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W. D. Gaster is a character created for ''[[Undertale]]''. Early on in the game, Gaster is alluded to through various references, though he himself did not appear in the game or have any direct references to his existence. The most notable of these references come from the River Person. He is also indirectly referenced in the [[Sans (Undertale)|Sans]] boss fight, where he wields a weapon called the Gaster Blaster.<ref name="Kotaku">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/players-may-never-solve-undertales-final-mystery-1742228039 |title=Players May Never Solve Undertale's Final Mystery |work=[[Kotaku]] |last=Grayson |first=Nathan |date=November 13, 2015 |accessdate=April 1, 2024}}</ref> Gaster's existence in ''Undertale'' was discovered after players looked through the game's code.<ref name="TG"/> There are two sprites that exist in the game's file that are believed to possibly be Gaster; one's file is named Mystery Man, while the other is named Redacted.<ref name="CBR">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/undertale-wd-gaster-mystery/ |title=Undertale: Who Is W. D. Gaster? |work=Comic Books Resources |last=Creswell |first=Jacob |date=August 14, 2021 |accessdate=April 1, 2024}}</ref> According to ''[[IGN]]'',the former sprite is based on the design of Uboa from ''[[Yume Nikki]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/10/cult-horror-game-yume-nikki-hits-steam-new-project-teased |title=Cult Horror Game Yume Nikki Hits Steam, New Project Teased |work=[[IGN]] |last=Rad |first=Chloi |date=January 10, 2018 |accessdate=April 1, 2024}}</ref>
W. D. Gaster is a character created for ''[[Undertale]]''. Early on in the game, Gaster is alluded to through various references, though he himself did not appear in the game or have any direct references to his existence. The most notable of these references come from the River Person. He is also indirectly referenced in the [[Sans (Undertale)|Sans]] boss fight, where he wields a weapon called the Gaster Blaster.<ref name="Kotaku">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/players-may-never-solve-undertales-final-mystery-1742228039 |title=Players May Never Solve Undertale's Final Mystery |work=[[Kotaku]] |last=Grayson |first=Nathan |date=November 13, 2015 |accessdate=April 1, 2024}}</ref> Gaster's existence in ''Undertale'' was discovered after players looked through the game's code.<ref name="TG"/> There are two sprites that exist in the game's file that are believed to possibly be Gaster; one's file is named Mystery Man, while the other is named Redacted.<ref name="CBR">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/undertale-wd-gaster-mystery/ |title=Undertale: Who Is W. D. Gaster? |work=Comic Books Resources |last=Creswell |first=Jacob |date=August 14, 2021 |accessdate=April 1, 2024}}</ref> According to ''[[IGN]]'',the former sprite is based on the design of Uboa from ''[[Yume Nikki]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/10/cult-horror-game-yume-nikki-hits-steam-new-project-teased |title=Cult Horror Game Yume Nikki Hits Steam, New Project Teased |work=[[IGN]] |last=Rad |first=Chloi |date=January 10, 2018 |accessdate=April 1, 2024}}</ref>


In addition to these characters, hidden characters called Gaster Followers could also appear in the game by modifying the "fun" value of certain files, who would divulge details about Gaster.<ref name="CBR"/><ref name="Kotaku"/> One follower stated that Gaster fell into his own creation, while another stated that his existence was spread across time and space. Finally, a third follower stated that Gaster was listening.<ref name="CBR"/> A [[Tumblr]] post written by ''Undertale'' creator [[Toby Fox]], written from the perspective of [[Sans (Undertale)|Sans]], also suggested that he may be listening, saying a similar line to the aforementioned NPC.<ref name="Kotaku"/> Players can also modify the room numbers in two key files, which causes a message to be posted in the [[wingdings]] font beginning with "entry number seventeen," in reference to a missing entry in the True Lab section of ''Undertale,'' though interestingly an unused entry with the same number exists being written in the style of Gaster's successor [[Alphys]], however it was removed in Version 1.05 of the game.<ref name="CBR"/><ref name="Kotaku"/>
In addition to these characters, hidden characters called Gaster Followers could also appear in the game by modifying the "fun" value of certain files, who would divulge details about Gaster.<ref name="CBR"/><ref name="Kotaku"/> One follower stated that Gaster fell into his own creation, while another stated that his existence was spread across time and space. Finally, a third follower stated that Gaster was listening.<ref name="CBR"/> A [[Tumblr]] post written by ''Undertale'' creator [[Toby Fox]], written from the perspective of [[Sans (Undertale)|Sans]], also suggested that he may be listening, saying a similar line to the aforementioned NPC.<ref name="Kotaku"/> Players can also modify the room numbers in two key files, which causes a message to be posted in the [[wingdings]] font beginning with "entry number seventeen," in reference to a missing entry in the True Lab section of ''Undertale."<ref name="CBR"/><ref name="Kotaku"/>


