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{{short description|2007 rhythm game}}
{{Short description|2007 video game}}
{{Other uses|Osu (disambiguation){{!}}Osu}}
{{Other uses|Osu (disambiguation)}}
{{Lowercase title|italic=yes}}
{{Lowercase title|italic=yes}}
{{multiple issues|
{{more citations needed|date=November 2019}}
{{primary sources|date=January 2020}}
{{Overly detailed|date=December 2023}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}


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| name = osu!
| name = osu!
| title = ''osu!''
| title = ''osu!''
| logo = [[File:Osu! Logo 2016.svg| 220x124px | alt= osu! Logo |
| logo = [[File:Osu! logo 2024, no dot.png|220x124px | alt= osu! logo |
''osu!''{{'}}s logo since 2016]]
''osu!''{{'}}s logo since 2024]]
| logo alt = A pink circle that has a white border with the name on it.
| logo alt = A pink circle that has a white border with the name on it
| logo caption = The ''osu!'' logo since 2016<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/home/changelog/stable40/20161029.3|title=Stable 20161029.3 · changelog {{!}} osu!|website=osu.ppy.sh|access-date=25 July 2022|archive-date=25 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725054213/https://osu.ppy.sh/home/changelog/stable40/20161029.3|url-status=live}}</ref>
| logo caption = Logo since May 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=osu!(lazer) Updates: May 19, 2024 |author1=Walavouchey |author2=0x84f |url=https://osu.ppy.sh/home/news/2024-05-19-osu-lazer-updates-may-19-2024 |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=osu! |language=en}}</ref>
| screenshot alt =
| screenshot alt =
| caption = Screenshot of ''osu!lazer'', the in-development stage of an [[open source]] version of ''osu!''.
| caption = Screenshot of ''osu!lazer'', the in-development stage of an [[open source]] version of ''osu!''.
| collapsible =
| collapsible =
| author = Dean "peppy" Herbert
| author = Dean "peppy" Herbert
| developer = osu! development team
| developer = osu! development team
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<!-- release data is out of article, please see Template:Infobox_software for more info -->| repo = https://github.com/ppy/osu
<!-- release data is out of article, please see Template:Infobox_software for more info -->| repo = https://github.com/ppy/osu
| programming language = [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]]
| programming language = [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]]
| middleware = [[OpenTK]]<ref>{{cite web |title=a long-overdue update |url=https://blog.ppy.sh/post/146687255823/a-long-overdue-update |website=ppy blog |access-date=20 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108090300/http://blog.ppy.sh/post/146687255823/a-long-overdue-update |archive-date=8 November 2020 |date=30 June 2016 |quote=Until now we used some XNA code for input handling and low-level structs. These dependencies are almost {{as written|compe|letely [sic]}} removed from the project now, with OpenTK or similar open-source frameworks replacing them. |url-status=live}}</ref>
| middleware = [[OpenTK]]<ref>{{cite web |first=Dean |last=Herbert |title=a long-overdue update |url=https://blog.ppy.sh/post/146687255823/a-long-overdue-update |website=ppy blog |access-date=20 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108090300/http://blog.ppy.sh/post/146687255823/a-long-overdue-update |archive-date=8 November 2020 |date=30 June 2016 |quote=Until now we used some XNA code for input handling and low-level structs. These dependencies are almost {{as written|compe|letely [sic]}} removed from the project now, with OpenTK or similar open-source frameworks replacing them. |url-status=live}}</ref>
| operating system = [[Microsoft Windows]]<br /> [[macOS]]<br /> [[Linux]] (open beta)<br /> [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (open beta)<br /> [[iOS]] (open beta)
| operating system = [[Microsoft Windows]]<br /> [[macOS]]<br /> [[Linux]] (open beta)<br /> [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (open beta)<br /> [[iOS]] (open beta)
| platform =
| platform =
| size = {{Unbulleted list|'''osu! lazer'''|670 MB|'''osu! stable'''|220MB}}
| size = {{Unbulleted list|'''osu! lazer'''|670 MB|'''osu! stable'''|220MB}}
