Game Mechanics and Concept
Crossy Road is an endless runner-style mobile game developed by Hipster Whale, which was first released in 2014 for iOS devices before being ported to Android in 2015. The game’s concept revolves around the theme of a person attempting to cross roads while avoiding various obstacles and hazards.
The gameplay mechanic involves controlling a character as it walks across the screen from left to right while trying not to collide with moving vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, bicycles, and other road users. Players earn points by Crossy Road for free collecting coins scattered throughout the game environment and completing levels without hitting any obstacles.
In-Game Currency and Items
Crossy Road features an in-game currency system that allows players to purchase various items using real money. The game offers different types of currency, including gold coins, which can be used to buy in-game items such as characters, outfits, and accessories.
Some examples of the in-game purchases available include:
- Unlocking new characters: Players can choose from a variety of animal characters or even create their own custom character.
- Buying outfits for their chosen character
- Upgrading vehicles that are generated randomly on the road, which give players bonus points when driven over
Endless Runner Features
While not unique to Crossy Road alone (due to being an endless runner genre staple), its implementation is distinct from other similar titles in various ways. Some features of note include:
- Multiple game modes: The standard endless mode can be played alongside time trials, a coin-based challenge that adds pressure to the player’s score
- Weather and day-night cycles that affect gameplay – night drives often have lower visibility due to poor lighting conditions, while rainy weather reduces traction on roads.
- Social features allow friends to compete for top positions in leaderboards.
Free Play Options
Players can choose between playing with either virtual money or real cash. The game includes an option called ‘coins’ which acts as a standalone currency that’s used for non-monetary purposes only and isn’t convertible into real-world funds under any circumstances.
This gives players the ability to engage in limitless gameplay without risking financial losses. In addition, many versions of Crossy Road also offer trial options so new users can try it out before committing any purchases.
Monetization Model
Like many other mobile games from this time period and its contemporaries, monetization primarily relies on in-app purchases made with real money using either iOS’s App Store or Android Google Play. This has sparked debate among critics about the addictive nature of endless runners like Crossy Road.
Some argue it is essentially an economic form of manipulation since many developers intentionally implement aspects to keep users ‘hanging around’ for as long as feasible.
Monetary and Real-World Involvement
There have been some incidents where players attempted to engage with other people either online or in-person by using the game’s real-world representation – that is, trying out how well real-life road conditions compare against those featured on their screens.
The developers had reacted promptly when such reports emerged.
Some features which give insight into just one example of monetization include:
- The potential for generating revenue via advertising
- Players’ ability to purchase items or currency with their own funds
This indicates that players may still opt out using external currency even though the game initially allows it.