When ''Undertale'' creator [[Toby Fox]] released update version 1.001 for ''Undertale'', fans believed that certain lines of dialogue added to the game suggested that Gaster was indeed a real character in the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/21/10808740/undertale-patch-update-new-content |title=Undertale's first patch claims to fix bugs, but fans found hidden content |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=January 21, 2016 |accessdate=April 1, 2024}}</ref> This update added the ability to enter a room containing a character believed to be Gaster, though it is a rare occurrence based on random factors in the game code. This was originally only possible by modifying the game's code.<ref name="RPS"/>
When ''Undertale'' creator [[Toby Fox]] released update version 1.001 for ''Undertale'', fans believed that certain lines of dialogue added to the game suggested that Gaster was indeed a real character in the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/1/21/10808740/undertale-patch-update-new-content |title=Undertale's first patch claims to fix bugs, but fans found hidden content |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=January 21, 2016 |accessdate=April 1, 2024}}</ref> This update added the ability to enter a room containing a character believed to be Gaster, though it is a rare occurrence based on random factors in the game code. This was originally only possible by modifying the game's code.<ref name="RPS"/>
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==Appearances==
==Appearances==
Gaster is referenced in ''Undertale'' at various points, but with only few exceptions, does not actually appear in the game. According to information found in the game, Gaster once existed in the world, but due to falling into one of his machines, caused his existence to be scattered across time and space. After this happened, no one in the world seemed to remember he existed.<ref name="Fanbyte"/> Through code modification or random factors, the player may encounter a character believed to be Gaster. Players can also find a theme in a secret sound test room, where the song "Gaster's theme" could be played, and if they try to name themselves Gaster, the game will restart, not allowing it, furthermore modifying a save file to have Gaster as its set name prevents the player from resetting as doing so would send them back to the opening cutscene.<ref name="Kotaku"/> If players name themselves Gaster in ''[[Deltarune]]'', the game will similarly restart.<ref name="Kotaku2"/> While Gaster is not shown to appear in Toby Fox's other game, ''[[Deltarune]]'', there are references to Gaster's theme at multiple times throughout the game.<ref name="TG2">{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/deltarune-ways-connected-undertale/ |title=8 Ways Deltarune Is Connected To Undertale |work=The Gamer |last=Srebro |first=Staci |date=October 7, 2021 |accessdate=April 1, 2024}}</ref>
Gaster is referenced in ''Undertale'' at various points, but with only few exceptions, does not actually appear in the game. According to information found in the game, Gaster once existed in the world, but due to falling into one of his machines, caused his existence to be scattered across time and space. After this happened, no one in the world seemed to remember he existed.<ref name="Fanbyte"/> Through code modification or random factors, the player may encounter a character believed to be Gaster. Players can also find a theme in a secret sound test room, where the song "Gaster's theme" could be played, and if they try to name themselves Gaster, the game will restart, not allowing it.<ref name="Kotaku"/> If players name themselves Gaster in ''[[Deltarune]]'', the game will similarly restart.<ref name="Kotaku2"/> While Gaster is not shown to appear in Toby Fox's other game, ''[[Deltarune]]'', there are references to Gaster's theme at multiple times throughout the game.<ref name="TG2">{{cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/deltarune-ways-connected-undertale/ |title=8 Ways Deltarune Is Connected To Undertale |work=The Gamer |last=Srebro |first=Staci |date=October 7, 2021 |accessdate=April 1, 2024}}</ref>


