April Fools and the Internet

Naturally, April 1st is a day of fun on the Internet, where absolutely NOTHING is taken seriously. While radio stations across the nation pulled pranks planned weeks in advance, Websites announced their closure or fake products, and the average individual claimed they had brain cancer or confessed to being pregnant or something just as mundane and average, the Internet was ablaze with tom foolery.

IGN released a fake trailer for a 'Legend of Zelda' film, which actually supports some decent special effects, though everyone and their mother knew it was a hoax, it was still brilliantly executed. Google and Virgin Announced project Virgle, a 100 year plan for Mars colonization. They also announced they were accepting applications for individuals to become pioneers of Mars and travel with the assembled team to start a new life on the red planet.

Destructoid.com, a hilarious yet informative video game blog, redesigned its website to look as though Fox News had taken the website over. They posted ridiculous and outlandish claims, humorous photos and updated consistently through the day. Speaking of video games, World of Warcraft makers Blizzard told people about the new class for the game, which rocks out guitar hero style to damage opponents. Ubisoft and Konami also collaborated, showing a kick ass video of Assassins Creed lead character Altaïr mysteriously placed in Metal Gear Solid 4, which was later revealed to be Solid Snake in the Assassin's garb! This joke was also the first game play footage revealed of MGS4, which was a welcomed treat.

Perhaps the most clever prank pulled, was from acclaimed 'fake news' website The Onion, which simply posted REAL news instead of the fake news they come up with every day. While simple, it didn't stretch to the over the top retarded nature of most pranks and was pulled with dignity and grace (which is the beauty of the prank as most of the fake news posted on the onion, while hilarious, usually IS over the top).

Over at the viral websites for this summer's blockbuster Batman Sequel "The Dark Knight", a different April Fool was playing about. The Websites, made to look like the Joker's secret websites, showed an envelope that opened on April 1st. Inside was the locations of places around the country with locker numbers and combinations for people to travel to. Lucky participants got a free bowling ball and a cell phone (with a cell number etched into the ball for them to call) for a chance to further participate. April Fool indeed.

Lots of fun was had on April 1st, and while many are left out of this article, almost every active community website had some type of prank up their sleeve. Want to share your April Fools day prank? Have another noteworthy prank to mention? comment on this article below, or join the Earjack Forums!