No Internet Game: Evolutionary Timeline
The No Internet Game, also referred to as the “Chrome Dinosaur” and “Dinosaur Game”, has carved out a unique niche in the world of digital entertainment. What started as a quirky Easter egg in Google’s Chrome browser has grown into a beloved icon of internet culture. This blog delves into the timeline of the game’s creation, release, and the updates that have kept it fresh and engaging over the years.
To discover more about the No Internet Game, how to play it and including tips and tricks read this article next.
The Birth of the No Internet Game: Concept and Creation
2014: The Concept is Born
The No Internet Game was conceived by Google Chrome design team in early 2014, as a playful way to ease the frustration of losing internet connectivity. The idea was simple yet brilliant—create a mini-game that users could play when their internet connection dropped, turning a potentially annoying situation into a fun distraction.
The game’s lead designer, Sebastien Gabriel, drew inspiration from the prehistoric era, a nod to the “prehistoric age” of technology when being offline meant being disconnected from the world. The decision to use pixelated art was a choice to nod to the “Chromes error” artwork. They called the T-Rex the “Lonely T-rex.” Alan Bettes has said that they had only one directive when making the game which was to keep the movement “rigid” to keep it in fitting with retro video games.
To keep it under wraps it was given the code name “Project Bolan” the lead singer Marc Bolan’s last name from T.Rex.
2014: The Official Release
6th September 2014: The Game Launches
In September 2014, the No Internet Game made its official debut within the Chrome browser. The game was programmed to automatically appear on the “No Internet” error page, featuring a pixelated T-Rex running through an endless desert. The controls were straightforward: pressing the space bar made the dinosaur jump, helping it avoid obstacles like cacti.
The simplicity of the game, combined with its unexpected appearance, quickly captured the attention of users. What was meant to be a lighthearted Easter egg rapidly evolved into a viral sensation, with people intentionally disabling their internet connections just to play the game.
The No Internet Game’s Updates: Enhancing the Experience
December 2014: Device Compatibility
A few moths after the games release, it was apparent there was many Android device issues with the game, where people couldn’t access it. This resulted in Edward Jung having to rewrite the whole code to allow players with all devices the ability to play it.
June 2015: The Introduction of New Obstacles
In 2015, Google introduced its first significant update that added new obstacles to the game. Along with the cacti, players now had to contend with pterodactyls in flying in the sky and at ground level. Having an enemy in the air, brought a new challenge to the game, making players question if they should jump or not.
May 2016: Night Mode
As the game’s popularity soared, Google rolled out its second major update in December 2016. This included a day-night cycle that added visual variety to the endless desert. As players reach a score of 700 points, the background would gradually shift from day to night and then back again the more points gained.
Expanding the No Internet Game’s Legacy
September 2018: Four Year Birthday Surprise
By 2018, the No Internet Game had become a cultural phenomenon, known and loved by internet users around the globe. To celebrate the game’s 4th anniversary and Google Chromes 10th, Google released a special update. This included balloons, a colourful birthday cake and once eaten a colourful party hat appeared on the T-Rex. This celebratory touch was a hit among fans and added to the games lore.
6th September 2018: Creators Birthday Interview
Google released an interview on the Thursday 6th September, the same week of the games Birthday Easter egg surprise. They creator’s revealed their initial ideas for the game, commenting on its reception and its development.
November 2018: High Score Sync
The biggest problem with playing on No Internet Game was that the high score in the top right hand corner never saved. Once you left the page the score was wiped, however this changed in 2018. The update was as soon as your internet returns and the window is open it syncs to all your devices. Unfortunately the syncing of the high score however doesn’t work on iOS.
March 2021: No Internet Game Online
During this period, Google also made it possible to access the game even when connected to the internet. By typing “chrome://dino” into the Chrome address bar, users could now play the game anytime. This ensured that the T-Rex could now run free regardless of internet connectivity. iOS 14 users with Google Chrome received it first, and then Android users followed.
July 2021: Tokyo Summer Olympics
To celebrate the “Tokyo 2020” 2021 Summer Olympics, Google added to the game an Olympic themed Easter egg. When collecting a colourful Olympic torch, the No Internet Game design changed to an Olympic endless runner activity. The activity changing on refreshing the browser page. Some of these activities included; The T-Rex on a surfboard jumping over waves, the T-Rex riding a horse jumping over fences and the T-Rex wearing a leotard jumping over pommel horses.
Present: The Legacy of the No Internet Game
Fast forward to present day, the No Internet Game stands as one of the most beloved browser-based games of all time. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with its retro pixelated graphics, has made it a staple of internet culture. Whether you’re an occasional player or a die-hard fan, the No Internet Game continues to offer a delightful diversion during those frustrating moments without internet.
Conclusion: The Future of the No Internet Game
While the No Internet Game remains largely unchanged from its original form, its timeless appeal ensures that it will continue to be a favourite for years to come. As we look back on its creation, release, and the updates that have kept it engaging, it’s clear why this little game has left such a big impact. With more updates its lore will increase, however it’s fun, iconic, easy to play simplicity is why people find it so appealing.
References
Chrome Dino (online in Google Chrome browser). chrome://dino
T-Rex Runner – pterodactyls (online). https://amp.knowyourmeme.com/memes/subcultures/t-rex-runner
As the Chrome dino runs, we caught up with the Googlers who built it (online). https://blog.google/products/chrome/chrome-dino/
Cross-device High Score (online). https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/11/30/show-off-your-chrome-dino-game-skills-with-the-arrival-of-cross-device-high-score-sync/
Tokyo Olympics (online). https://9to5google.com/2021/07/21/chromes-dino-run-game-tokyo-olympics-easter-egg/
