Many NPCs are distorted versions of characters from Ocarina of Time, possibly representing Link's memories.

• The game’s eerie, dreamlike atmosphere supports the idea that Termina is a liminal, otherworldly space.

2. Luigi Was Supposed to Be in Super Mario 64

For years, players hunted for Luigi, fueled by a blurry plaque that read “L is real 2401.” It turns out they were right all along.

Why It's True:

• In 2020, leaked Nintendo source files confirmed that a full 3D model for Luigi was created for the game but was ultimately cut.

• Developers originally planned a multiplayer mode, which would have featured Luigi as the second playable character.

3. The Truth Behind Pokémon’s Lavender Town Syndrome

This dark theory claims the original Pokémon Red & Green music for Lavender Town caused illness and even suicides in children in Japan.

Debunked? Not Completely:

• While the "mass suicide" claim is an urban legend, the original theme did contain unusually high-pitched tones and unsettling binaural beats.

• Game Freak developers reportedly adjusted the music in later releases after receiving complaints from children about headaches.

4. The Grand Theft Auto Universe Is Interconnected

Could all the Grand Theft Auto games exist in the same universe? Strong evidence suggests they do.

Proof Across Games:

• Businesses, radio stations, and celebrity characters appear across multiple titles.

• GTA IV’s protagonist, Niko Bellic, is mentioned in a GTA V news clip, and CJ from San Andreas is referenced as having left the criminal life.

5. Minecraft Is a Post-Apocalyptic Earth

What if Minecraft’s blocky, abandoned world is actually a ruined Earth, and you are the last survivor?

The Theory's Roots:

• The world is filled with ruined temples, abandoned mineshafts, and strongholds, suggesting a lost civilization.

• The mute, passive Villagers seem to mimic human society but lack its intelligence.

• Hostile mobs like zombies and skeletons could be the remnants of the former inhabitants.

6. Half-Life and Portal Are in the Same Universe

Unlike other theories, this one is confirmed by the developers. Valve's two iconic franchises are set in the same world.

Confirming Details:

• The research facility Black Mesa (Half-Life) is mentioned as a competitor to Aperture Science (Portal).

• The Borealis, an Aperture Science research vessel, is a key plot point in Half-Life 2: Episode Two.

7. The Elder Scrolls – The Entire World Is a Dream

An ancient fan theory posits that the world of Nirn is nothing more than the dream of a slumbering godhead.

Lore Support:

• The concept of the "Dream of the Godhead" is referenced in in-game books from Morrowind onward.

• Characters who achieve "CHIM" (a godlike state) are said to realize the world is a dream, allowing them to manipulate it—much like a player loading a save file.

8. Squall Dies in Final Fantasy VIII

This theory suggests that protagonist Squall dies at the end of Disc One, and the rest of the game is his dying dream.

Compelling Clues:

• Squall is impaled by a massive ice shard but wakes up in the next scene with only a small scar and no explanation.

• The game's narrative shifts dramatically after this point, moving from a grounded story to surreal, dream-like logic.

9. Ash Ketchum Has Been in a Coma Since Episode One

In the Pokémon anime, it’s theorized that Ash fell into a coma after being struck by lightning in the first episode, and the entire series is his dream.

Supporting Details:

• Ash never ages, despite his journey lasting for decades.

• He constantly encounters legendary Pokémon and one-in-a-million trainers.

• Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny look identical in every town, a common feature of dreams.

10. Five Nights at Freddy’s – You’re the Killer

One of the strongest theories in the convoluted FNAF lore is that in the earlier games, you aren't a victim but the murderer, trapped in a personal hell.

Here's Why:

• The gameplay loop is repetitive and inescapable, like a form of purgatory.

• The animatronics are haunted by the spirits of murdered children, who may be seeking revenge against you.

11. The Sims – We Are the Aliens

This tongue-in-cheek theory suggests that in The Sims, we, the players, are essentially aliens or gods controlling human lives from above.

Consider This:

• Sims react to unseen forces, and their fate is entirely in our hands.

• The game includes Easter eggs about "Watchers" and supernatural manipulation.

12. Mario is the Real Villain

While Mario is seen as a hero, some believe he’s a manipulative figure controlling the Mushroom Kingdom for his own benefit.

Strange Clues:

• Bowser kidnaps Peach in almost every game with no long-term resolution, suggesting a staged conflict that keeps Mario relevant and powerful.

• Mario’s actions often cause more destruction to the world than Bowser's.

13. "The Cake Is a Lie" – Portal’s Deeper Meaning

More than just a meme, Portal’s famous phrase may be a metaphor for false rewards and the illusion of free will. GLaDOS promises a reward (cake) that doesn't exist to manipulate you into blind obedience.

14. Call of Duty: Zombies Is an Endless Time Loop

The CoD: Zombies storyline is so dense that fans created a time loop theory to explain its bizarre narrative. The same characters reappear in different timelines, and some endings suggest that the entire struggle is repeating endlessly in a circular purgatory.

15. Sonic’s Chemical Plant Zone is a Post-Apocalyptic Earth

In Sonic 2, the Chemical Plant Zone features polluted water and industrial devastation. Some believe this zone is a vision of Earth after an environmental collapse caused by Dr. Eggman's industrial ambitions.

Conclusion

Gaming is an interactive art form where mystery and interpretation go hand-in-hand. While not all theories are confirmed, many hold enough weight to make us see our favorite games in a new light. They showcase the creativity of the gaming community and, in some cases, might even reveal truths the developers left behind for us to find.