What Killed the Temple Run Franchise?

Temple Run is the main game that popularized the 3D endless runner, yet many seem to ignore it in flavor of it's more popular competitor, Subway Surfers. Today I'll be going through the history of Imangi Studios, the company behind Temple Run, to find out what series of decisions have led to the current state of this beloved series. This is the 4th installment of the "what killed" series, the others are Plants vs Zombies, Angry Birds, and Cut the Rope. So let's see how this story differs from others we've heard a thousand times before.
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TIMESTAMPS:
------------
0:00 - Introduction
1:33 - Canabalt
2:35 - Imangi Studios
3:00 - Temple Run
3:54 - Subway Surfers
5:00 - Sequels and Spin-Offs
9:04 - The Fall
9:34 - Answers & Conclusion
----------------------------------------
Music Used (In Order)
Bad Dudes - Super Dodgeball - abstractions of rain (versus)
BUGSEED - COSMIC BLUES
Tobacco - 12 Backwoods Altar
Temple Run Theme
WCEP - Business Day (inst)
Subway Surfers Theme
MF DOOM - Doomsday (inst)
Butterfly Kiss - Persona 5
On the Hunt - Gloomy Manor (inst) - SSBU
MJ - Billie Jean (Genisis ver)
Graze the Roof - PvZ
Vibes - cramped skunkman
Reimagine: The Game - Intermissionary Position
Undertale OST - here we are

[@Etx-z9.]

Legend has it, Guy Dangerous from Temple Run is still running away from the raging skull monkeys to this very day. His fate is maybe unknown, but the only evidence that proves that he's still out there is the high-score.

[@Nether14]

I see u everywhere

[@foxguysumthing]

how?

[@despacito2384]

I caught you stealing someone's comments.

[@Henryabme]

Why do I see everywhere

[@santoshshetty8005]

Temple guy sad ending ( dead man found in ancient Temple )

[@dheirya]

I remember playing Temple Run back in elementary school with my friends, without a care in the world... good times :)

[@poweroffriendship2.0]

Yeah. Temple Run is definitely the holy grail of classic mobile app games.

[@Ihateyouyfga]

@@poweroffriendship2.0 yes temple run is a holy grail of classic mobile games

[@ajaythecreeper9513]

@@Ihateyouyfga together with angry birds,pvz and talking tom

[@thewriter3727]

I remember it too, with a lot of games eventually lost the device and forgot about it though lol ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@SgtPusPound]

I’d play it while trying to hide my phone from the teachers at recess. Good times.

[@dadawgdoin7467]

When I was younger, my cousin introduced this to me and I tried to play it. But I got really scared of the Demon monkeys chasing you endlessly with no escape really scared me and I had nightmares for days

[@starboi141]

You telling me low resolution death monkeys gave you nightmares as kid 😂😂

[@PickleRicksFATASSCOUSIN]

This got me rolling and chilling in my body at the same time lmfao But in serious terms I can't imagine having nightmares like that...

[@AmongUs-mb4qx]

yeah, that's why I never played this shit, monkeys and the theme gets on my nerves.

[@blackpink6478]

Same! Lol that demonic monkey haunted me in my dream but still I played this game for hours every day

[@redhillstudios1701-F]

I loved the noises that they’d make

[@dado1208]

I love these documentaries, they manage to be so interesting while covering a seemingly obvious and boring topic. Thank you T3rr0r!

[@SgtPusPound]

🗿🗿🗿

[@Hitzeeds_fan_s1917]

Exactly like good historian channels

[@vlrginizer927]

Yes. These videos are the best when you're eating

[@MrMiagi-hx3ow]

​@@vlrginizer927eating captain crunch right now😂

[@arayangodfrey1971]

Temple Run & Subway Surfers are basically endless runner rivals 😅

[@jakefrenchflyman]

But sadly Temple Run is badly losing... They should have put more games with newer features.

