About
“QWOP” is a ridiculously difficult indie game where you attempt to run by controlling each limb individually. This is a game where you play as an athlete on a running track, and you control the legs with each of the ‘Q’, ‘W’, ‘O’, and ‘P’ buttons controlling a different calf or upper leg. As Bennett Foddy (the developer) describes the setting, “QWOP is the local sporting hero of a prosperous country in the Scandinavian alps. Unfortunately, it is too cold there for an outdoor track, and QWOP has come to the championships without completing his training!” The goal is to get as far as possible despite these awkward controls. Play the game here.
Origin
The Flash-based game was originally developed by independent game developer Bennett Foddy and released in 2008.
Appeal & Exposure
The game’s appeal seems to rest in its trolling potential, as it is nearly impossible to play without becoming intensely frustrated, similar to the game Spongebob Boat-O-Cross. QWOP is billed by gaming critics as the most difficult game ever created. It has recently been released as an iPhone App. The game was featured on one of RayWilliamJohnson’s videos. QWOP has even been in numerous newspaper articles, such as the Independant (London, England), and Manila Standard Today (Manila, Philippines).