We’ll be honest here, there’s not a lot of Easter eggs found in adult or NSFW games. I mean, in a way, the Easter egg is in many ways the taboo aspect of the content. But in more mainstream gaming (we use that term loosely all things considered), the concept of Easter eggs play a fascinating role in the game’s play.
So what exactly are Easter eggs in games and how do we find them?
Easter eggs have become an intriguing element in the world of gaming that’s a bit beyond the plot of the actual game. In short, Easter eggs are hidden surprises, or delights, found hidden throughout specific games.
What Are Gaming Easter Eggs?
Easter eggs refer to hidden surprises, sometimes secrets, other times references, that game developers intientionally place within a game – but not in an obvious manner. Discovering an Easter egg in a game typically requires a little thought and exploration.
Easter eggs in games tend to evoke excitement in gamers who typically share their experiences in finding these treats in the gaming world. Hence, strategically placed Easter eggs can help embolden a game’s popularity.
But they also serve other purposes. For example, the discovery of an Easter egg is a reward for in-game attentiveness. They help connect the game’s community. And they stamp that particular game with a unique mark. But mostly, they encourage players to explore the world at a more keen level.
But there are a variety of Easter egg types.
Let’s explore.
- Gameplay Easter Eggs: These are hidden areas, secret pathways, or interactive elements within a game that players discover. They may reward players with special items, power-ups, or access to hidden levels or content.
- References and Pop Culture Easter Eggs: Many games feature references to movies, TV shows, music, other games, or real-world events. These Easter eggs can take the form of character cameos, familiar locations, recognizable quotes, or in-jokes that only dedicated fans or knowledgeable players will appreciate.
- Developer Easter Eggs: Game developers often leave their mark within their creations, adding hidden messages, inside jokes, or personal touches. These Easter eggs can range from hidden developer rooms or credits to secret characters named after the development team.
Famous Gaming Easter Eggs
Some of the most well-known and popular games have famous Easter egg finds. Here’s a just a few.
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- Contra (1987): The “Konami Code” – a widely recognized sequence of button inputs (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A) that granted players extra lives, power-ups, or other bonuses.
- Diablo II (2000): The “Cow Level” – a secret level filled with cows that became a popular myth among players. Blizzard Entertainment embraced it and introduced the whimsical and challenging Secret Cow Level as an Easter egg.
- Halo 3 (2007): The “Flyable Pelican” – a hidden, flyable Pelican aircraft discovered in the level “The Covenant” by manipulating objects and timing correctly.
- Grand Theft Auto IV (2008): “The Heart of Liberty City” – a heart-shaped sculpture in the city that, when shot at specific points, reveals a hidden beating heart.
- Half-Life Series: The “G-Man” Sightings – the enigmatic character known as the G-Man makes subtle appearances throughout the series, observing the player’s actions and fueling theories about his true nature.
- Grand Theft Auto V (2013): “Bigfoot” – an Easter egg triggering theories and hunting expeditions by players to find the elusive creature, requiring specific conditions and locations in the game’s open world.
Adding Easter eggs to games, particularly new ones, tends to help build excitement for the game, connect the community, and evoke a sense of mystery. Easter eggs promote the game’s exploration component, as well. Easter eggs are darn fun, and that’s all that we really need to say about that.