==Analysis==
==Analysis==

Revision as of 01:02, 24 April 2024

W. D. Gaster
Undertale character
"Mystery Man", a sprite believed to belong to W. D. Gaster in Undertale
First appearanceUndertale (2015)
Created byToby Fox

W. D. Gaster is a character in the 2015 video game Undertale. He is normally not seen by the player, and is never discussed directly in the game. Players can only encounter him by either having certain variables line up, or by modifying certain game files to make him or characters related to him appear. One design, named in the game files as "Mystery Man" came to be understood as being W. D. Gaster, though whether this is Gaster is not confirmed.

The existence and nature of W. D. Gaster has been the subject of speculation among both fans and critics. Multiple theories exist about him, including one that suggests that he is the brother of the characters Sans and Papyrus. It has also been argued that his name is a reference to the Wingdings font, similar to Sans and Papyrus being named after the fonts Comic Sans and Papyrus.

Concept and history

W. D. Gaster is a character created for Undertale. Early on in the game, Gaster is alluded to through various references, though he himself did not appear in the game or have any direct references to his existence. The most notable of these references come from the River Person. He is also indirectly referenced in the Sans boss fight, where he wields a weapon called the Gaster Blaster.[1] Gaster's existence in Undertale was discovered after players looked through the game's code.[2] There are two sprites that exist in the game's file that are believed to possibly be Gaster; one's file is named Mystery Man, while the other is named Redacted.[3] According to IGN,the former sprite is based on the design of Uboa from Yume Nikki.[4]

In addition to these characters, hidden characters called Gaster Followers could also appear in the game by modifying the "fun" value of certain files, who would divulge details about Gaster.[3][1] One follower stated that Gaster fell into his own creation, while another stated that his existence was spread across time and space. Finally, a third follower stated that Gaster was listening.[3] A Tumblr post written by Undertale creator Toby Fox, written from the perspective of Sans, also suggested that he may be listening, saying a similar line to the aforementioned NPC.[1] Players can also modify the room numbers in two key files, which causes a message to be posted in the wingdings font beginning with "entry number seventeen," in reference to a missing entry in the True Lab section of Undertale."[3][1]

When Undertale creator Toby Fox released update version 1.001 for Undertale, fans believed that certain lines of dialogue added to the game suggested that Gaster was indeed a real character in the game.[5] This update added the ability to enter a room containing a character believed to be Gaster, though it is a rare occurrence based on random factors in the game code. This was originally only possible by modifying the game's code.[6]

Despite the findings of dataminers in Undertale, Deltarune produced comparatively little in the way of reference to Gaster in that game's code.[7]

"Royal Sciences LLC", a company founded by Toby Fox in October 2015 to manage the copyrights of both Undertale and Deltarune appears to reference the character's job as the royal scientist.[8][9]

Appearances

Gaster is referenced in Undertale at various points, but with only few exceptions, does not actually appear in the game. According to information found in the game, Gaster once existed in the world, but due to falling into one of his machines, caused his existence to be scattered across time and space. After this happened, no one in the world seemed to remember he existed.[10] Through code modification or random factors, the player may encounter a character believed to be Gaster. Players can also find a theme in a secret sound test room, where the song "Gaster's theme" could be played, and if they try to name themselves Gaster, the game will restart, not allowing it.[1] If players name themselves Gaster in Deltarune, the game will similarly restart.[7] While Gaster is not shown to appear in Toby Fox's other game, Deltarune, there are references to Gaster's theme at multiple times throughout the game.[11]

