The Rise of Crossy Road: Uncovering the Minds Behind the Phenomenon
Crossy Road, the endless runner game that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, was created by a relatively small studio called Hipster Whale. The game’s success can be attributed to the innovative minds behind it, who crossyroadgamble.com poured their heart and soul into creating an experience unlike any other in the mobile gaming space. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Crossy Road’s creators, exploring their inspiration, journey to success, and what sets them apart from their peers.
The Humble Beginnings of Hipster Whale
Hipster Whale was founded by two talented game developers, Owen Hill and Matthew Compy, in 2014. The duo met while working at a game development studio in Melbourne, Australia, where they shared a passion for creating games that were both fun and challenging. With the mobile gaming market on the rise, they saw an opportunity to create a game that would resonate with players of all ages.
The Genesis of Crossy Road
In 2014, Owen and Matthew began brainstorming ideas for their next project. They drew inspiration from classic arcade games such as Frogger and the endless runner genre, which had gained popularity with titles like Temple Run. The duo wanted to create a game that would appeal to players who grew up in the 80s and 90s, while also catering to a younger audience.
Their idea was born out of a simple yet ingenious concept: a character running across roads, avoiding obstacles and collecting items along the way. They experimented with various characters, from chickens to cats, before settling on the now-iconic chicken design. "We wanted a character that was cute and relatable," Owen explains, "something that players could root for."
The Road to Success
After months of development, Crossy Road finally launched in 2014. Initially, the game received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its addictive gameplay while others found it too simplistic. However, the game’s popularity grew rapidly through word-of-mouth and social media buzz.
In an interview with Game Informer, Owen revealed that they were "shocked" by the game’s success, which saw it top the charts in numerous countries worldwide. By 2015, Crossy Road had become a global phenomenon, selling over $10 million worth of in-game items and merchandise.
The Secret to Success
So what sets Hipster Whale apart from other game development studios? According to Matthew, it’s their commitment to innovation and taking risks. "We’re not afraid to try new things," he explains, "and we always strive to create games that are unique and challenging."
Owen adds, "We’ve never been driven by the need for huge profit margins or following trends. Our goal has always been to create something special, something that people will love playing." This approach has earned them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim from industry experts.
Beyond Crossy Road: Expanding Horizons
Hipster Whale’s success with Crossy Road paved the way for new projects, including a sequel titled Crossy Road Castle. However, they didn’t stop there. In 2016, they released a game called Jetpack Joyride 2, a sequel to their previous hit title.
Their latest release, Beasts of Balance, marks a departure from their traditional endless runner genre. This game combines elements of strategy and physics with a unique twist: players collect and balance mythical creatures on a scale, navigating obstacles and challenges along the way.
A Lesson in Perseverance
Hipster Whale’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and taking risks in the game development industry. Their journey from humble beginnings to global success is an inspiration to aspiring game developers everywhere.
As Owen reflects, "We faced many setbacks and challenges during our journey, but we never gave up on our vision. We stayed true to ourselves and continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible."
Matthew adds, "If you’re passionate about creating games that bring people joy, then go for it! Don’t be discouraged by failures or setbacks – every game development studio faces them. What matters is your commitment to innovation and pushing the limits of what’s possible."
Conclusion
Crossy Road’s creators have shown us that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible in the world of game development. Their story serves as a reminder that success often stems from passion, creativity, and a deep understanding of what players want.
Hipster Whale’s journey from two-man team to global phenomenon has inspired countless developers worldwide. As we look back on their achievements, one thing becomes clear: Crossy Road is more than just a game – it’s a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance in the gaming industry.