| language = Arabic, Belarusian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Czech, Danish, English, German, Greek, Spanish, Finnish, Filipino, French, Hebrew, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Serbian, Sweedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Traditional Chinese
| language = Arabic, Belarusian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Czech, Danish, English, German, Greek, Spanish, Finnish, Filipino, French, Hebrew, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Serbian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Traditional Chinese
| language count = 37 <!-- number only -->
| language count = 37 <!-- number only -->
| language footnote =
| language footnote =
| genre = [[Rhythm game]]
| genre = [[Rhythm game]]
| license = [[Freeware]] (stable build)<br />
| license = [[Freeware]] (stable build)<br />
[[MIT License|MIT]] (osu!lazer code)<br />
[[MIT License|MIT]] (osu!lazer code)<br />
[[CC BY-NC]] (osu!lazer assets<ref>{{cite web| title=GitHub - ppy/osu-resources: assets used by osu! | url=https://github.com/ppy/osu-resources | website=GitHub | access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref>)
[[CC BY-NC]] (osu!lazer assets<ref>{{cite web| title=GitHub - ppy/osu-resources: assets used by osu! | url=https://github.com/ppy/osu-resources | website=GitHub | access-date=19 January 2023}}</ref>)
| standard =
| standard =
| AsOf =
| AsOf =
}}
}}


<!-- Please check the talk page before changing capitalization. Thanks. -->'''''Osu!'''''{{efn|Pronounced variously: {{IPAc-en|lang|ˈ|oʊ|s|uː}}, {{IPAc-en|oʊ|s}}; {{IPA-all|osː}}.}} (stylized as '''''osu!''''') is a [[free-to-play]] [[rhythm game]] primarily developed, published, and created by Dean "peppy" Herbert. Inspired by [[iNiS]]' rhythm game ''[[Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan]]'', it was written in [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]] on the [[.NET Framework]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Osu!'s programming language?|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/community/forums/topics/539901|url-status=|access-date=27 July 2021|website=osu! Community Forum|date=31 December 2016 }}</ref> and was released for [[Microsoft Windows]] on 16 September 2007. The game has throughout the years been ported to [[macOS]], [[Linux]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]].
<!-- Please check the talk page before changing capitalization. Thanks. -->'''''Osu!'''''{{efn|Pronounced variously in English: {{IPAc-en|ˈ|oʊ|s|uː}}, {{IPAc-en|oʊ|s}}.}} (stylized as '''''osu!''''') is a [[free-to-play]] [[rhythm game]] originally created and self-published by Australian developer Dean Herbert. It was released for [[Microsoft Windows]] on 16 September 2007, with later ports to [[macOS]], [[Linux]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]].{{Cn|date=May 2024}}


''Osu!''{{'}}s gameplay, based on the [[Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan (series)|''Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan'']] series of rhythm games, primarily involves clicking notes, which appear as circles, using the mouse cursor. Since the game's release, three other [[game modes]] have been added, taking inspiration from ''[[Taiko no Tatsujin]]'' and ''[[Beatmania]]''. Unlike many rhythm games, levels in ''Osu!'' are created and uploaded by users, increasing the range and volume of the song library, which is a factor contributing to the game's popularity.
Aside from ''Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan'', the game has been inspired by titles such as ''[[Taiko no Tatsujin]]'', ''[[Beatmania IIDX]]'',<ref name="TheObjective2019">{{cite news |last1=Gonzáles |first1=Mariela |title=Gaming Sounds: osu!, cuando el ritmo se convierte en nuestro séptimo sentido |url=https://theobjective.com/further/gaming-sounds-osu/ |access-date=7 January 2020 |work=The Objective |publisher=The Objective Media |date=5 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107200505/https://theobjective.com/further/gaming-sounds-osu/ |archive-date=7 January 2020 |language=es}}</ref> ''[[EZ2DJ]] (EZ2CATCH)'', ''[[Elite Beat Agents]]'', ''O2Jam'', ''[[StepMania]],'' and ''[[DJMax]]''. All "beatmaps" in the game are community-made through the in-game map editor or through external tools. Four different game modes exist, offering various ways to play a beatmap. These modes can also be combined with optional modifiers, which can increase or decrease the difficulty.


