Skip to Top of Page Skip to Navigation Skip to Main Content Skip to Footer

History of The Dinosaur Game

Griffin Bateson / October 26, 2023
History of The Dinosaur Game

When thinking about some of the most famous offline games, there are a select few that come to mind. Almost all of them are retro games such as Pong, Pacman, and Snake.

However, amongst these famous offline games is one that has become a classic only in the past few years. That is of course the Chrome Dino Game, a seemingly hidden game. If you have ever been on Google Chrome and not been able to connect to the internet, you might have noticed a tiny 2D dinosaur that appears next to a message that reads ‘No Internet’. If you simply press the up arrow, the game will begin and the dinosaur will begin jumping over cacti and birds.

This game is a straightforward yet fun game that has become a bit of a staple of the browser games community over the past decade or so. While a lot of people have played this game, many do not know much about its origins. So let’s take a look at the history of the Chrome Dino Game and how it got to where it is today.

Birth of the Chrome Dino Game

The Dinosaur Game was created in September 2014 by the Google team. The main purpose of the game was to keep users entertained, even if their internet wasn’t working. The game was a simple, yet fun and creative way to keep users happy. 

So let's go over a few of the key historical topics of the dino game. From the inspiration for the game, to the completion of it, to its rise in popularity. 

Inspiration

It’s hard to say what exactly inspired the Google team to create the Chrome Dino Game. However, this was during the time that a lot of similar never-ending platformer games were on the rise. Back in 2014, games like Flappy Bird and Temple Run were still extremely popular. Many people on the internet theorize that these games were the inspiration for the Chrome Dino Game.

Completing The Game

One of the more unique attributes of the Chrome Dino Game is that while it is usually defined as an endless runner game, there is actually an ending. Players can complete the game if they get a score of 99,999. However, this score is almost unachievable. There have only been a handful of people who have managed to get this score. If you are able to get 99,999, you can take great pride in knowing that you are one of the only people in the world who has achieved victory in the Chrome Dino Game.

Easter Eggs

Part of the charm of the Chrome Dinosaur Game is the presence of hidden Easter eggs and secrets. One of the most famous Easter eggs is the ability to turn the T-Rex into different characters by entering special codes in the developer console. For example, you can play as a pterodactyl or a cute corgi, adding a fun and whimsical element to the game.

Popularity

The Chrome Dinosaur Game's global popularity is a testament to the power of simplicity and the human desire for a quick and accessible form of entertainment. It's a game that appeals to all age groups, whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking for a casual way to pass the time.

The game's legacy extends beyond the digital realm. Its iconic T-Rex has become a symbol of the quirky and whimsy of the internet.

Closing Thoughts

The Chrome Dino Game is a great example of how Google took a negative experience and turned it into a positive one. Losing your internet connection is always a frustrating experience, but being able to play a fun and interesting game is certainly a silver lining. This desert-dwelling dinosaur has become an icon around the internet that is loved around the world.

Now that you have learned about the story of the Chrome Dino Game, make sure to go and play it for yourself here at Coolmath Games. Run through the desert and see just how far you can get before being stopped by a bird or cactus. Who knows, maybe you can make it all the way to the end!