The
new iPhone game Flappy Bird has flown its way up to the place of the top free
app of both the Apple and Google Play stores. Why? Even the creator of the game
is surprised. Dong Nyugen created the app in two to three days, and says that
he did not do any promotion for his product, and concludes that the simplicity
of the game is what makes it so popular.
The
goal of Flappy Bird is to tap the screen so the bird stays in the air, all the
while trying to avoid obstacles. It certainly sounds simple enough, and just by
it’s description, it would not be enough to tempt me to download and play it. Why,
then, has this game soared to viral status?
The
answer is just as simple: social media. I’ve seen a number of vines of people
playing the game, and most times failing miserably. There have also been tweets
explaining how frustrating and difficult the game is. Despite these complaints,
however, users are continuing to download and play the game. I think it all
comes down to the inner competitor in all of us. We see our friends leaving
expletive filled tweets or Instagram pictures of their terrible scores, and we
are curious to see if we can get a better score.
It’s
also natural for humans to want to try the latest fad, whether it’s a song, a
fashion choice, or a type of food. Apps and games are no different. Social
media is the fastest and most effective way of spreading these fads. It’s a
free way of promoting a product or service as well. Dong Nyugen might not have
wanted to promote Flappy Bird, but it was promoted anyway through social media.
I recently downloaded this game too and find that, although I'm not very good, it is quite entertaining. I did not hear about it through social media though, but from friends who were playing it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes simpler is better. I think the simplicity of the game really helps social media to make this game a fad. Anyone can pick it up and try it out. I think this helps people to tweet about the game as well because everyone understands the basic concept, even if they don't play it.
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