[@eloise1596]

ss is better ngl

[@eloise1596]

@Safwaan that's why it's better. plus i like the overall concept and design for it, and the controls feel smoother. it's kind of tiring for me to tilt my phone every now and then, and i can play the game while laying down on my sides

[@JustEpic_Yt]

@@drfm16 remember playing temple run 2 during elementary school a lot Edit: I love subway surfers though temple run and subway surfers are 10 times better than today mobile games

[@Omega-jg4oq]

Except Subway Surfers is that one Rival that never gives up and keeps getting support and stays active

[@Twiddle_things]

What a nostalgia bomb. I had all of the Temple run games as a kid... I remember loving Oz because of the different areas, and hating Brave.

[@therealoskargd7428]

Oz was the best tbh

[@seraphim3528]

I loved OZ because of the fireworks ability. Made 10 year old me feel like I had superpowers shooting those flying creatures out of the sky. The hot air balloon part of the game was also pretty memorable

[@Dots_The_Demon_Lord]

Lmao XD same TBH My first ever Temple Run game was Brave, and it was...not my best experience to say in the least. Then I played Temple Run Oz and loved it and started actively seeking out Temple Run games

[@JayK47a]

OMFG I used to play hours of oz literally everyday like 5 years ago . Good times . I alsp loved brave but it wasn't as adventurous as Oz

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Oz was my favourite but 2nd was great

[@lil4727]

They could have made it more competitive by letting players run together. One who runs longest wins. Players can use power ups against each other and use it on themselves to counter attacks. That would be fun

[@queerantine69]

There's a game like that...but it was poorly executed

[@kittykittybangbang9367]

@@queerantine69 what game was it?

[@queerantine69]

@@kittykittybangbang9367 I think it was called candy something... It just lagged a lot. And it was not updated much. Good idea lax execution

[@lightssbw]

There’s a game exactly like that.. it’s a Sonic mobile game called “Sonic Speed Battle”, competitive Temple Run 😭

[@sahanboydl]

Hello, are you sinhalese?

[@dojo_on_yt]

i remember playing Temple Run: Oz when i was so little,and its sad that now we can't relive that experience,that path in the Oz version is such a classic

[@gpaderx6105]

yess

[@WyvernDotRed]

Used to play Temple Run 2 when I was younger. About a year ago I got into it again, actually liked it and played actively... until the UI and progression rework. Downgraded and used Play Games to sync the progress, but shortly after lost interest as being stuck on an old version isn't as fun as it lacks new events and maps, which they added.

[@witheeeeeerx]

I remember how obsessed I used to be that time, being a gullible boy. My cousin somehow convinced that she saw an ending 😂 and her description was pretty goofy So, at the end, character is offered water. Than water is drank and the character is killed. Weirdd

[@1366Erik]

@@witheeeeeerx I seen that ending. It's really hard to get to!

[@witheeeeeerx]

@@1366Erik Oh yeah definitely

[@jonathanSpg]

how do you play on the old version?

[@WyvernDotRed]

​@@jonathanSpg on Android, you uninstall the game and side-load version 1.80.0, which you can get from Apkmirror. YT comments are not the place to explain in more detail, also, if you are on iOS, you're out of luck.

[@fahimmiah9280]

Temple run is one of those classics that you'll always remember but never play

[@codenamexelda]

Anyone remember vector? It was also a 2d runner with a basic black silhouette ascetic. The story seems to be about a man (presumably named vector) escaping an office building focused on removing free will, throughout the game you escape the organization through (surprisingly fluid) parkour.

[@dingo16]

That game was slick! Love how you can combo moves together and it's super cinematic and just fun to watch.

[@warrior9326]

It was so cool

[@memesong21]

that game was really good

[@AltRockEdit59]

First one really good second one sucked

[@suyahatesntr]

It's amazing that T3rr0r learns from other's people mistake to improve himself.

[@daphenomenalz4100]

Just like Tony Stark

[@floxxfinn]

That's cuz Tony always learns from his mistakes

[@WaffleStomper69]

When I think of Temple Run I think of the time where one of the most impressive apps was one that made it look like you are drinking a beer out of your phone.

[@Birbzz]

which omg

[@WaffleStomper69]

@@Birbzz pfft IDR what the name was. I'm sure there are like 30+ of them now. It was early days of the iPhone and Apple store. It used your phones gyroscope or something like that to know how to mimic the fluid. I also remember one that looked like a bowl that used the mic and when you sucked in the bud would burn up more.

