One of the most iconic Google Doodles of all time was the launch of google games snake on the search engine homepage for a single day in 2010. This creative take on a retro classic became an instant viral phenomenon. Over a decade later, google games snake remains one of Google's most beloved interactives.
Honoring a Retro Reptile
The original Snake game first gained popularity on 1970s consoles before becoming a ubiquitous time killer on 1990s Nokia phones. As a tribute to this iconic video game, the Google Doodle team developed their own version called google games snake.
Built right into the Google logo itself, google games snake allowed users to guide a pixel snake to eat treats and grow longer, avoiding walls or its own tail. It was a fully playable clone of the addictive Snake formula.
Pioneering Playable Doodles
Before google games snake, most Google Doodles were artistic logo alterations for events and holidays. The wild success of the snake game convinced Google interactive content could be a hugely effective form of advertising and branding.
In subsequent years, Google dramatically ramped up its game Doodle output, releasing titles for major events like Olympics, World Cup, and more. The google games snake had ushered in a new era of innovative marketing.
A Viral Venom
Google games snake took the world by storm in large part thanks to its limited 24 hour availability. As the news spread, office workers and students rushed to play google games snake before it vanished at midnight.
The inclusion of score tracking and social sharing features enabled users to compete for snake bragging rights and broadcast their triumphs. The viral potency of google games snake was off the charts!
Slithering Through Generations
The snake concept has proven captivating and adaptable since its origins in the 1970s, with developers porting it to new systems and adding their own twists for decades since.
Google was able to tap into this rich snake gaming history to create an irresistibly nostalgic version suited perfectly to the online Google Doodle format. Google games snake helped the iconic reptile stay relevant in the digital age.
Leaving Them Longing
Unlike other snake games, google games snake disappeared after just 24 hours. Rather than overexpose audiences to the gimmick, Google withdrew the Doodle and left fans wanting more.
This built tremendous excitement and appreciation for Google's overall doodle efforts. Though sad to see it go, users were thrilled to anticipate whatever clever interactive Doodle would come next.
An Unforgettable Icon
Over ten years later, google games snake remains one of the most beloved Google Doodles in internet history. Its creativity and ability to captivate audiences around the world made it an instant icon.
The success of google games snake set the stage for over a decade of innovative Google interactives to come. Whenever the greatest Google Doodles are compiled, this sly snake sits consistently at or near the very top.
