Why Was Subway Surfers Created?
“Subway Surfers” is a popular mobile game developed by Kiloo and SYBO Games.
It was first released in May 2012 and has since become one of the most downloaded and played games in the mobile gaming industry.
The game’s creation can be attributed to a combination of factors, including market trends, creative inspiration, and the desire to offer a unique and engaging gaming experience.
1. Mobile Gaming Boom (2000s-2010s):
The story of “Subway Surfers” begins in the context of the mobile gaming boom that started in the early 2000s and continued to gain momentum throughout the 2010s.
As smartphones became more powerful and accessible, they provided a new platform for gaming, making it easier for developers to reach a wide audience.
The growing popularity of mobile gaming presented a lucrative opportunity for game developers to create innovative and addictive titles.
2. Kiloo and SYBO Games:
The two companies behind “Subway Surfers,” Kiloo and SYBO Games, are Danish game development studios. Kiloo was founded in 2000, while SYBO Games was founded in 2010.
Both companies had experience in developing and publishing mobile games prior to creating “Subway Surfers.”
Kiloo’s previous games included titles like “Frisbee Forever” and “Bullet Time,” while SYBO Games had worked on “Haunted House” and “Yum Yum Boy.”
3. Inspiration for Subway Surfers:
The idea for “Subway Surfers” likely originated from various sources of inspiration. Subway environments have always had an intriguing and dynamic quality that lends itself well to a fast-paced and visually engaging game.
Moreover, the “endless runner” genre, where players continuously move forward in a level while avoiding obstacles, was gaining popularity at the time.
Games like “Temple Run” had already demonstrated the appeal of this gameplay mechanic.
4. Unique Concept and Setting:
“Subway Surfers” offered a unique twist to the endless runner genre. Instead of running through generic landscapes, the game’s characters run through subway systems in different cities around the world.
This concept introduced a level of novelty and excitement that set it apart from other mobile games.
5. Target Audience:
Kiloo and SYBO Games likely recognized the potential to appeal to a wide demographic.
The game’s simple yet engaging mechanics made it accessible to casual gamers of all ages, while its vibrant graphics and global settings appealed to a younger audience.
This broad appeal played a crucial role in the game’s success.
6. Artistic and Visual Appeal:
The game’s graphics and visual design are worth mentioning. “Subway Surfers” features colorful, cartoonish characters and environments that are visually appealing.
The artwork is sharp, and the use of vibrant colors adds to the game’s overall charm.
This attention to visual detail likely contributed to the game’s initial draw and continued popularity.
7. Frequent Updates and Events:
One of the key strategies behind the success of “Subway Surfers” was its commitment to keeping the game fresh and engaging.
The developers consistently released updates and events, introducing new characters, locations, and challenges.
This approach encouraged players to keep coming back, as there was always something new to discover.
8. In-Game Monetization:
“Subway Surfers” adopted a free-to-play model with in-game ads and microtransactions.
Players could choose to watch ads to continue their run or purchase in-game currency to unlock characters, boards, and power-ups.
This monetization strategy allowed the game to generate revenue while keeping the barrier to entry low, ensuring a large player base.
9. Global Appeal:
The decision to set the game in various real-world cities around the world gave “Subway Surfers” global appeal.
Players could explore iconic locations like New York City, Paris, Tokyo, and many others, adding an element of cultural diversity and excitement to the gameplay.
This approach resonated with players from different regions and backgrounds.
10. Word of Mouth and Social Sharing:
“Subway Surfers” benefited from the word-of-mouth phenomenon.
Players would share their high scores and achievements with friends and on social media platforms, creating a viral effect that helped the game gain even more traction.
This organic marketing strategy was instrumental in the game’s success.
11. Community Engagement:
The developers actively engaged with the game’s community through social media and other online platforms.
They listened to player feedback and incorporated suggestions into updates, demonstrating their commitment to player satisfaction. This level of community engagement helped build a dedicated player base.
12. Competitive Nature:
“Subway Surfers” introduced a competitive element through global leaderboards.
Players could compare their scores with friends and other players worldwide, fostering a sense of competition and encouraging players to improve their performance.
13. Longevity and Adaptability:
“Subway Surfers” managed to stay relevant and adapt to changing trends in the mobile gaming industry.
The frequent updates, collaborations, and seasonal events kept the game fresh and appealing to both new and returning players.
This adaptability allowed the game to remain popular for years after its initial release.
14. Collaborations and Licensing:
The game’s developers also engaged in collaborations and licensing deals, which allowed them to introduce popular characters and themes from other franchises into “Subway Surfers.”
For example, they collaborated with Disney to bring characters like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse into the game, further expanding its appeal.
Final Conclusion on Why Was Subway Surfers Created?
In summary, “Subway Surfers” was created in response to the burgeoning mobile gaming industry, drawing inspiration from the endless runner genre and the unique concept of subway environments.
Kiloo and SYBO Games capitalized on the opportunity to create a visually appealing, globally resonant, and engaging game with a wide target audience.
Their commitment to frequent updates, community engagement, and adaptability ensured the game’s longevity and enduring success in the competitive world of mobile gaming.
Ultimately, the game’s creators managed to tap into the perfect combination of factors, resulting in the creation of a mobile gaming sensation that continues to captivate players around the world.
