Stuck without internet? Don’t worry — Google has your back with a tiny, pixelated dinosaur ready to run through a prehistoric desert. The Dinosaur Game, also called the Chrome Dino or T-Rex Runner, is a simple yet surprisingly addictive endless runner that appears in the Google Chrome browser when you're disconnected from the internet. Over time, it has become a cultural icon, celebrated for its minimalistic design, easy-to-learn gameplay, and fun, stress-relieving action.
History and Origins
The Dinosaur Game was created by Google developers Sebastien Gabriel, Alan Bettes, and Edward Jung in 2014. It was designed to entertain users when the internet was unavailable, appearing with the message: “No internet” along with a lonely-looking T-Rex. What started as a tiny easter egg quickly became a fan favorite. Today, the game is known and loved by millions, even when they’re not offline.
Gameplay Mechanics
The Dinosaur Game is a side-scrolling endless runner where you control a small T-Rex running through a desert. Your goal is simple: run as far as you can while dodging obstacles like cacti and flying pterodactyls.
Basic Controls:
Space bar / Tap / Up Arrow – Jump
Down Arrow – Duck (once pterodactyls appear)
The longer you survive, the faster the game gets, increasing the challenge and requiring quick reflexes. There's no end or “win” — the game continues until you crash into an obstacle.
Day and Night Cycle
To keep things interesting, the game features a day-night cycle. As your score increases, the background color gradually switches from light (day) to dark (night) and back again, adding visual variety and a subtle challenge.
Why the T-Rex?
The choice of a T-Rex was symbolic — when you have no internet, you’re basically “back in the prehistoric age,” disconnected from the modern world. A running dinosaur was a playful way to represent this concept while also giving the game a retro feel. The T-Rex itself, while simple in design, has become an unofficial mascot for Google Chrome’s offline mode.