The game has a significant connection to Japanese culture and [[Anime song|anime music]]. It has also had effects on the [[Esports|esports industry]]—professional gamers use ''Osu!'' to warm up and practice, and the community frequently organizes tournaments between players.
==Gameplay and features==
There are four official game modes: "osu!" (called "osu! standard"), "osu!taiko", "osu!catch", and "osu!mania". With the addition of osu!lazer, players can now add custom gamemodes to the ''osu!'' client.<ref name="IndoZone2019">{{cite news|url=https://www.indozone.id/game/RMspde/osu-game-rhythm-terkenal-di-pc-dengan-ribuan-pemain-harian|title=Osu!, Game Rhythm Terkenal di PC dengan Ribuan Pemain Harian|last1=Andika|first1=Ferry|date=27 December 2019|access-date=7 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107192953/https://www.indozone.id/game/RMspde/osu-game-rhythm-terkenal-di-pc-dengan-ribuan-pemain-harian|archive-date=7 January 2020|publisher=Indozone Media Indonesia|location=Jakarta|language=id}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/help/wiki/Game_Modes|title=Game Modes|website=osu.ppy.sh|access-date=15 August 2019|archive-date=21 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121170603/https://osu.ppy.sh/help/wiki/Game_Modes|url-status=live}}</ref> The original osu!standard mode remains the most popular to date and as of January 2023, the game has over 19.3 million monthly active users according to the game's global country leaderboards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=osu! leaderboards|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/rankings/osu/country}}</ref>


==Gameplay==
"osu!standard" takes direct inspiration from ''Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan'' games. In this gamemode, the player clicks circles to the beat of a song. This is the flagship gamemode featured on the ''osu!'' website.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/wiki/en/Game_mode/osu!|title=Game mode / osu! (game mode) · wiki &#124; osu!|website=osu.ppy.sh}}</ref> "osu!mania" is a vertical scrolling rhythm game that mostly takes inspiration from [[Beatmania]] and Stepmania. The gamemode consists of notes that fall vertically in different lanes, with one key used to tap for each lane.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/wiki/en/Game_mode/osu!mania|title=Game mode / osu!mania · wiki &#124; osu!|website=osu.ppy.sh}}</ref> "osu!taiko" simulates playing on [[taiko]] and is based on [[Taiko no Tatsujin]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/wiki/en/Game_mode/osu!taiko|title=Game mode / osu!taiko · wiki &#124; osu!|website=osu.ppy.sh}}</ref> The final gamemode, osu!catch, is based on "EZ2CATCH", which was part of the [[EZ2DJ]] cabinet. In this gamemode, the player moves a catcher left or right in order to catch fruits falling from the top of the screen.<ref name="auto"/>{{better source needed|date=January 2023|reason=Wikis are not generally reliable sources. Please remember also that Wikipedia isn't intended to be a game manual.}}
[[File:Osu!Lazer_Screenshot_with_Argon_Skin.png|left|thumb|Screenshot of a beatmap being played in ''osu!standard'']]
''Osu!'' is a [[rhythm game]] in which ''hit circles'' appear as notes over a song's runtime, and the objective is to click on the circles at the appropriate time and in the correct order,<ref name="TheObjective20192">{{cite news |last1=Gonzáles |first1=Mariela |date=5 September 2019 |title=Gaming Sounds: osu!, cuando el ritmo se convierte en nuestro séptimo sentido |url=https://theobjective.com/further/gaming-sounds-osu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107200505/https://theobjective.com/further/gaming-sounds-osu/ |archive-date=7 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |work=The Objective |publisher=The Objective Media |language=es}}</ref><ref name="TechTudo20192">{{cite web |last1=Rodrigues |first1=Gabriela |date=19 September 2019 |title=Como baixar Osu! e treinar sua mira no Fortnite e CS:GO |url=https://www.techtudo.com.br/dicas-e-tutoriais/2019/09/como-baixar-osu-e-treinar-sua-mira-no-fortnite-e-csgo-esports.ghtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107200513/https://www.techtudo.com.br/dicas-e-tutoriais/2019/09/como-baixar-osu-e-treinar-sua-mira-no-fortnite-e-csgo-esports.ghtml |archive-date=7 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |website=TechTudo |publisher=Globo Comunicação e Participações S.A. |language=pt-BR |location=Rio de Janeiro}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{cite web |last1=Phúc |first1=Thịnh |date=30 August 2019 |title=Bí quyết giúp game thủ có khả năng phản xạ chớp nhoáng |url=https://znews.vn/bi-quyet-giup-game-thu-co-kha-nang-phan-xa-chop-nhoang-post982404.