5 reasons 2048 has made everyone its slave

MANILA, Philippines – It has ruined perfectly organized schedules. It has stalled thousands of people from doing the important things they need to do. Its challenging attribute has made it an obsession for people around the world. This is what the game “2048” can do. 

Created by 20-year-old web developer Gabriele Cirulli, the game’s goal is to reach the tile number “2048.” You can do this by simply using your keyboard’s directional keys to add the tiles together. 

Starting out as a simple game online, it has now become one of the most downloaded apps for Android and Apple today. 

Don’t be fooled by the bland exterior of gray and the easy gameplay. This game has captured the attention of millions of people, and just like all addicting games, it has special qualities that keep people from putting their phones and laptops away.

1) There is no limit to playing the game

You don’t need to collect sunflowers. There are no lives that can be replenished within minutes. It’s free for everybody. You don’t have to wait – you get to play it wherever you want and whenever you want. Case closed.

2) It’s hard to beat

Reaching the tile 2048 is like rock climbing. It is both physically and mentally straining. You may get stiff neck from hours of playing, plus it tests your mind on how well you can manipulate the game to your advantage. 

In rock climbing, you just can’t grab onto rocks “because you feel like it” – same goes for the game. It requires focus and a solid strategy to advance. Until you come up with a great plan, your stiff neck and tired eyes will be all for nothing. And you’ll still be playing it the next day.

3) Its level of annoyance is well-balanced

One good thing about it is it’s not as annoying as dying in Flappy Bird. Sure, you may have generated a haywire of tiles that don’t match, but the game’s annoying quality makes you want to strive even further. It doesn’t make you want to quit, but it still makes you go crazy, just like these people expressing their thoughts on Twitter:

Whatever you do in life do not download 2048 most annoying/addicting game in the world and you can't win

— Nick Young (@nickyoung012) May 7, 2014

The game 2048 teaches me more about math than my math teacher.

— al pal (@_alimaggio) May 7, 2014

It's like I keep getting worse at 2048 every time I play it 😭

— BACDI (@Randaboob) May 7, 2014

4) It’s mentally stimulating

Whether you’re bored or stuck with lots of paperwork, this game makes your brain tick. It’s perfect for those lazy days when you feel like you’re unproductive. It’s perfect for escaping hectic schedules. It’s perfect for those long hours of waiting in the airport. It’s perfect for any kind of occasion. It doesn’t make you exceptionally smarter (or does it?), but playing this game will definitely keep your engine from rusting!

5) The variety of the game’s rip-offs cater to everybody

Cirulli’s invention has definitely inspired many web developers to create their own versions of the game:

• If reaching the tile 2048 isn’t motivating enough, how about a sexy version of Chris Evans’ and Zac Efron’s?
• K-Pop fans that play the game may now rejoice because there’s also a Chanyeol edition.
• Feeling a bit risqué? How about a game of shots, 2048-style?
• Missing Ned Stark? Check out this Game of Thrones version. Missing The Doctor? See how far along his timeline you can get in the Doctor Who version.
• If you still haven’t gotten over the Flappy Bird fad, here’s a version too.

If none of these are good enough for you, you can make your own 2048 game!

There are so many versions that are existing online, but if you prefer to make your own, you can too! And that makes it even more inviting to play! – Bjorn Landas/Rappler.com