Gamers have always been dreamers, eagerly anticipating the next big update, groundbreaking feature, or mind-blowing release.
But every April 1st, some developers capitalize on that excitement to pull off some of the most ridiculous, hilarious, and sometimes even believable pranks in gaming history.
From fake unlockable characters to gaming magazines deceptively hyping up a simple game, let’s look back at the best April Fools pranks that had players laughing—and sometimes crying—in disbelief.
Unlocking Sheng Long in Street Fighter II (1992)
In 1992, Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) published an article alleging that players could unlock a hidden character named Sheng Long in Street Fighter II by fulfilling a series of nearly impossible in-game conditions.
This hoax stemmed from a mistranslation of Ryu's dialogue and sparked widespread speculation, with countless players attempting to discover the nonexistent fighter.
The prank had such a significant impact that it is often believed to have influenced the creation of Akuma in later installments of the series. To this day, Akuma dominates the fighting game scene. Ironically, Sheng Long was eventually added as an NPC character in Street Fighter 6.
Advanced Lawnmower Simulator (1988)
In its April 1988 issue, Your Sinclair magazine pulled off a legendary prank by introducing Advanced Lawnmower Simulator as a groundbreaking title. Marketed with complete seriousness, the game was hyped as a cutting-edge simulation that would let players experience the thrill of mowing lawns.
However, those who tried it quickly realized it was a joke. It featured nothing more than pressing a single key to cut virtual grass, with no real mechanics, challenge, or advanced graphics.
The magazine’s deadpan delivery amplified the humor, making it one of the most absurd and memorable gaming pranks of all time. Funnily enough, games of this nature exist today; check out It's Literally Just Mowing for an example.
CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 on Floppy Disks (2024)
CD Projekt Red playfully announced that the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 would be re-released on a staggering 97,619 floppy disks, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the game's enormous file size.
They shared a mock-up of a retro-style floppy disk package with old-school design elements to make things more convincing.
This hilarious prank quickly gained attention, making it one of gaming history's most memorable and creative tech-related jokes.
Blizzard’s World of Warcraft Bard Class (2008)
On April 1, 2008, Blizzard Entertainment pulled off one of their most memorable pranks by introducing a Bard class for World of Warcraft, claiming players could now use a Guitar Hero-style controller to cast spells through rock music.
The fake gameplay trailer depicted warriors no longer wielding swords but shredding guitars to unleash powerful abilities, blending classic fantasy gameplay with a rock concert experience.
The Bard class was humorously marketed as the ultimate support role, using guitar solos to buff allies and summon magical effects. The trailer, complete with exaggerated, over-the-top rock performances and special effects, had fans laughing and wishing it was real, making it one of the most iconic gaming pranks in recent memory.
Ermac in Mortal Kombat (1990s)
Ermac was a fake character in Mortal Kombat. It originated from a glitch in the game's coding that tracked errors, one of which was "Ermac"—short for "Macro error." This glitch led to rumors of a hidden red ninja character, which were fueled by an article in Electronic Gaming Monthly Magazine describing Ermac as a red ninja similar to Scorpion.
The magazine even published a low-quality Polaroid photo of the character, further sparking curiosity. Some believed Ermac was merely a glitch causing Scorpion to appear red with his name replaced. The character's existence remained a mystery until it was eventually revealed to be a hoax.
This didn't stop the developers from toying with its fanbase as the intrigue grew. In Mortal Kombat II, numerous hints of Ermac's existence were shoehorned into the game, adding fuel to the fire until the character was officially added to the roster as an unlockable character in Ultimate Mortal Kombat III.
Even so, Mortal Kombat is one of the world's most recognised and beloved fighting games, and another Mortal Kombat movie sequel is on the way.
In the gaming world, April Fools' Day goes beyond simple pranks—it's a tribute to creativity, humor, and the thrill of the unexpected. From turning a beloved hero into a guitar-shredding bard to teasing fake product releases or nonexistent characters, these pranks capture the playful energy that keeps gaming fresh and full of surprises.
As we reflect on the most creative and hilarious moments in gaming history, it's clear that the community's knack for laughter, innovation, and shock value is limitless. With each new prank, we’re left wondering: What wild surprises will next year bring?