The Dinosaur Game, also known as the Chrome Dino Game or simply “T-Rex Runner,” is one of the most iconic hidden games on the internet. Developed by Google, this endlessly running mini-game was introduced in 2014 as an Easter egg in the Chrome browser. Its purpose is simple: entertain users when their internet connection is down. What started as a small feature has grown into a beloved symbol of boredom relief and retro-style gaming.
How to Play
The Dinosaur Game automatically launches when your device has no internet connection, and you try to open a webpage in Google Chrome. Instead of an error message alone, you’re greeted with a pixelated T-Rex dinosaur on a desert landscape.
To play:
Press the spacebar (or tap on mobile) to begin.
The T-Rex will start running automatically.
Press the spacebar or tap to jump over obstacles like cacti.
As the game progresses, the speed increases, and pterodactyls start flying by, which the player must also avoid.
The goal? Survive as long as possible.
There’s no ending to the game. It continues indefinitely, gradually increasing in difficulty until you crash.
Design and Aesthetics
The Dinosaur Game features minimalist pixel art, reminiscent of early 8-bit video games. This design choice was intentional—it’s meant to evoke a “prehistoric” feel that matches the no-internet experience.
Some notable design features include:
Black-and-white monochrome palette
Blocky, charming animations
Day-night cycle as you survive longer
Simple sound effects (when enabled in modified versions)
This minimal style isn’t just nostalgic; it also ensures the game can run on any device, including low-end hardware and outdated browsers.
Why a Dinosaur?
You might wonder, Why a T-Rex? According to Google developers, the dinosaur represents the “prehistoric age” before Wi-Fi, symbolizing what it's like to be without internet. The concept was both humorous and relatable, especially as modern society increasingly relies on constant connectivity.
The idea was also to give users something fun and interactive instead of just showing a boring error screen. It’s a clever way to turn frustration into amusement.
Hidden Features and Milestones
While the game seems straightforward, there are a few hidden features and milestones:
The game switches from day to night after reaching 700 points and then switches back and forth regularly.
Flying pterodactyls appear after 450 points and must be ducked (in desktop versions) or avoided.
The highest score display is capped at 99,999, after which it resets.
On touchscreen devices, tapping anywhere jumps, while on desktop, pressing the down arrow makes the dinosaur duck.
There are also unofficial mods and clones that add more complexity, such as power-ups, color changes, or even multiplayer modes.
Chrome Dino Game’s Popularity
Despite being a built-in game, the Chrome Dino has become a global phenomenon. It’s featured in memes, merchandise, mobile app stores (as unofficial copies), and even competitive speedrun events. Millions of people have played it—often without realizing they’re engaging with a piece of browser history.
In 2018, Google revealed that the game is played over 270 million times per month, especially in countries where internet outages are more common.
