10 Things You Didn’t Know About Snake
Who doesn’t love the Snake game? Whether you played it on an old-school Nokia phone or rediscovered it online, this pixelated classic has slithered its way into our hearts. But how much do you really know about the game? Let’s take a fun dive into the history, quirks, and fascinating trivia of this iconic digital treasure!
1. It’s Older Than You Think
Did you think Snake was born with Nokia phones? Nope! The original concept of the game dates back to 1976. It was called Blockade and was a two-player arcade game where players moved their “trails” on screen, trying to avoid each other and last the longest. This early version inspired countless adaptations, including Atari’s 1977 version and the single-player arcade game Nibbler in 1982. While Nokia’s 1997 version brought Snake to global fame, the game wasn’t created by them. It was actually developed by Taneli Armanto, a Nokia engineer, who adapted the idea for mobile phones. His version came pre-installed on the Nokia 6110 — and the rest is history!
Arcade Game Blockade (1976, Gremlin) from Old Classic Retro Gaming on YouTube (Copyright © Old Classic Retro Gaming, 2013)
2. Snake Was the First Mobile Game for Many
Snake wasn’t just a fun time-killer; it introduced millions of people to the concept of gaming on a mobile device. When it launched on the Nokia 6110 in 1997, it became the default game for many first-time phone owners. The simplicity of Snake turned mobile phones into gaming devices long before app stores and smartphones existed, making it a trailblazer in mobile entertainment.
3. The Nokia Version Had a Secret Two-Player Mode
Surprise! Using the phone’s infrared connection (think Bluetooth before Bluetooth), you could compete with a friend by linking your phones together. But because most players weren’t aware of this feature, Snake is forever remembered as a solo game.
4. Snake is in the MoMA Collection
Did you know that Snake has earned a spot in the prestigious Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York? Recognized as a cultural icon of digital history, it’s part of the permanent collection of the museum's Architecture and Design department. The game, credited as an anonymous gift, is celebrated as a milestone in video game software design, cementing its legacy as more than just a game but a true piece of digital art.
5. Taneli’s Tiny Trick for Player Success
Here’s a secret most players never noticed: Taneli Armanto added a tiny delay before the snake crashes into a wall or itself. This split-second grace period gave players just enough time to react and avoid game-ending collisions—a subtle touch that kept Snake fun instead of frustrating.
6. Snake Was Written Line by Line
Unlike today’s games built with complex engines, the Nokia Snake was hand-coded in the C programming language. Every movement, turn, and collision was programmed by Taneli and his team from scratch — a labor of love that fit perfectly within the limitations of Nokia’s 48x84 black-and-white screen.
Nokia 6110, GSM handportable, 1998 (Copyright © Nokia, 2021)
7. There Are Over 300 Versions of Snake
The simplicity of Snake has inspired developers worldwide. From modern remakes with 3D graphics to crazy variations like Slither.io, there are hundreds of adaptations out there. Even Google has its own Snake game hidden in search results!
8. You Can Make Your Own Version!
Creating a version of Snake is a common project for beginner programmers. Its simple mechanics make it an ideal challenge for learning coding basics. In fact, if you’re ever tempted to try coding, Snake might be a fun first project!
9. Snake is the Most Played Video Game of All Time
Over 1 billion people are estimated to have played the game! Since its debut on the Nokia 6110, Snake has seen numerous updates, including Snakes Subsonic, released in May 2008 for the second-generation N-Gage.
And if that’s not impressive enough, there’s even a Guinness World Record for Snake! The current record-holder achieved a perfect score by filling the entire screen without crashing, while streaming it all on Twitch.
10. Its Creator Still Plays It
Even decades later, the original creator of Nokia’s Snake, Taneli Armanto, still plays his iconic creation from time to time. Talk about nostalgia!
Snake isn’t just a game — it’s a cultural phenomenon that’s survived generations of tech evolution. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or discovering it for the first time, Snake has a way of charming everyone with its simplicity and fun.
Snake: Nokia 3310, 2001 from Matthias L on YouTube (Copyright © Matthias L, 2019)
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