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107200509/https://news.zing.vn/bi-quyet-giup-game-thu-co-kha-nang-phan-xa-chop-nhoang-post982404.html |archive-date=7 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |website=Zing.vn |language=vi}}</ref> aided by rings called ''approach circles'' that close in on the hit circles to visually indicate the timing.<ref name="TechTudo20192" /> The core gameplay is inspired by the [[Nintendo DS]] rhythm game ''[[Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan]]'' and its sequel ''[[Elite Beat Agents]].<ref name="TheObjective20192" />'' Slider and spinner notes require that the player click and hold while moving the cursor.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":2">{{cite web |author1=djjulien |date=7 June 2015 |title=Test : Osu! |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/427571/osu.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621130547/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/427571/osu.htm |archive-date=21 June 2017 |website=[[jeuxvideo.com]] |language=fr}}</ref> If the player misses too many circles, they fail the song and must retry.<ref name="TechTudo20192" /><ref name=":02" /> In-game settings, called ''mods'', can change gameplay in different ways—for example, by speeding up the song or decreasing the size of circles.<ref name="pcgamer2">{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=16 July 2019 |title=Gamers with godlike reflexes are racing to break world records in this rhythm game |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/two-teens-are-on-a-crazy-world-record-race-in-extremely-challenging-rhythm-game-osu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926150910/https://www.pcgamer.com/two-teens-are-on-a-crazy-world-record-race-in-extremely-challenging-rhythm-game-osu/ |archive-date=26 September 2019 |access-date=12 August 2019 |website=PC Gamer}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Amos |first=Andrew |date=16 November 2018 |title=Circle Work: A chat with Australia's osu! World Cup team |url=https://www.redbull.com/au-en/circle-work-a-chat-with-australias-osu-world-cup-team |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730045847/https://www.redbull.com/au-en/circle-work-a-chat-with-australias-osu-world-cup-team |archive-date=30 July 2019 |access-date=4 September 2019 |website=Red Bull}}</ref> Songs are mapped to [[Level (video games)|levels]] called ''beatmaps'',<ref name="TheObjective20192" /> and the same song can have multiple beatmaps of varying difficulties.<ref name=":02" /> Some beatmaps, including a tutorial, are bundled with a new installation of the game, but more can be downloaded from the game's website.<ref name="TheObjective20192" /><ref name="TechTudo20192" />


Beatmaps can be created and uploaded by all users.<ref name="TechTudo20192" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name="IndoZone20192">{{cite news |last1=Andika |first1=Ferry |date=27 December 2019 |title=Osu!, Game Rhythm Terkenal di PC dengan Ribuan Pemain Harian |url=https://www.indozone.id/game/RMspde/osu-game-rhythm-terkenal-di-pc-dengan-ribuan-pemain-harian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107192953/https://www.indozone.id/game/RMspde/osu-game-rhythm-terkenal-di-pc-dengan-ribuan-pemain-harian |archive-date=7 January 2020 |access-date=7 January 2020 |publisher=Indozone Media Indonesia |location=Jakarta |language=id}}</ref> In the game's [[Single-player video game|single-player]] mode, scores on beatmaps can be compared with other players, who are ranked on an online leaderboard.<ref name="TechTudo20192" /> Scores are primarily measured using their ''performance points'', which account for various aspects of a player's skill.<ref name="pcgamer2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2019 |first=Dexter |last=Tan Guan Hao
