Crossy Road is a mobile game that has gained significant popularity since its release in 2014. Developed by Hipster Whale, an Australian independent game development studio, it quickly became one of the top-grossing games on mobile platforms worldwide. On the surface, it appears to be a simple yet addictive endless runner where players control a character navigating through roads and intersections, avoiding traffic, other obstacles, and trying to reach their destination.
However, as we delve deeper into the game’s mechanics and concept, it becomes apparent that Crossy Road is built on top of a specific theme: gambling. Crossy Road This theme has raised several questions among gamers, critics, and even regulators regarding its legitimacy, safety, and potential risks for players, particularly children.
Definition and Concept
Crossy Road can be considered an endless runner game with arcade-style elements where the player must navigate through roads filled with various obstacles, such as cars, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians, and more. The primary objective of each level or “session” is to reach a predetermined destination without being hit by any obstacle.
The unique aspect of Crossy Road lies in its use of in-game purchases that are directly linked to monetization strategies similar to those used in classic video lottery terminals (VLTs) or slot machines found at casinos. Players can acquire various characters, such as animals, sports icons, and even movie stars, by spending in-game currency known as “gold nuggets” which they earn during gameplay.
The Concept Behind the Monetization
In a bid to generate revenue from players’ interest in collecting unique avatars or other customization options, Hipster Whale implemented various monetization strategies based on microtransactions. Upon opening the game for the first time, new users are automatically presented with an introductory offer consisting of 2500 gold nuggets at $1.
Each subsequent purchase increases exponentially due to a mechanic called “proliferation.” For instance, one purchase may cost around $100 but provide significantly more in-game currency than what was previously spent on smaller purchases. The lure is that these new amounts unlock exclusive characters and further customization options beyond those attainable through initial gameplay efforts.
To further facilitate purchasing power for users with limited access to real money during regular play sessions (which are designed as free-to-play experiences), the developers provide features such as rewards earned after consecutive gaming hours, in-app rewards following a series of game completions on specific days of the week or other arbitrary conditions.