Why does the Traveling Frog Game Prevail in China?

By APD writer Zeng Xinlan

In just a few days, social media and platforms in China have witnessed a popularity of the mobile game named “旅かえる” (Travel Frog) from the creator of Neko Atsume.

Like its predecessor, Travel Frog is a quiet and calming game, yet a little more involved. People are attracted by its cute art and low-pressure game play. Actually there isn’t much a player could do except for harvesting clovers, preparing food for the journey and patiently waiting for the frog to come back. But when the frog does come back, he will give you treats and/or snapshot of where he went.

Though the game has only Japanese version, “旅かえる” has become the most popular free app in the game section in Apple Store. And the topics and tips in terms of it have topped the trend in Weibo, China’s Twitter-like social media platform.

It’s much slower than previous popular online games like Arena of Valor which circulates among approximately 200 million people around China, and it is different from keeping a pet or doing anything fantastical or exciting, instead, players only can wait for long stretches of time for the little frog son and wonder what he’s doing.

Why is the game so prevalent in China? Comments are that the waiting and rewarded patience is peaceful and satisfying. Knowing that the little frog is coming back with souvenirs and adorable selfies, all the careful preparation seems to be worthwhile. In addition, the traveling frog game is said to have a sense of Buddhist lifestyle with the spirit of casualness which prevails in China especially among the youngsters. They admire the effortless and carefree way of living without being dragged into something urgent or taxing. The game of Travel Frog, however, is less time consuming and tranquil, thus becoming an apt app for them.

Another reason may attributes to its popularity is that with the transition and rise of the women social status, these players are playing a more important role in the market, pushing the producer to develop and publish the female-oriented game.

Till January, 22nd, the hit of Travel Frog’ topic on Weibo has soared to nearly 300 million with followers of more than 20,000.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)