Each mode offers a variety of "beatmaps", which are game levels that are played to songs of different lengths, ranging from "TV size" [[anime]] openings to "marathons" surpassing 7 minutes. In osu!standard, beatmaps consist of three items – hit circles, sliders, and spinners. The objective of the game is for the player to click on these items in time to the music. These items are collectively known as "hit objects" or "circles" and are arranged in different positions on the screen (except for the spinner) at different points of time during a song. Taiko beatmaps have drumbeats and spinners. Catch beatmaps have fruits and spinners (which are bananas), which are arranged in a horizontally falling manner. Mania beatmaps consist of keys (depicted as a small bar) and holds. The beatmap is then played with accompanying music, simulating a sense of rhythm as the player interacts with the objects to the beat of the music.<ref name="TechTudo2019">{{cite web |last1=Rodrigues |first1=Gabriela |title=Como baixar Osu! e treinar sua mira no Fortnite e CS:GO |url=https://www.techtudo.com.br/dicas-e-tutoriais/2019/09/como-baixar-osu-e-treinar-sua-mira-no-fortnite-e-csgo-esports.ghtml |website=TechTudo |publisher=Globo Comunicação e Participações S.A. |access-date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107200513/https://www.techtudo.com.br/dicas-e-tutoriais/2019/09/como-baixar-osu-e-treinar-sua-mira-no-fortnite-e-csgo-esports.ghtml |archive-date=7 January 2020 |location=Rio de Janeiro |language=pt-BR |date=19 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Phúc |first1=Thịnh |title=Bí quyết giúp game thủ có khả năng phản xạ chớp nhoáng |url=https://news.zing.vn/bi-quyet-giup-game-thu-co-kha-nang-phan-xa-chop-nhoang-post982404.html |website=Zing.vn |access-date=7 January 2020 |language=vi |date=30 August 2019 |archive-date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107200509/https://news.zing.vn/bi-quyet-giup-game-thu-co-kha-nang-phan-xa-chop-nhoang-post982404.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Each beatmap is accompanied by music and a background (which can be disabled). The game can be played using various peripherals: the most common setup is a [[graphics tablet]] or [[computer mouse]] to control cursor movement, paired with a [[Keyboard technology|keyboard]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smart |first1=Jibb |title=Why not just use thumbsticks? |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/JibbSmart/20190916/350774/Why_not_just_use_thumbsticks.php |website=Gamasutra |access-date=7 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107195503/https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/JibbSmart/20190916/350774/Why_not_just_use_thumbsticks.php |archive-date=7 January 2020 |date=17 September 2019 |quote=While there's debate among its fans as to whether playing with a mouse is as good as playing with a stylus, there's one thing everyone will agree on: thumbsticks are almost useless for this game.}}</ref><ref name="TheObjective2019" /> or a mini keyboard with only two keys, and only the keyboard for osu!taiko, osu!catch, and osu!mania beatmaps.
|title=osu! PP world record broken by 15-year-old |url=https://dotesports.com/general/news/osu-pp-world-record-broken-by-15-year-old |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812214904/https://dotesports.com/general/news/osu-pp-world-record-broken-by-15-year-old |archive-date=12 August 2019 |access-date=12 August 2019 |website=Dot Esports |quote=For instance, former Overwatch League pro Hyeon 'EFFECT' Hwang said he plays the game for one hour before matches to warm up his hands.}}</ref> Users can add others as friends and [[IRC|chat]] in-game,<ref name=":2" /> and the [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] mode allows groups of people to play beatmaps synchronously with each other.<ref name="TechTudo20192" />


=== Game modes ===
The game offers a buyable extension service called osu!supporter, which grants extra features to the user.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/home/support|title=Support the game|website=osu.ppy.sh|access-date=12 August 2019|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812053032/https://osu.ppy.sh/home/support|url-status=live}}</ref> osu!supporter does not affect the ranking system or provide any in-game advantage. While osu!supporter itself is not a recurring service (meaning it is a one-off payment), it has a limited time validity ranging from 1 month to 2 years; however, multiple purchases of osu!supporter service time can be entitled to one user, allowing for longer uninterrupted service.