[@AltRockEdit59]

Also gun simulator

[@Frostwing]

Sky Summit will forever have a special place in my artistic brain because that vibe was impeccable. The stunning above cloud mountain peaks and floating rocks, the random forests and the music were so special to me as a child, probably one of the reasons why i draw these types of landscapes now as an artist

[@CommonSenseless1993]

I was already in college when the mobile game craze first started around 2010/2011. I’m not really in the age demographic of this era of mobile games but Temple Run was one of the few that I actually played from time to time. It’s crazy that it has already been over a decade since then.

[@nightwatch3889]

I don't care how dead it is, I will always play it This original one.

[@matthewlacey2770]

Temple Run is one of my favourite games of all time! I like the concept of running endlessly from the big monke. Anyways it’s nice that people are talking about this game.

[@ReeseHosgood]

5:00 Temple Tun 2 is one of my all time favorite mobile games! My favorite part is collecting the artifacts and reading the descriptions of them. I still have my old android phone with it because I’ve completed all the challenges and stuff on it. It’s still a fun game to come back to every once in a while and play a round for fun. Plus it’s one of only games I have besides Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 I’m an OG player in.

[@theamazingtommo]

Oh my gosh, I love these "What Killed" videos! Great work man!❤

[@SamuraiVertHD]

I remember playing temple run as a kid, but when I found out about subway surfers, I got hooked on that instead, I don't play both now but I have a special place for them in my heart

[@EmiStar070]

I loved temple run, but I think I started playing subway surfers more when I realized that surfers was safer to play in a moving car because it was swipe instead of tilt

[@SamuraiVertHD]

@@EmiStar070 true

[@shiv1000]

No but I think we're overlooking the soundtrack for Subway Surfers. They change it every update (but if you like another Soundtrack, then you can just change it in the settings) and they are always a BANGER!!!!!

[@Mr._Pollo]

Temple Run Classic is one of my top 5 favorite mobile games, but it’s a shame that not many updates are releasing for it anymore.

[@user-gs5lj4kd2m]

I know what you mean. I am always looking for modern versions.

[@HelpIdkAGoodUser301]

I remember playing subway surfers and there was a kid at a holiday club telling everyone if you survive for 5 (or 10 i dont remember) minutes you can complete level 1 lmao

[@miguurrutia6739]

Why is it that T3rr0rs upload schedule is one of the best upload schedule. Even though he uploads every like 5 days Im still excited to see the new video.

[@megapunchboy]

He is a real winner obviously

[@remyhavoc4463]

Some KZbinrs upload like 5 times a year so we're lucky 😂

[@Garyse]

When I was a kid back then I remember feeling sad about that guy facing an innevitable death...

[@zY08]

i remeber my dad practically downloading almost all endless running games on his iPad and i use to play them all until the battery drained (i was a kid back then) and my mom loves playing temple run bcz she used to play it very often with me and it make me nostalgic thinkin abt playin those games ,, and even temple run in real life as well i loved it but sad to see clone endless running games goin popular but they are indeed unique in their own ways [subway surfers , tom gold run (and tom hero dash) bcz they hv their own og characters as well as their series]

[@moresubbickbestuff]

I remember playing temple run classic and then getting addicted to temple run 2. Life was good back then

[@Stumme-40203]

I honestly want like a serious narrative temple run movie or game. Imagine in the movie Guy just found some treasure, then Guy hears stomping. We see the temple run animals and the audience pops like Tobey Maguire’s entrance in No Way Home as Guy starts running.

[@sinnesloschen1]

I love your videos, all the goofy ahh edits and sounds here and there make them a blast to watch, even if I find the topic sometimes a little boring, please never stop making them!

[@s.s6499]

It's wild how Subway Surfers was so popular, it even got its own little cartoon series.

[@spodreman7732]

5:56 My boy wolfman with his ungodly drip. I enjoyed temple run a lot, the first game I had in the series was the sequel, there was this map called Sky Summit. I remember trying to jump to the floating islands to get away from the monkey, not realizing they were part of the background.

