K-Pop star Psy of "Gangnam Style" fame is now a playable character in the popular mobile game "Crossy Road." Owing to the game's instant success in Korea, publisher Yodo1 has released a worldwide update that largely focuses on Korean culture and gaming scene, plus 10 new characters.
In a Polygon interview, Yodo1 CEO Henry Fong said they wished to give back to the Korean crowd for their reception and support of the game. One of Hipster Whale's developers Matt Hall also explained to the publication that their strategy was largely concerned with people's interest in the game more than money-making.
According to Fong, "Crossy Road" players can expect an overhauled scoring system and some mechanics involving dancing to avert traffic together with the update since incorporating the widely recognized Psy into the game opened up a lot of possibilities in terms of game modes.
One of the key contributors to the success of "Crossy Road" is the way the creators utilize the monopolization of the app. The game also does not offer an advantage to seasoned players any more than it does to newcomers.
The "Crossy Road" mechanics is likened to the gameplay of the 80s arcade game "Frogger" where the player must maneuver their selected character in order to cross the endless obstacle-ridden course without dying. The idea behind the game was conceptualized around the popular joke riddle, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" The proper response to the joke would be, "To get to the other side."
Despite the free update, players would have to unlock Psy's character via a purchase worth $2.99 and within a limited time of three months only. The character will be voiced by the the Korean rapper himself, who is known for the phenomenal success of "Gangnam Style."
Currently, the "Gangnam Style" music video is the most watched YouTube video ever. In 2014, YouTube reported that the video had been watched so many times that it broke their view limit since its launch in 2012, BBC reported.