The game's original and most popular mode, based on ''Ouendan'', is also known as ''osu!standard''. There are also three alternative [[game modes]], ''osu!mania, osu!taiko,'' and ''osu!catch''.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="IndoZone20192" /> In ''osu!mania'', a mode based on rhythm game series such as ''[[Beatmania]]''<ref name="TheObjective20192" /> and ''[[Guitar Hero]]'',<ref name=":2" /> the player must press the correct keys on the keyboard when notes reach the bottom of the screen.<ref name=":2" /> ''osu!taiko'' is based on ''[[Taiko no Tatsujin]]''; it involves circles moving from right to left, requiring keypresses when they reach the left side.<ref name="TheObjective20192" /> ''osu!catch'' is based on EZ2Catch, a game mode in [[EZ2DJ]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=EZ2DJ |url=https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/EZ2DJ |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=TV Tropes}}</ref> In it, fruits fall from the top of the screen and the player controls a character at the bottom whom they can move left and right with the goal of catching as much fruit as possible.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="mmogames">{{cite news |last1=Ball |first1=Daniel |date=27 April 2010 |title=Online rhythm and music game Osu! reviewed - MMOGames.com |url=https://www.mmogames.com/gamenews/online-rhythm-and-dance-game-osu-reviewed/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022073657/https://www.mmogames.com/gamenews/online-rhythm-and-dance-game-osu-reviewed/ |archive-date=22 October 2018 |access-date=22 October 2018 |work=MMOGames.com}}</ref>


== Development ==
==Community and competitive play==
''Osu!'' was created by Dean Herbert, an Australian developer known online as "peppy" or "ppy",<ref name=":2" /> as a computer version of ''Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan'' and ''Elite Beat Agents.''<ref name="TheObjective20192" /> One of his goals was to create longevity through enabling users to generate beatmaps.<ref name="PU2018">{{Cite magazine |date=July 2018 |language=nl |title=Genoeg rhythm-action voor de rest van je leven... en helemaal gratis! |url=https://archive.org/details/292_20231030_202310/295/page/32/mode/2up |trans-title=Enough rhythm-action for the rest of your life... and completely free! |access-date=29 May 2024 |magazine=[[Power Unlimited]] |page=33 |volume=26 |issue=7}}</ref> Herbert had experience creating video games prior to ''Osu!'', having made some during high school and university,<ref name="ppy-osutalk" />{{Rp|location=05:34}} but has said he did not think it would become his job.<ref name="ComicFiestaInterview">{{Cite interview |last=Herbert |first=Dean |interviewer=CalvinPixels |title=CosNews 1 &#124; Peppy (PPY) - Osu! Interview (Comic Fiesta) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83y5EEm-2dk |date=12 January 2014}}</ref>{{Rp|location=00:20}} He began developing ''Osu!'' while attending university and had a working build of the game after a few hours, which he shared with friends.<ref name="ppy-osutalk">{{Cite interview |last=Herbert |first=Dean |title= osu!talk Episode 8 - Feat. peppy! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7vdW5uZutU |date=25 July 2014}}</ref>{{Rp|location=00:50}} It was written in [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]] using the [[Microsoft XNA|XNA framework]].<ref name="ppy-osutalk" />{{Rp|location=03:24}} The game's first public release was on 16 September 2007,<ref name="IndoZone20192" /> and an open beta was officially available starting on 17 October.<ref name="EGbeta">{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=18 October 2007 |title=Free PC Ouendan/EBA emulator hits public beta |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-10-18-free-pc-ouendan-eba-emulator-hits-public-beta.html |access-date=23 May 2024 |website=[[Engadget]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Due to the game's growth in popularity as well as user feedback, Herbert later added the extra game modes ''osu!mania'', ''osu!taiko'', and ''osu!catch''.<ref name="TheObjective20192" /> After releasing ''Osu!'', Herbert, who had been working full-time for an [[Information technology|IT]] company, gradually reduced his work hours to focus on maintaining ''Osu!''.<ref name="ppy-osutalk" />{{Rp|location=39:49}} According to Herbert, as of a July 2014 interview for the official ''Osu!'' [[YouTube]] channel, the [[user interface]] of the game client and official website were undergoing full "revamps".<ref name="ppy-osutalk" />{{Rp|location=34:42}} In the same interview, he expressed interest or intentions to add major features to the game, such as a multiplayer [[power-up]] system inspired by ''Ouendan'' and ''[[TetriNET]]'',<ref name="ppy-osutalk" />{{Rp|location=16:14}} 3D rotation of the field of play,<ref name="ppy-osutalk" />{{Rp|location=25:23}} and expanded multiplayer lobbies.<ref name="ppy-osutalk" />{{Rp|location=37:40}} ''Osu!'' has two different builds, one being named ''osu! Stable'', the original build, and ''osu! lazer'' which is a rewrite of the original game with new features and bugfixes, with the end goal being for ''osu! lazer'' to replace the stable build of ''Osu!'', however, Herbert has stated that as long as people are still playing on ''osu! Stable'' he will continue to maintain it.
