Contents
- What is an Easter egg?
- Easter eggs in movies and series
- Easter eggs on websites
- Easter eggs in games
What is an Easter egg?
An Easter egg is a hidden message or secret buried within a work of art, whether it's a movie, cartoon, video game, or website. The term originates from the Catholic tradition where eggs were hidden in unexpected places during Easter. This activity engaged both children and adults, who tried to find these eggs using clues to see who could find the most. In the same spirit, Easter eggs in movies or games are not always easy to spot: it requires attention and observation to discover them.
Searching for Easter eggs has become a popular pastime not only for dedicated fans but also for ordinary viewers eager to decipher hidden messages and puzzles. These elements are not part of the main plot, so their lack of visibility does not affect the overall perception of the work. However, those who manage to find them gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the world in which they exist.
Easter eggs in movies and series
Many directors and producers use Easter eggs as a technique to engage viewers. They place hints, references, and jokes within the frames. Often, characters from other works can be spotted in the background. Secret messages may be hidden in posters, characters' clothing, books, and other small details, some of which relate to the plot, while others exist outside its context.
For example, in Sam Raimi's films, the Oldsmobile Delta 88 car frequently appears, becoming a sort of signature for the director. In "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," viewers can once again see this iconic car. Additionally, in season 6, episode 13 of "How I Met Your Mother," there is a countdown that ends on a sad note for one of the main characters. Such moments make the viewing experience more exciting and intriguing.
Easter eggs on websites
Since the early 2010s, there has been a trend in website design towards bright animations and abundant decor, which has led to the emergence of Easter eggs in interfaces. These secret messages could be found in headings, background images, and even in the website's code. However, over time, this technique has become less common, as modern users prefer minimalist design and quick task completion.
Nevertheless, some companies still maintain the practice of using Easter eggs. For instance, on the Yandex.Practicum website, there are jokes hidden in the code that only attentive users will notice. Similarly, Google regularly adds interactive elements to its homepage, such as the ability to flip a coin or play retro games, making user interaction more engaging.
Easter eggs in games
In the gaming industry, the tradition of Easter eggs has deep roots. It is believed that the first Easter egg was created in 1979 by the developer of the game Adventure, who added a secret room with his own name in it. Since then, developers have actively incorporated hidden levels, secret scenes, and items, significantly diversifying gameplay.
For example, in Cyberpunk 2077, there are numerous Easter eggs, including the appearance of the famous game designer Hideo Kojima in one of the bars, paying homage to this legendary game creator. In Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, there is also an Easter egg: the player needs to jump onto a building and through a window to enter a secret room. These elements create a unique experience for players and add an additional layer to the narrative in games.