10 Early Viral Video Games You Forgot Were Everywhere

10. Jetpack Joyride

Jetpack Joyride was one of the first viral video games to take over the app store at the start of the decade. First releasing in 2011 on iOS, the game has been ported to a range of mobile devices as well as the PS4. Alongside this it's won a long list of awards as a result of it's simple side-scrolling premise. Despite all of these accolades however, it eventually faded into obscurity.

In Jetpack Joyride you play as a little man called Barry who has stolen a jetpack and must escape a top secret laboratory that seems to go on forever, using the signature jetpack and a myriad of unique power ups to avoid missiles and lasers while also injuring the poor scientists running around in fear. Or you can run past them and high five them. Whatever you fancy.

It's easy to see why the game did so well. It's concept is incredibly simple yet addicting, always leaving you wanting to try once more to beat your friends high scores. Pair that with some pretty cool graphics and you've got a great little time waster.