===Community events===
[[File:osu! TwitchCon 2018 Booth.jpg|thumb|An audience watches players idke and RyuK compete at the ''osu!'' [[TwitchCon]] booth in 2018.|alt=refer to caption|217x217px]]
''osu!'' and its players have organized different events, such as fanart, tournaments, beatmapping contests, and conventions. The biggest unofficial event held in the community is "cavoe's osu! event"<ref>{{Cite web |last=cavoeboy |title=COE 2022 |url=https://cavoeboy.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902142318/https://cavoeboy.com/ |archive-date=2 September 2022 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=cavoeboy.com}}</ref> (usually referred to as "''osu!'' event" or "COE"), held at The [[Brabanthallen]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=COE 2022 1 tot en met 7 augustus |url=https://www.brabanthallen.nl/evenement/coe-2022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902142009/https://www.brabanthallen.nl/evenement/coe-2022/ |archive-date=2 September 2022 |access-date=2 September 2022 |website=Brabanthallen 's-Hertogenbosch}}</ref> in [['s-Hertogenbosch]], Netherlands. The event has been arranged three times since 2017 yearly. However, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the 2020 and 2021 editions of the event were canceled. ''COE 2022'' occurred from 1 to 7 August and ''COE 2023'', the most recent event, has been held from July 31 - August 6, 2023. There were also official stands at [[TwitchCon]] and [[Anime Expo]].{{primary inline|date=July 2022}}


===Competition===
==Legacy==
''osu!'' contains three main facets of competition between players. In multiplayer lobbies, up to 16 users play a map simultaneously. On individual maps, players compete for highscores on global leaderboards or against highscores set by themselves and friends. Players also compete with their ranks, which are calculated by accumulating "performance points" (pp). pp is based on a map's difficulty and the player's performance on it.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Performance Ranking|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/rankings/osu/performance|access-date=1 September 2019|website=osu.ppy.sh|archive-date=30 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130201040/https://osu.ppy.sh/rankings/osu/performance|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2019, a player, Vaxei, exceeded 1,000 pp in a single play for the first time, followed by another player, idke, less than twenty-four hours later.<ref name="pcgamer">{{Cite web|last=Carpenter|first=Nicole|date=16 July 2019|title=Gamers with godlike reflexes are racing to break world records in this rhythm game|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/two-teens-are-on-a-crazy-world-record-race-in-extremely-challenging-rhythm-game-osu/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926150910/https://www.pcgamer.com/two-teens-are-on-a-crazy-world-record-race-in-extremely-challenging-rhythm-game-osu/|archive-date=26 September 2019|access-date=12 August 2019|website=PC Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=25 July 2019|title=osu! PP world record broken by 15-year-old|url=https://dotesports.com/general/news/osu-pp-world-record-broken-by-15-year-old|access-date=12 August 2019|website=Dot Esports|quote=For instance, former Overwatch League pro Hyeon "EFFECT" Hwang said he plays the game for one hour before matches to warm up his hands.|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812214904/https://dotesports.com/general/news/osu-pp-world-record-broken-by-15-year-old|url-status=live}}</ref> As of October 2023, the pp record belongs to the player Accolibed on VINXIS - Sidetracked Day [Infinity Inside], worth 1,711 pp.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accolibed on Sidetracked Day [Infinity Inside] with the HDDT mod combination. · performance |url=https://osu.ppy.sh/scores/osu/4520592152 |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=osu! |language=en}}</ref>


=== Community and popularity ===
====Tournaments====
