Hey, Good Game

2048's Creator Returns: How He Built a Global Gaming Phenomenon at Age 19

12 snips
Nov 5, 2024
Gabriele Cirulli, the genius behind 2048, reflects on his journey from creating the viral hit at just 19 to establishing a full-time commitment to its reimagined version. He shares insights on navigating sudden success and the creative legacy of his work, viewing countless clones as a form of artistic inspiration rather than theft. Gabriele discusses game development complexities, the transition to online multiplayer, and the importance of community feedback in evolving the game, offering a fresh perspective on originality in gaming.
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ANECDOTE

Unexpected virality

  • Gabriele Cirulli's 2048 went viral unexpectedly after a friend told him it was trending.
  • The game's popularity exploded after being featured on Hacker News, initially among developers.
ANECDOTE

2048's lasting appeal

  • A developer openly played 2048 at work a decade prior.
  • Recently, the game was pre-installed on airplanes, highlighting its sustained popularity.
INSIGHT

Building on existing ideas

  • Gabriele Cirulli openly acknowledges 2048 was inspired by Threes and another 2048 game.
  • He views his game as a refinement of existing concepts and mechanics, rather than a wholly original creation.
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