Reminder – What’s an Easter Egg?
The concept of Easter Eggs in software began with Warren Robinett, the developer of the Atari 2600 game “Adventure.” Frustrated by the lack of recognition for game designers, Robinett secretly included a hidden room in the game that displayed the message “Created by Warren Robinett.” This hidden feature was discovered by players and marked the birth of the term “Easter Egg” in the context of software
Easter Eggs in modern software are a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of developers. They add an element of surprise and delight, making the user experience more enjoyable. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and entertaining Easter Eggs in the software we use every day.
Notable Examples
Over the years, many software developers have embraced the tradition of Easter Eggs, incorporating them into their programs to add an element of surprise and delight. Here are some notable examples:
Over the years
- Google Gravity: In 2009, Google released a Chrome experiment called “Google Gravity” that turned the entire Google homepage into a physics simulation. Users could click and drag elements around the page, watching them fall and bounce2.
- Konami Code: Originally used in Konami video games in the 1980s, the Konami Code (up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A) has been adopted by many other companies, including Google and Facebook, to unlock hidden features2.
- Hidden Flappy Bird Game in Android: In 2014, Google added a hidden Flappy Bird game to Android devices. To access it, users need to go to Settings > About phone > Android version and tap repeatedly on the version number until a lollipop appears. Then, tapping and holding the lollipop reveals the game2.
- Do a Barrel Roll: In 2011, Google added a fun Easter Egg to its search engine. If you search for “do a barrel roll,” the entire page will rotate 360 degrees2.
Easter Egg examples – 2024
In 2024, several new and innovative Easter Eggs have been introduced in various software applications:
- Microsoft Teams: A hidden game of “Snake” can be accessed by typing “/snake” in the chat window. This Easter Egg provides a nostalgic throwback to the classic mobile game.
- Google Maps: By entering “Pegman” mode and dropping the Pegman on specific locations, users can discover hidden animations and interactive elements that celebrate local culture and landmarks.
- Slack: Typing “/unicorn” in the message box triggers a playful animation of a unicorn galloping across the screen, adding a touch of whimsy to the user experience.