Analysis

W. D. Gaster has been a popular figure in the Undertale community, the mystery behind his existence sparking a large investigation by members of the community into the truth around him.[10] The identity of W. D. Gaster was identified as one of gaming's biggest mysteries, by both Gaming Bolt and The Gamer staff, the latter who noted that Gaster was popular with roleplayers online.[12][2] Kotaku writer Nathan Grayson noted that W. D. Gaster was the only secret left remaining in Undertale, discussing how, despite all of the work put into investigating Gaster, the mystery still remains unsolved, suggesting that the data in the game files could have been leftover content not intended to be found.[1] Tunic game designer Andrew Shouldice spoke of his appreciation for "risky secrets" like Gaster that cause players to "consider a new approach that'd never crossed their mind, or reveal a submerged mechanic that they'd never interfaced with."[13] Fanbyte writer Kara Dennison speculated that Deltarune would eventually answer questions surrounding Gaster and other mysteries from Undertale.[14]

Gaster has been the subject of various theories, including a theory that he is a long-lost brother of Sans and Papyrus.[6] Kotaku writer Heather Alexandra suggested this could be the case, citing design notes that allude to a character related to Papyrus and claiming that this could be Gaster.[15] Players also speculated that the 'W. D.' in his name was wingdings, which furthered the connection to Sans and Papyrus, who are named after Comic Sans and Papyrus fonts respectively. Nathan Grayson also speculated that strange symbols found in Sans' lab may be wingdings.[1] Another fan theory is that, following his apparent death, his existence was spread all across space and time.[1] In reference to the NPCs found through file modification, fans theorize that they are fragments of Gaster speaking about what it's like to be across time and space.[1] Writer Mattia Podini discussed the presence of techniques he suggested were used by Toby Fox to manipulate players into responding to certain details in a certain way. For Gaster, he suggested that he served as an example of players experiencing apophenia, the perception of meaningful connections between unrelated things. He argued that many things players took for granted to be true about Gaster, such as his appearance, character connections, and other background details, were not confirmed to be true.[16]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Grayson, Nathan (November 13, 2015). "Players May Never Solve Undertale's Final Mystery". Kotaku. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "15 Shocking Video Game Questions That Are Still Unanswered". The Gamer. June 4, 2017. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d Creswell, Jacob (August 14, 2021). "Undertale: Who Is W. D. Gaster?". Comic Books Resources. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  4. ^ Rad, Chloi (January 10, 2018). "Cult Horror Game Yume Nikki Hits Steam, New Project Teased". IGN. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  5. ^ Frank, Allegra (January 21, 2016). "Undertale's first patch claims to fix bugs, but fans found hidden content". Polygon. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Dingman, Hayden (January 23, 2016). "Undertale's Patch Is Full of Secrets". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Grayson, Nathan (November 1, 2018). "Undertale Fans Already Have Theories About What's Going On In Deltarune". Kotaku. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  8. ^ "WebVoyage Record View 1". web.archive.org. January 8, 2022. Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  9. ^ "Royal Sciences LLC". opencorporates.com. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Fisher, Luca (June 22, 2022). "Geometric Realities: Cosmic and Symbolic Shapes in Games". Fanbyte. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  11. ^ Srebro, Staci (October 7, 2021). "8 Ways Deltarune Is Connected To Undertale". The Gamer. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  12. ^ Parijat, Shubhankar (December 3, 2018). "15 Times Games Left Unanswered Mysteries In Them". Gaming Bolt. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  13. ^ Wright, Steven T. (May 10, 2019). "Tunic's devs reveal the secrets of the cutesy but mysterious Zelda-like". Red Bull. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  14. ^ Dennison, Kara. "Everything I Want From the Future of Deltarune". Fanbyte. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  15. ^ Alexandra, Heather (January 9, 2017). "Undertale Creator Shares Notebook Full Of Early Concepts And Art". Kotaku. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  16. ^ Podini, Mattia (April 15, 2021). "7 Nudges & Manipulative Techniques present in Undertale". Game Developer. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
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