Agar.io

Agar.io is a massively multiplayer online action game created by Matheus Valadares. Released in 2015, the game quickly gained popularity due to its simple mechanics, accessibility, and viral marketing through online streaming platforms.

The core gameplay revolves around players controlling a cell in a petri dish and consuming smaller cells to grow larger. Players use mouse movements or touch controls to navigate their cell around the map, absorbing both AI-controlled cells (represented by static circles) and other players' cells. The objective is to become the largest cell in the game.

Larger cells move slower than smaller cells, creating a strategic balance between size and speed. Players can split their cell into multiple smaller cells, allowing for faster movement and the ability to ambush other players. However, splitting reduces overall mass and makes the player more vulnerable to being consumed by larger cells. Cells gradually merge back together over time.

Other mechanics include the ability to eject mass, which can be used to feed teammates or to propel the player's cell forward quickly. Virus cells are also present on the map, providing cover and serving as obstacles. Players can eject mass into viruses to make them grow and explode, potentially splitting larger players who collide with them.

Agar.io is notable for its minimalist graphics and intuitive gameplay, making it accessible to a wide audience. It spawned numerous clones and similar games, solidifying its influence on the .io game genre. The game is available on web browsers, iOS, and Android platforms.