[@juanRodriguez-ux3xb]

Nice I hadn’t seen your content this is actually interesting considering most ppl don’t cover it I’m subbing right away keep up the good work

[@dead_ones]

Great video dude. Keep up the great work!

[@crispybi1474]

I used to want Temple Run and Temple Run 2, but the demon monkeys were scary for little kid me. I think I shifted to Subway Surfers, and while sometimes I get bored of that game, I still find it fun almost a decade later.

[@user-gs5lj4kd2m]

Same, though I think I prefer sidescrollers like Jump Skunk.

[@igneouskull]

Even though I’m a long time subway surfers fan. I also liked playing temple run 2 as a kid. I thought it was really fun. I also played the 1st game. Even though it’s good and I enjoyed it. I prefer the 2nd. I even played the temple run arcade machine (Yes. There’s a temple run arcade machine) at London one time and really liked it. But I was always into subway surfers more growing up cause of well. The endless updates & the goofier game. You also can’t forget about the theme. Both games I enjoy growing up, But subway surfers is better imo. I hope Guy dangerous can run back up to popularity again tho. Very good video & I really enjoy them.

[@andromeda368]

A very good video dude! Love this new editing style btw, suggestion is what killed the game: "vector"

[@King_of_Idiots]

I grew up with Timple run and 2 they are certified hood classics.

[@charliepea]

My sister and I used to be so addicted to Temple Run back when it was new and we'd be arguing over the family iPad. I prefer Temple Run that time over Subway Surfers because of the gyro mechanics and the Indian Jones style. It hurts to see it die because it's got some potential, especially to lore. Temple Run is such a great game but guess I gotta accept the fate.

[@chriscanul4075]

A video essay channel with TheRealJims and MF DOOM instrumentals?! I'm in love

[@MrZetlee2]

idk why but just your channel is so good

[@Theneckofthrogs]

Not sure if this was an issue with just my phone or the app itself but I remember having Temple Run, playing religiously, accomplishing all the achievements, maxing out the highest speed, air time, etc. And a few months later once it seemed like I was close to achieving everything the game had to offer, the game would spontaneously reset itself as if I deleted the app. I would have to start at the same slow speed and work my way up to the top. After the fifth time of the game crashing, I switched over to Subway Surfers where I can run as fast as I'd like without having to work for it, and without fear of the game crashing and losing all my progress and accomplishments.

[@Cezkarma]

I remember getting absolutely addicted to TR2. To the point that I went away with family on a vacation and still spent hours playing it.

[@kimphotgaming]

For me, Imanji should work on to a game that has story. I mean temple run should have a sequel that is not focused more on running but a little of backstory why the beast following him/her. If that happens, people that love it before will comeback to play it again. Anyway, that is only my opinion. Overall it is a legendary game that build our chilhood awesome and memorable. 💚

[@Hollowdude15]

I never knew temple run started it all and great video man :]

[@TG03]

I learned a lot from your video game documentaries! Thanks 👍

[@davionwilliams2799]

Great video and nice yt channel

[@AkiDasherr]

Minion rush lost popularity because of the 2018 5th Anniversary update,if they never did that update i think that minion rush would have been more popular than now

[@ptolemyhenson6838]

What happened in that update?

[@monkeyace2234]

I remember playing minion rush a SERIOUSLY long time ago and when I tired it again a few months ago the ui and everything was different and I was overwhelmed with buttons that I had no idea did.

[@ptolemyhenson6838]

@@monkeyace2234 Minion rush has experienced like 3 or 4 redesigns so far, and they're working on yet another one.

[@monkeyace2234]

@@ptolemyhenson6838 holy hell I had no idea but just why?

[@ptolemyhenson6838]

@@monkeyace2234 Each design frames the main gameplay loop differently. The original was much like Subway Surfers where basically the entire point is to run. There second was almost entirely goal based and had linear progression ("levels"). The current one is also mostly goal based, but you have a variety of options for challenges to complete at any given time, so it's not entirely linear.

[@kennycrouch1728]

Me too I also played Temple Run as well too 1 and 2 and it’s a real same and keep in mind that this is also Cut The Rope, Jetpack Joyride, Angry Birds, Clash Of Clans/ Royal, Plants vs Zombies, etc!

