April Mop or April Fool’s Day is a tradition celebrated in many countries, including Indonesia. On this day, people play pranks or hoaxes on each other. Tech companies also join the fun by creating fake products or features. In 2019, Google Maps introduced a game called Google Maps Snake. Is it real or just a prank? Let’s find out.
What is Google Maps Snake?
Google Maps Snake is a version of the classic game Snake that can be played on the Google Maps app. In the original game, players control a snake that eats dots and grows longer. They must avoid hitting walls or their own tail. In Google Maps Snake, the snake moves on the streets of a city, and players collect landmarks instead of dots. The game was available on both Android and iOS devices.
How to Play Google Maps Snake?
To play Google Maps Snake, users had to update their Google Maps app to the latest version. Then, they had to open the app and tap on the sidebar menu. Next, they had to choose “Play Snake” from the list of options. The game would start on the map of their current location, but they could choose other cities such as Cairo, São Paulo, London, Sydney, San Francisco, Tokyo, or the entire world. Players could use swipe gestures or arrow keys to move the snake. They could also share their scores on social media.
Why Did Google Create Google Maps Snake?
Google Maps Snake was not just a random idea. It was actually a tribute to the original Snake game, which turned 20 years old in 2017. Google has a history of celebrating anniversaries and milestones with Easter eggs or doodles. For example, in 2018, Google Doodle marked the 50th anniversary of the Logo programming language with a coding game. Moreover, Google Maps is one of the most used apps in the world, and adding a game to it could increase engagement and retention.
What Were the Reactions to Google Maps Snake?
Google Maps Snake was generally well-received by users and media. Many people appreciated the nostalgia and the creativity behind the game. Some even suggested that Google should make it a permanent feature or add more levels. However, others criticized the game for being too simple or distracting. They argued that Google should focus on improving the core functions of Google Maps, such as accuracy and speed.
Was Google Maps Snake a Prank?
Despite the positive feedback, some people were skeptical about the authenticity of Google Maps Snake. They thought that it might be an April Fool’s joke, since Google has a reputation for making elaborate and funny pranks. However, Google confirmed that the game was not a prank, but a real feature. In fact, it was available for a week, from March 29 to April 5, 2019. After that, it disappeared from the app, but users who had downloaded it could still play it.
How to Find Other Google Maps Easter Eggs?
Google Maps Snake was not the only surprise that Google has hidden in its maps. There are many other Easter eggs or secret features that can be discovered by curious users. For example, users can change the appearance of the map by clicking on the satellite icon twice, or by typing “zerg rush” in the search box. They can also explore famous landmarks in 3D by clicking on the “Earth” button. Moreover, Google Maps has a “Timeline” feature that shows the user’s location history and activities.
Conclusion
Google Maps Snake was a real feature that allowed users to play the classic game Snake on the streets of various cities. It was not an April Fool’s joke, but a tribute to the original game and a way to engage users. Although some people criticized it for being too simple or distracting, many others enjoyed it and wished it could stay forever. Google Maps has many other Easter eggs and secret features that can be discovered by adventurous users. So, next time you use Google Maps, try to explore beyond the usual route.
