If there is any stronger argument for the value of trying free-to-play than Temple Run, I can’t think of it. Imangi’s treasure-filled endless runner launched on August 03rd, 2011 as a $0.99 download, and while popular, failed to explode in the way its developers knew it could. On September 18th of that year, they took the game free. Three days later? It was on 1 million devices.
If there is any stronger argument for the value of trying free-to-play than Temple Run, I can’t think of it. Imangi’s treasure-filled endless runner launched on August 03rd, 2011 as a $0.99 download, and while popular, failed to explode in the way its developers knew it could. On September 18th of that year, they took the game free. Three days later? It was on 1 million devices.
And today, Imangi had the pleasure of announcing that – almost exactly one year from the game’s launch – it has become one of the highest downloaded apps of all time, at 100 million unique downloads. To celebrate they’ve released an enviable infographic detailing how widespread the temple running phenomenon has become. Specifically, a massive 13% of the USA has downloaded the game, with over 10 billion sessions (or 54 years) of gameplay clocked thus far.
“We never imagined that the game we were making and loved would be so well received around the world,” said Keith Shepherd, co-founder of Imangi Studios. “The last year has been incredible for us, and we are grateful to fans of the game. We hope to be able to provide them with more entertainment from the brand for years to come.”
Rather than just pat themselves on the back, however, Imangi has timed the news with an update for the game, which adds – among other bug fixes – a new powerup, “PermaWings.” Once purchased, they can be slapped on at the beginning of a run for automatic revival when you die. They’re a much more robust alternative to the original wings which last for 30 seconds after use, but will also run you 10,000 in-game coins, so be stingy! In addition, those who want a unique challenge can now disable and enable individual powerups to change the balance of what show sup randomly throughout the stage.
A huge congrats to the team at Imangi – may you have another 100 million on the way!