[@jnort95]

Great Video!

[@suyahatesntr]

I remember playing this game as a kid. But playing it again as a teen doesn't seem to be enjoyable anymore. Maybe because I played too many immersive games these past few years.

[@froglifes6829]

Sadly the original temple run isnt available on Google play store or Apple playstore.

[@kutura_P]

Nice video

[@AffyMoon]

That Agent dash name drop got me good lol. That's some nice nostalgia

[@melon64_]

Bubble popping and match 3: Am I a joke to you?

[@T3rr0r626]

I associate them more with Facebook/PC games than mobile, although they’ve become mobile games over time.

[@aliyai4000]

Honestly never really digged Temple Run: Classic that much as a kid but I'd be damned if I didn't play the hell out of Temple Run 2. It was quite hell to obtain currency back then to unlock characters since microtransactions weren't that big of a thing (only later on they were added... sad), but I loved playing around ziplines, the tunnels and sliding through the river later on. Good video overall, pinpointed exactly why Temple Run as a franchise kinda dropped. Subway Surfers ended up more enticing and it's still holding strong as we speak, while Temple Run (especially the original format) barely gets any updates if at all. Honestly they should've kept the momentum going with Temple Run 3 under a similar format or add a spin to it to make the players keep on playing. I hope that you could end up covering Pou & the amount of other games trying to cash upon the format.

[@shivamchouhan5077]

I used to play temple run all day. It's sad to see it fade away I mean they should have added some new updates or at least another sequel

[@mukundvats4434]

In my opinion subway surfers perfected the genre to a crazy peak endless runner can't get any better

[@maryland7586]

I still have the evil demon monkeys as my wallpaper and still play the original, because this (along with plants vs zombies) are some of the most important games in my childhood and idk if I can ever forget about them Something interesting is how this also relates to another game I've spent way too much time playing, TF2, which is also criticized for having extremely few updates compared to its rival, Overwatch

[@zenpaizee9366]

I loved it, could get to 2-5 million easily years ago. I download it yesterday and couldn’t even make it to million. Seems like they reworked the game to make the character run faster to the point it’s a bit nauseating. And every time you died you are offered an ad to keep going. Nothing wrong with that but it takes the fun away when you can just opt out for an ad to continue instead of starting over and struggle lol

[@_Bootz69]

Might sound a bit weird but back when I was REALLY young I was so good at temple run that my uncle put me on facebook because of it-

[@Spingerex]

Epic

[@rajveerkanojiya2985]

@@Spingerex he's gay

[@SeriousSashka]

Oh yeah, i remember playing this game and a few sequels 6-8 years ago... i must admit, entire series has it's own athmosphere and mechanics, which is really stands out after all endless runners. It was fun playing back in the day.

[@Prettygirldomoharvin1]

I remember playing Temple Run in high school, 2011 would be 10th grade. Then I switches to playing Subway Surfer when it came out and never went back. My friends son was just playing Subway Surfer on his phone recently, I was like “people still play this”.

[@josue-bx3mm]

This brings me back to the old day playing temple run

[@UrBadEditorYTOfficial]

Since I Was a Little Kid Until Now, Temple Run Is Still My Favorite Endless Running Mobile Game 🎮 ❤️

[@marvelstarwarsfan8410]

Merry Christmas!

[@yoyousif935]

0:54 Are we forgetting those two subway surfers knockoffs that was officially licensed by Ronaldo?

[@ohshanana2397]

Me and my best friend(now my gf) used to play this game all the time when we were little.Our favorite thing to do, was start the game at the same time then race.

[@Awesomefy11]

When we play with our friends to get the most high score.

[@A-Gamerzzz]

I LOVE Temple Run classic. It is so fun!! please keep making these!!!😍

[@sirman69]

Man I remember playing that game it even have a arcade rip 😢

[@karan_22]

I remember playing temple run as a early teen. I did not own a phone at the time, but a friend from school did, and i literally used to hoard the phone for an hour playing and trying to break my high score. Great times.

[@GleppaPigg]

Cringe bro

[@karan_22]

@@GleppaPigg okay?

