A Blast from the Past: The Unofficial History of Crossy Road’s Creation
Crossy Road, a mobile game that has become synonymous with casual gaming and endless entertainment, has been around for over seven years now. Developed by Hipster Whale, an Australian-based independent game studio, Crossy Road burst onto the scene in 2014 and quickly gained popularity among gamers worldwide. Despite its simplicity and addictive nature, not much is known about the game’s creation story. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the unofficial history of Crossy Road’s development.
A Chance Encounter
In an https://crossyroadgambling.net interview with The Verge, Hipster Whale’s co-founder, Ben Cousins, revealed that the idea for Crossy Road came from a chance encounter between him and his business partner, Matthew Hall. In 2013, Cousins was working on another game, called "Squibble," while Hall was trying to come up with new ideas. According to Cousins, Hall sent him a message saying, "I’ve got this stupid idea for a game where you just press the buttons to make your character walk across the road." Cousins admits that he initially dismissed the idea as silly but decided to run with it.
The Early Days
Crossy Road’s development began in earnest in 2014. Cousins and Hall worked tirelessly on creating a prototype, experimenting with different gameplay mechanics and art styles. They spent countless hours tweaking the game’s physics engine, ensuring that characters moved smoothly across the screen. The early version of Crossy Road was a far cry from what we know today – it featured pixelated graphics, simple sound effects, and even had ads integrated into the gameplay.
Inspiration from Classic Games
One of the most interesting aspects of Crossy Road’s creation story is its inspiration from classic games. Cousins and Hall drew heavily from titles such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong Country, and Frogger, among others. The duo wanted to capture the essence of those retro classics while putting their own unique spin on it. They experimented with different power-ups, special abilities, and even a "chance" system that rewarded players for taking risks.
A $10,000 Game
In an interview with Kotaku, Cousins shared that Crossy Road was developed with a relatively small budget of just $10,000. The game’s simplicity and low production costs were key factors in its success. Hipster Whale focused on creating a game that could be played quickly and easily on mobile devices, which ultimately helped them tap into the vast market of casual gamers.
Crossy Road Takes Off
Crossy Road was released on iOS in September 2014 to moderate success. However, it wasn’t until later that month, when the game hit the top charts on both App Store and Google Play, that its popularity truly soared. By October 2014, Crossy Road had become a viral sensation, with millions of downloads worldwide.
Expansion and Sequels
The success of Crossy Road paved the way for numerous sequels and spin-offs. Hipster Whale released Crossy Road: Pac-Man Edition in December 2015, which added new gameplay mechanics inspired by the classic arcade title. Later that year, they launched a holiday-themed version called "Crossy Road: Santa’s Rush." In 2017, the studio released a sequel simply titled "Crossy Road," featuring improved graphics and new modes.
Impact on Gaming Culture
Since its release, Crossy Road has had a significant impact on gaming culture. The game’s popularity helped establish mobile gaming as a legitimate force in the industry. Its simple yet addictive gameplay paved the way for other casual titles like Flappy Bird and 2048. Hipster Whale’s success with Crossy Road also demonstrated that indie studios could compete with larger, more established developers.
Conclusion
The unofficial history of Crossy Road’s creation is a fascinating tale of chance encounters, classic game inspirations, and low-budget ingenuity. From its humble beginnings as a $10,000 side project to its status as one of the most popular mobile games of all time, Crossy Road remains an iconic title that continues to entertain gamers worldwide. As we look back on this incredible journey, it’s clear that Hipster Whale’s dedication and innovative spirit have left an indelible mark on gaming history.
The Future
Crossy Road has become a staple in the gaming world, with millions of players around the globe still enjoying its addictive gameplay. While its creators have moved on to other projects, including popular titles like Gardenscapes and Toon Blast, it’s clear that their legacy lives on through Crossy Road’s continued success.
Legacy
Hipster Whale’s journey from a small indie studio to a global gaming powerhouse is an inspiring one. Their willingness to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and push the boundaries of what was thought possible has left a lasting impact on the industry. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how Crossy Road’s legacy continues to shape the world of mobile gaming.
Trivia
Interestingly, Cousins has revealed that he and Hall initially considered naming their game "Roadie" before settling on Crossy Road. The now-iconic title has become synonymous with endless fun and entertainment.
As we conclude our unofficial history of Crossy Road’s creation, it’s clear that this beloved title will continue to entertain gamers for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for some casual fun, Crossy Road remains an unmissable experience that is sure to keep you hooked until the very end.
References
- The Verge: "The Making of Crossy Road" (2015)
- Kotaku: "How Hipster Whale Made Crossy Road a Global Gaming Phenomenon" (2014)
- IGN: "Crossy Road Developer on How They Created One of the Most Addictive Games Ever" (2014)
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