There is a game that you’ve likely never heard of, yet it’s by far one of the most popular VR games ever made. What is ostensibly a simple game of multiplayer tag for pre-adolescent children is also, I have recently discovered, a wild hotbed of ludicrous in-universe conspiracies fuelling a genuine belief among its players that the game is somehow haunted. Gorilla Tag is one of the strangest games I’ve encountered in a very long time. This is a story that involves a microcosm of the meme-based internet, and somehow the very first song ever sung by a computer.
For Christmas 2024, we finally succumbed and bought our 10-year-old son a Meta Quest 3S. As a VR skeptic (I predict Meta will give up on it in 2026, focusing only on AR from that point) I’ve always held off, but then was broken down by peer-pressure-by-proxy—my son’s close friends are all gaming together after school via the machines—and the sudden affordability of Meta’s latest model. The kids’ game of choice is Gorilla Tag. People, this gets weird, fast.
Gorilla Tag is an online multiplayer game of VR tag where everyone plays as a gorilla. (The clues are all there in the title.) In a very genius decision, the gorillas have only arms, no legs, making sense of movement in a way so many VR games do not: you frantically propel yourself around with your arms, whether grabbing and yanking at the ground in front of you, or climbing by hauling yourself upward. In its most popular mode, Contagion, when you get tagged you become a “lava monkey” (there is no distinction between monkeys and apes here, sorry naturalists), and can then tag others. Last one tagged is the winner. That’s how it starts, and pretty much sums up how it was intended, at least, to be played. But then you start hearing about the ghosts…
The game itself looks like a 3D Minecraft world where these brightly colored gorillas, severed at the torso, all lope about the various blocky biomes in an effort to turn each other to lava. Along the way, there are fun little wintry details in the game just now, like the ability to scoop up and throw snowballs at one another, and lots of little easter eggs for players to introduce to one another like veterans welcoming in the new recruits.
Gorilla Tag was officially launched in late 2022 for Meta Quest, then SteamVR in early 2023, and most recently PSVR2 at the end of 2024. Mostly the work of one person—Kerestell Smith (known as Lemming), later joined by a small team—the free game crossed $100 million in revenue last year, and achieved this with no paid advertising or publisher backing, just pure word-of-mouth mania. Being free to play (and genuinely so, with only cosmetics costing money) means it’s often at the top of the “most popular” lists for VR platforms, and so it’s a game kids often notice when they first start poking around. That is, if they haven’t begged for virtual reality goggles specifically to be able to play this game.
At first, what we as parents experienced was the hilarious sight of our son cartwheeling his arms around as he pantingly attempted to escape from taggers, in what is absolutely a superb work-out on top of a silly game. However, what we absolutely weren’t ready for was open chat with complete strangers. Thankfully, the Quest lets you hear what he’s hearing, and we quickly developed stringent rules that as soon as there was extensive cursing or any hint of racism or other bigotry, he needed to change server. (His own approach, endearingly, was to believe he could convince other pre-teen children not to be racists with heartfelt encouragement.) It was deeply demoralizing to hear the n-word so frequently, from squeaky pre-adolescent voices.
Of course, in addition to playing Gorilla Tag, our son was also compelled to watch YouTube videos about Gorilla Tag, beginning with guides on “pinch climbing” and snowball-based exploits to propel oneself across the map, but the algorithm almost immediately directed him toward videos about the ghosts. This Game Blog article discusses the rumors and conspiracies surrounding the game Gorilla Tag, particularly regarding the existence of ghosts within the game. The article mentions that despite the game being completely innocuous, players have created over 1,000 named ghosts with unique characteristics, spreading rumors and misinformation among each other.
The article also highlights the addition of a skeletal gorilla named Lucy to the game as a Halloween joke, which further fueled the conspiracy theories among players. Various players spread misinformation about how to summon Lucy in the game, leading to a widespread belief in the existence of ghostly moderators who could ban players for extended periods.
Additionally, the article mentions other non-existent ghosts within the game, such as PBBV and Daisy09, with players sharing audio clips and songs to perpetuate the rumors. The writer’s son is mentioned as being initially convinced of the existence of these ghosts but eventually becomes more skeptical after being reassured by the writer.
Overall, the article showcases how children playing Gorilla Tag engage in creating and spreading rumors, forming a microcosm of internet behavior within the game. Memes, misinformation, and spooky tales all contribute to the immersive experience for players, blurring the lines between reality and fiction within the gaming community. **Gorilla Tag: Unraveling the Mysterious World of Kids’ Online Play**
In the fast-paced realm of online gaming, children navigate virtual worlds with a mix of innocence and intrigue. A recent phenomenon in the gaming community sheds light on how kids immerse themselves in games like Gorilla Tag, creating a unique hierarchy and weaving tales of ghosts and mysteries. Let’s delve into this captivating world where imagination runs wild and friendships are fleeting.
