Quick definition:A type of game in which the character runs forward automatically through a never-ending course, and the player must jump, dodge or slide to avoid obstacles for as long as possible.
Meaning
An endless runner removes the usual idea of reaching an ending. The idea is closely linked to the arcade tradition of chasing high scores. The character moves automatically, and the player's task is to avoid obstacles and collect rewards for as long as possible, with the game speeding up as time passes.
Controls are usually simple, such as tapping to jump or swiping to change lane, which makes the style ideal for touchscreens. A single run lasts only a minute or two, and the goal is to beat a personal best or compare scores with friends.
Many games add collectible coins, upgrades and characters that make runs more rewarding. The courses are often generated randomly, which keeps them fresh, though the format has been criticised for repetition and heavy use of advertising or purchases in free versions.
Origin:The name describes the structure of the game, where the course has no final goal and continues until the player fails. The style grew from simple arcade and mobile games in which a character moves forward on its own, and became very popular on phones in the 2010s because it suits quick, one-handed play. Example:On a bus ride, Faye taps her phone to start a run. Her character sprints along a rooftop, and she swipes to leap over gaps and duck under signs. Coins appear along the way, and the pace slowly increases. After ninety seconds, she crashes into a barrier and checks her score.
Did you know?Many endless runners use procedural generation, in which the course is assembled from pieces at random, so that no two runs are the same. This makes a huge supply of content from a small amount of artwork.
