Remember Where’s Waldo? He’s the world-traveler who is known for his red and white striped shirt and hat, which readers search for in the popular children’s book series. Well he’s making a return! Google Maps announced that they are rolling out a mini game on Google Maps for fans of the books for Android, iOS and desktops, according to The Verge. This is apparently one of Google’s annual April Fools’ Day pranks.
Here’s how it works: after opening Google Maps, Waldo will pop up on the side of the screen and give you a friendly wave. If you tap on him, you’ll be given the option to play the game. That’s when Google Maps will send you to a location, apparently just about anywhere on Earth, and have you search for him on a page from the books that somewhat matches the actual place. On top of that, you’ll be asked to find Waldo’s pals as well — including Wenda, Woof, Wizard Whitebeard and Odlaw.
After finding Waldo, you’ll be transported to places all around the world to start the search again. It has even been integrated with the Google Assistant. You can ask “Where’s Waldo?” on a Home speaker, Chromebook, or an Android smartphone and Google says something happens.
Google wants to keep some of the levels as surprises, and has scattered Easter eggs throughout as rewards for passionate players. That too is part of its attempt to make the game as broadly engaging as possible, so it caters to both “a casual user who wants five seconds of quick delight and then moves on and power users who really get into it,” says Thakore, Google Map’s Product manager.