# What are hidden secrets in games called?

> Hidden secrets in video games are called Easter eggs: jokes, messages, rooms or references developers tuck away for curious players.

They're called **Easter eggs**: hidden jokes, messages, rooms, characters or references that developers put into a game for players to find. They're not needed to finish the game. The name comes from Easter egg hunts, since the fun is in searching. Not every secret is an Easter egg, though; hidden levels, items and cheat codes are often just called secrets.

## Where the term comes from

One of the most famous early examples is **Adventure** (1980) for the Atari 2600. Programmer Warren Robinett hid a secret room showing his name, because Atari didn't credit developers at the time. When it was discovered, the company embraced the idea, and the term "Easter egg" spread through the industry.

## Kinds of hidden secrets

- **Easter eggs:** jokes and references, like nods to other games, films or the studio itself.
- **Secret areas and levels:** the warp zones in Super Mario Bros. or hidden rooms in Doom.
- **Unlockables:** characters, costumes or modes earned by meeting hidden conditions.
- **Collectibles:** notes, cards, figurines or tokens hidden around the world, often tied to achievements.
- **Cheat codes:** button combinations such as the Konami Code that unlock bonuses.
- **Developer messages:** credits, signatures or in-jokes hidden in textures and files.
- **ARG clues:** puzzles that lead outside the game, sometimes spanning websites and real-world events.

## Why developers hide them

Easter eggs reward curiosity, give players something to share and discuss, and let developers leave a personal touch. Some secrets take years to be found, which keeps communities digging through old games long after release.

## Hidden object games

In a hidden object game you search a detailed scene for a list of items. These games are popular on PC, mobile and tablets and often mix in puzzles and a light story.

## FAQ

**What is the most famous Easter egg in gaming?**
Warren Robinett's hidden credit in Adventure is the classic answer. The Konami Code and the cow level jokes in Diablo are also widely known.

**Is a hidden level an Easter egg?**
It can be called one, but players usually say "secret level." Easter egg most often means a joke or reference rather than real content.

**How do players find Easter eggs?**
By exploring off the beaten path, data-mining game files, and sharing finds in communities and wikis.

**What games are famous for hidden content?**
Grand Theft Auto, the Legend of Zelda, Portal 2, the Batman: Arkham series and Dark Souls are known for many secrets.

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https://gamevoyages.com/what-are-hidden-secrets-in-games-called-2/ · Game Voyage · Checked 2026-10-30