This 25th anniversary Google Doodle might be the best ever (especially for Taylor Swift fans)
Can you fill in the blank space?
In honour of its 25th anniversary, Google has created an interactive 'playground' that spotlights the most searched terms throughout its lifetime. The playable Doodle invites you to hunt out the top trends, from Barbie to Beethoven, in a charming (and oddly nostalgic) time capsule of the internet age.
On scale alone, it's arguably one of the best Google Doodles that we've been graced with in recent years, with over 1,700 detailed characters, and 25 unique searches to spot. The game is free and easy to play, so as long as you've got a good eye and 10 or so minutes to spare, you're sure to spy them all.
Today’s #GoogleDoodle deserves a closer look. Explore the Doodle today to play → https://t.co/LXpJ7tLWbS #YearInSearch pic.twitter.com/rNRX9Z2cUeDecember 12, 2023
Most Searched Playground celebrates the diversity of search trends, from horoscopes to nuclear fusion, proving that the internet remains both inquisitive and a little silly. The illustration is bright, playful, and packed with clever details, great and small. As a whole, we've been on the hunt for Chicago-style pizza, beach holidays and Minecraft. BTS is our most searched boyband and we've been obsessed with Barbie long before the great Barbenheimer invasion of 2023.
There's even a hidden treasure hunt for the Swifties to "fill in the blank space" but you'll need a keen eye to spot all 10 easter eggs (watch out for those snakes, that's all I'll say). When all secrets are found you're presented with a mysterious letter to share with fellow T Swift fans to crack the code. It's safe to say that Swifties are just as confused as me.
Taylor is in the google most searched playground puzzle thingy and there’s a hidden treasure hunt??? GOOGLE WHAT DO YOU KNOW WHAT R U HIDING pic.twitter.com/wkXdgR6oY5December 12, 2023
has anyone else done the google playground and found all the taylor swift eras easter eggs?? guys what does this mean pic.twitter.com/HjppuAhT8YDecember 12, 2023
Google's user experience and engineering team devised the game as an "accessible experience" that would appeal to a wide audience. In an update post, the company claims that the game is "a sound-first, guided experience that was only enhanced — not completed — by a visual layer," making it accessible to those who may be visually impaired. As well as the thoughtful game design, the illustrations feature an array of characters that inject the doodle with a welcome dose of diversity.
You can play Most Searched Playground here, but be warned that the game is slightly addictive and you can easily get sucked in. For more news from the world of Google, check out the new domain feature that instantly banished my mind to the gutter.
Get the Creative Bloq Newsletter
Daily design news, reviews, how-tos and more, as picked by the editors.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Natalie is Creative Bloq's staff writer. With an eye for trending topics and a passion for internet culture, she brings you the latest in art and design news. A recent English Literature graduate, Natalie enjoys covering the lighter side of the news and brings a fresh and fun take to her articles. Outside of work (if she’s not glued to her phone), she loves all things music and enjoys singing sweet folky tunes.
Related articles
- MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio A1V review: Gamers and hybrid working creative professionals no longer need two laptops
- How to turn a 2D concept into an incredible 3D-printed figure
- "Empathy is absolutely crucial for success": a day in the life of UX director Sam Drury
- This perplexing optical illusion transforms in the blink of an eye