July 17, 2024 project microsite video-game

The Kendrick vs. Drake beef has officially crossed over into the video game world courtesy of this Whac-A-Mole style game from game designer Richie Branson:

Not Like Us.

Set to an 8-bit version of DJ Mustard's "Not Like Us" beat the game recreates the "Not Like Us" music video at the crescendo moment of the song:

Wop wop wop

"WOP" subtitles added for emphasis.

Specifically the game places an owl above/below/or next to the user and gives them a short amount of time to "wop" the owl, with the time allowed decreasing per round.

The site was shared by Branson on Twitter. He calls the game as "a free love letter to video games and hip-hop" in the credits.

He also lists his prior experience in the credits, including designing games for Bleacher Report and working for Epic Games as a designer on Fortnite.

Inspiration

I hope his route can inspire more game designers and developers to believe in alternate routes into the "industry":

In addition to game designers, I hope it can also motivate all music developers and creatives.

I know this is inspiring me to pursue my own ideas:

He also shared another tweet from 2016 that would be amazing if it came to fruition:

Tweet about dreaming for record labels to have their own video gaming divisions

Wop Wop Wop Wop

So with that, give "Not Like Us" a try! FYI according to Branson the game has an intentional "spike in difficulty above 17, so any score 18 and above should be celebrated".

Bonus Track

Branson also shared his first published game, a hilarious James Harden game from the "Flappy Bird" clone era, something I was more nostalgic for than I thought!

Peace! ✌🏽