**Exploring the Fascinating Dynamics of Gorilla Tag Lobbies**
In the virtual playground of Gorilla Tag, kids swiftly establish hierarchies, with the most confident leading the way on thrilling “ghost hunts.” As they chase each other across three-dimensional landscapes, the core tag mechanic ensures a fun and exhilarating gameplay experience. Despite occasional exploits and out-of-bounds adventures, the game’s essence remains intact, providing endless entertainment for young players.
**Addressing the Need for Safer Online Gaming Environments**
While Gorilla Tag offers a thrilling multiplayer experience, concerns arise regarding child safety in online lobbies. The game lacks the option to create private, password-protected lobbies for kids, necessitating adult supervision to ensure a secure gaming environment. Implementing parental approval for access to private lobbies could mitigate risks and enhance safety measures for young players.
**Navigating the Intriguing World of Online Community Myths**
Within the virtual realm of Gorilla Tag, a fascinating tapestry of myths and rumors unfolds among players, connecting strangers in fleeting moments of shared imagination. Despite the chaos of gameplay, kids craft elaborate stories about ghosts and otherworldly beings, showcasing the power of collective storytelling in online communities. Balancing creativity with parental guidance becomes essential in safeguarding children’s experiences in the digital landscape.
**Embracing the Rollercoaster of Emotions in Gorilla Tag**
For kids engrossed in Gorilla Tag, every gameplay session becomes a whirlwind of emotions, from pride and terror to laughter and camaraderie. As parents navigate the complexities of online multiplayer, they witness the profound impact of gaming on their children’s lives, offering both joy and challenges in equal measure. Through shared experiences and shared laughter, families embark on a journey of discovery and growth in the digital age.
**Conclusion**
In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, Gorilla Tag stands out as a captivating platform for children to explore, connect, and create lasting memories. As parents and players alike embrace the joys and challenges of virtual worlds, the game’s ability to spark imagination and foster camaraderie remains unparalleled. With a blend of creativity, caution, and community, Gorilla Tag continues to redefine the boundaries of online play for the next generation of gamers.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
**1. Can kids create private lobbies in Gorilla Tag?**
Children playing on their accounts currently lack the option to create private, password-protected lobbies in Gorilla Tag, necessitating adult supervision for a secure gaming experience.
**2. How can parents ensure their child’s safety in online gaming environments?**
Parents can monitor their child’s online interactions, set parental controls, and engage in open communication to promote safe gaming practices and protect their children from potential risks.
**3. What makes Gorilla Tag a popular choice among kids?**
Gorilla Tag’s dynamic gameplay mechanics, thrilling chase sequences, and imaginative storytelling elements resonate with young players, offering a unique and engaging gaming experience.
**4. How can families navigate the challenges of online multiplayer gaming?**
By fostering open communication, setting boundaries, and staying informed about online safety measures, families can create a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for children while promoting responsible gaming habits.
**5. What role does storytelling play in online gaming communities?**
Storytelling serves as a powerful tool for building connections, fostering creativity, and enhancing the overall gaming experience for players, especially in online communities like Gorilla Tag.
**6. How can parents balance creativity and supervision in their child’s gaming experiences?**
Parents can encourage their child’s creative expression while providing guidance, setting boundaries, and monitoring online interactions to ensure a safe and positive gaming environment.
**7. What are some tips for enhancing gameplay in Gorilla Tag?**
Players can explore different strategies, master movement mechanics, and collaborate with teammates to maximize their enjoyment and success in Gorilla Tag’s dynamic multiplayer environment.
**8. How can online communities contribute to a child’s social development?**
Engaging with diverse online communities can help children develop social skills, empathy, and resilience, fostering positive relationships and meaningful connections in virtual spaces.
**9. What are the potential risks of unsupervised online gaming for children?**
Unsupervised online gaming can expose children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators, highlighting the importance of parental involvement and vigilance in monitoring their digital activities.
**10. How can families create a healthy balance between screen time and other activities for children?**
By setting limits on screen time, encouraging physical activity, and promoting diverse hobbies and interests, families can help children maintain a balanced lifestyle and prioritize their overall well-being.
**Tags: Gorilla Tag, Online Gaming, Child Safety, Virtual Communities, Parental Supervision, Gameplay Mechanics, Storytelling, Multiplayer Experience** “Top 10 Must-Play Video Games of 2021.”
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