Google might be one of the most useful sites on the Internet, but on days like today, it’s the mortal enemy of HR departments.
Tuesday’s Google Doodle celebrates Halloween, but instead of doing so with a cute video or fun historical fact, it opts instead for a multiplayer interactive game. And it’s an addictive one.
The Great Ghoul Duel lets teams of friends or strangers compete against each other as ghosts trying to collect the most wandering spirit flames in two minutes.
The game’s more than just a fun way to while away the working hours, though. It also represents another step by Google into the gaming world. This is the first time a Google Doodle has offered multiplayer gameplay. And it’s the first time users have been able to host a Doodle game on their own, inviting up to seven players.
And the game is catching of fast, if social media mentions are any barometer.
We've had some hard days recently, so using a google doodle as self care seems somewhat appropriate. pic.twitter.com/Dhtz5CfQ97
— Dr. Nicholas Cooley (@npcooley) October 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/EricStrebler/status/1057271892409753602
HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH OFFICEMATES PLAYING THE NEW HALLOWEEN MULTIPLAYER GOOGLE DOODLE HAHAHHA! as though nasa office yung mga naka work from home!!! pic.twitter.com/BiDAE5ZOQn
— ☁️🤍 chy 🤍☁️ (@ceejayaycee) October 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/MinasMorGhoul/status/1057235877364203520
Google’s gaming interests have increased dramatically recently. Earlier this month, the company began testing Project Stream, a game streaming service that lets gamers play new titles at their maximum graphics settings on devices that normally couldn’t power them.