[@velvet2925]

@karan_22 I think the guy saying cringe is a troll account based on his name, I had a similar experience as you but with my dad's phone!

[@potao21]

Cool vid! But one question:what do u use for editing???

[@julianeder4699]

Id honestly argue that Doodle jump kinda jumpstarted the genre. Sure it wasnt really about running but it followed the same formula with you havin to dodge obstacles pick up powerups along the way to aid you on your quest and dealing with a camera that only exposed a small portion of what happened in front of your little green alien forcing you to adapt at lightning speed.

[@Hollowdude15]

Temple run 2 was such a amazing game and it will always be remember as the one who started it and games ever and cool video man :]

[@Helmsson1]

5:00 RIP to the Masked Villain. W music selection.

[@ryuno2097]

I played Subway Surfers back in 2012/13 and I unlocked most of the characters but when I switch phones I saw that my progress saw saved on the phone and there was no cloud saves. So I stopped playing after that, I can't be bothered to play all over again and collect those characters again.

[@freezinfire]

Cool video.

[@petuniaskunk2316]

Merry Christmas

[@ifrankenstein7455]

I played a temple run, it was oz but you can go through portals to get to different places like from the palace to country side to the graveyard, to the basic oz place and it was so refreshing

[@gustavoxd8265]

Okay, am I the only one here who recent remembered about dumb ways to die franchise. Like I got a video recommendation on KZbin that dumb ways to die is now 10 years old. I remember playing the second game they made and I had fun .

[@miimiiandco.8721]

I think some things aren't meant to last forever, as is the case here.

[@Robinsingh5237]

Temple run oz was my most favorite series. I will download it, if they launch it now...

[@Doomscizor69]

I remember playing temple run with my cousins. It was fun back then .

[@Physicsdaddy]

I noticed the MF DOOM doomsday track in the background ❤ keep it up brother ❤

[@SamuraiSandi]

I remember playing this as a kid, one of the first games I every downloaded on my first Android phone

[@SoloTheEpic]

how did i find this on my recommended 31 seconds after release bro

[@orangegoose999]

I love the PvZ music in the background as regular music in a video

[@spectre8469]

i have this arcade i’ve been going to for about 6-8 years now, it’s across the street from my crib… my older bro plays a ton of fighting games and they hold street fighter fight nights and other games etc. butttt they have a huge ass temple run machine lol, it has a little ball in the middle to spin what direction you go into, it has everything unlocked so i’ll just go play as whoever i want lol. it’s really a cool machine to see, especially with how temple run was a lot of our childhoods as kids! to me i didn’t even know temple run fell off, cause i see that big ass machine once a week when i’m there haha

[@veylusoliveira7015]

Subway Surfers is also used as a meme for many videos, which is FREE advertising at its best. Pretty much a reason why it is a success and also because kids like its style a lot more (and so do adults whatsoever).

[@ikenj]

8:28 brutal swing

[@hehsjdjje]

The thumbnail is great

[@chito2701]

temple run was my childhood nostalgia in the early 2000's mobile game.

[@pokerface4848]

I used to play these games back from 2012-2015... now they seem to be a thing of the past seems unfathomable

[@GamingWithLele]

cool vid

[@staymonspencertcb7046]

TCB🌠: I was waiting for these answers my hole life 🥺

[@Techno-Universal]

I had Temple Run 2 on my IPod Touch back then as a kid! :)

[@ZorryStrange]

I actually used to play temple run and then I did play the brave version and I just got hit with flashbacks to the disney themed games I used to play during that time. 😭I was gonna skip this video but I think now Imma watch this playlist all the way thru.

[@Nick_bpz]

You should do what killed “wheres my water?”

[@mat-mat101]

I recall playing that game when I was 12.

[@soyanshumohapatra]

I am still playing *Temple run* to this day.

[@098jee]

Does anyone remember a game called Hugo (or Hugo world)? Would be amazing to see t3rr0r make a video about that since it just disappeared

[@andreitolentino8049]

Man, when I was shopping for my first smartphone in high school, my only criterion was that it had to be able to run Temple Run smoothly