In a world dominated by complex graphics and immersive online experiences, it’s surprising that one of the most beloved games is completely offline, monochrome, and controlled by just one key. Known as the Dinosaur Game, Chrome Dino, or simply the No Internet Game, this side-scrolling endless runner has become an iconic symbol of patience, nostalgia, and unexpected fun during internet outages.
? History and Origin The Dinosaur Game was introduced by Google Chrome in 2014 as an easter egg to entertain users while they were offline. Created by developers Sebastien Gabriel, Alan Bettes, and Edward Jung, the game features a cute pixelated T-Rex running through a desert. Originally designed as a joke — referencing the "prehistoric" feeling of not having internet — it quickly became a viral hit.
? Gameplay Mechanics The gameplay couldn’t be more straightforward:
You control a running T-Rex that automatically moves forward.
Press spacebar (or tap on mobile) to jump over cacti.
Later in the game, you must also duck (with the down arrow key) to avoid flying pterodactyls.
The game speeds up gradually, making it harder the longer you survive.
There’s no end to the game — it continues until the dinosaur crashes into an obstacle. It's about timing, focus, and rhythm.