Peter Molyneux’s experimental cube-tapper has come to an end, with the content of the last cube revealed. The last tap came from Bryan Henderson from Edinburgh who, it was revealed in a video featuring a tiny version of Molyneux himself, will be playing God in 22 Cans’s new title GODUS while also taking a cut from its earnings. The winner will decide the rules of the game for all players as well as money from every microtransaction despite only having started playing Curiosity today.
The Journey of Curiosity
Curiosity – What’s Inside the Cube? was a social experiment and mobile game designed by Peter Molyneux and developed by his company, 22 Cans. The game was launched on November 6, 2012, and quickly garnered attention due to its unique premise. Players from around the world tapped away at a giant cube composed of smaller cubes, with the promise that something life-changing awaited the person who tapped the final cube.
The game was designed to be a collective effort, with millions of players contributing to the gradual destruction of the cube layers. Each layer revealed a new design or image, keeping players engaged and curious about what lay at the center. The concept was simple yet captivating, drawing in a diverse audience eager to be part of the grand reveal.
The Grand Reveal
After months of relentless tapping, the final cube was tapped by Bryan Henderson from Edinburgh. In a video message, a miniature version of Peter Molyneux appeared to announce the grand prize. Henderson would become the God of GODUS, a new game by 22 Cans. This role would allow him to influence the game’s rules and mechanics, essentially shaping the experience for all other players.
Moreover, Henderson’s victory came with a financial incentive. As Molyneux explained, “You, the person who has reached the centre, will be the god of all players. You will intrinsically decide on the rules that the game is played by. And here’s the life-changing bit: you will share in the success of the product. Every time people spend money on the product, you will get a small piece of the pie.”
This announcement was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While the idea of one player having such significant control over a game was intriguing, it also raised questions about the sustainability and fairness of this model. Nonetheless, it was a bold and innovative move that highlighted Molyneux’s penchant for pushing the boundaries of game design.
GODUS itself was envisioned as a reinvention of the god game genre, which Molyneux had previously explored with titles like Populous and Black & White. Players would take on the role of a deity, shaping the world and influencing the lives of their followers. Henderson’s role as the ultimate god added an extra layer of depth and unpredictability to the game, as his decisions would directly impact the gameplay experience for everyone else.
Despite the initial buzz, GODUS faced several challenges post-launch. Development delays, unmet promises, and mixed reviews marred its reception. However, the concept of Curiosity and its grand reveal remains a fascinating case study in game design and player engagement. It demonstrated the power of curiosity and collective effort, as well as the potential for innovative reward systems in gaming.
In conclusion, Peter Molyneux’s Curiosity experiment was a bold and ambitious project that captivated players worldwide. The grand reveal, with Bryan Henderson becoming the god of GODUS, was a testament to the game’s unique approach to player engagement and reward. While the long-term success of GODUS may have been mixed, the legacy of Curiosity continues to inspire discussions about the future of interactive entertainment and the potential for groundbreaking game design.
Source: Wired
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