For those unfamiliar with the world of virtual reality gaming, Gorilla Tag may not ring a bell. But for parents and children alike, this game has become a sensation in recent years. Created by Kerestell Smith, also known as Lemming in the gaming community, Gorilla Tag has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in 2021. With over a million daily players, three million monthly active users, and a total player count exceeding 12 million, Gorilla Tag has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.
As a parent of a young Gorilla Tag enthusiast and a writer in the gaming industry, I had the opportunity to sit down with Smith during PAX West for an exclusive interview. Our conversation delved into the origins of Gorilla Tag, its unexpected popularity among younger players, and its future implications for the gaming landscape as a whole.
Smith revealed that Gorilla Tag was not initially designed with kids in mind. His focus was on creating a game that resonated with his own preferences without specifically targeting a younger audience. However, the simplicity and engaging nature of Gorilla Tag’s gameplay loop drew in players from a wide age range, particularly those between 7 and 14 years old.
Players enter the world of Gorilla Tag as virtual gorillas, engaging in multiplayer tag matches and exploring a playground-like environment. What started as a tag game evolved into a platform for player creativity, storytelling, and social interaction. Smith even shared how his team conducts virtual meetings within the game, showcasing the diverse applications of Gorilla Tag beyond its core gameplay.
Smith’s journey into game development stemmed from his passion for virtual reality and a desire to create immersive experiences. Inspired by the sense of presence and connection VR offers, Smith formulated the Three Axioms that guided the development of Gorilla Tag. These principles emphasized player-environment interaction, world-building with consistent rules, and fostering connections among players.
Looking ahead to his next project, Orion Drift, Smith aims to expand on Gorilla Tag’s social structure and multiplayer capabilities. By leveraging the core principles that defined Gorilla Tag’s success, Smith and his team are poised to deliver another innovative VR experience.
Smith’s vision for Gorilla Tag extended beyond creating a game to cultivating a vibrant community within the VR space. He emphasized the unique social dynamics VR enables, particularly in an era where physical interactions are limited. Through Gorilla Tag, Smith aimed to provide players with not just a gaming experience, but a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Despite initial challenges and unexpected popularity, Smith’s belief in VR’s future remains unwavering. He sees the medium as a platform for innovation and community-building, with endless possibilities for growth and development. As VR continues to evolve, Smith envisions a future where virtual experiences are seamlessly integrated into everyday life, transcending generational boundaries.
As Gorilla Tag continues to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of developers, Smith remains committed to exploring VR’s untapped potential. His enduring optimism and dedication to creating meaningful experiences reflect the boundless possibilities VR offers for both current and future gamers.