[[File:osu! TwitchCon 2018 Booth.jpg|thumb|An audience watches players idke and RyuK compete at the ''osu!'' [[TwitchCon]] booth in 2018.|alt=refer to caption|217x217px|left]]''Osu!'' has continued to gain popularity since its release, being widely shared on video and [[live streaming]] platforms like YouTube and [[TikTok]].<ref name="PU2018" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Ridley |first=Jacob |date=21 March 2023 |title=This keyboard designed for a single rhythm game is literally UwU |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/this-keyboard-designed-for-a-single-rhythm-game-is-literally-uwu/ |access-date=30 May 2024 |work=[[PC Gamer]] |language=en}}</ref> The game works on a model of community-generated beatmaps, which has been cited as a significant factor in its popularity and longevity.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="PU2018" /><ref name=":03">{{Cite web |last=Yono |first=Dylan |date=7 April 2019 |title=Anime music thrives in an obscure computer-based rhythm game |url=http://www.michigandaily.com/arts/music/anime-music-thrives-obscure-computer-based-rhythm-game/ |access-date=30 May 2024 |website=[[The Michigan Daily]] |language=en-US}}</ref> A large portion of the available music consists of [[Anime song|songs from anime]]<ref name="PU2018" /><ref name=":03" />—the game itself is aimed at foreign fans of Japanese culture and is influenced by it, particularly due to its inspiration from ''Ouendan'' and the general continuing association of rhythm games with Japan since the 1990s.<ref name=":03" />
Since established in 2011, there have been twelve annual ''osu!'' World Cups (usually abbreviated as OWC), one for each game mode (osu!mania having two for four key and seven key). Teams for World Cups are country-based, with up to eight players per team.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Amos|first=Andrew|date=16 November 2018|title=Circle Work: A chat with Australia's osu! World Cup team|url=https://www.redbull.com/au-en/circle-work-a-chat-with-australias-osu-world-cup-team|access-date=4 September 2019|website=Red Bull|archive-date=30 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730045847/https://www.redbull.com/au-en/circle-work-a-chat-with-australias-osu-world-cup-team|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also very many different community-hosted tournaments, differing in rank range, types of maps played, and how the teams are composed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tournaments|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/help/wiki/Tournaments|access-date=4 September 2019|website=osu.ppy.sh|archive-date=12 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212063415/https://osu.ppy.sh/help/wiki/Tournaments/|url-status=live}}</ref> Winners of larger official tournaments typically receive prizes such as cash, merchandise, profile badges and/or osu!supporter subscriptions. For this reason, large tournaments often attract high-skill level players as well as large audiences on [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]], this is in contrast to the smaller community tournaments, which often have small or no prizes and are not watched by many people.
These smaller tournaments comprise the vast majority of all ''osu!'' Tournaments, and through the usage of global rank entry restrictions where you may only compete against players in your own rank range, community tournaments provide a serious competitive environment for players who may not be as highly skilled. Without these community tournaments, players would have to practice for years to have any shot at playing at the same competition level of those who are professional players in the community.


Tournaments are held frequently as another mode of competition.<ref name="PU2018" /> The ''Osu!'' World Cup is an annual tournament which comprises a [[group stage]] and bracket of the 32 highest-seeded national teams in the world, usually with 6 to 8 players on each team.<ref name=":1" />
== Adaptations ==
{{third-party|section|date=November 2020}}


Due to the game's emphasis on quickly moving the mouse cursor to precise points on the screen, some players of [[multiplayer online battle arena]] games and [[first-person shooter]] games use it to improve reflexes and mouse control,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saguias |first=Gabriel |date=27 November 2018 |title=Cinco jogos viciantes de PC para treinar e subir de ranking no CS:GO |url=https://www.techtudo.com.br/listas/2018/11/cinco-jogos-viciantes-de-pc-para-treinar-e-subir-de-ranking-no-csgo-esports.ghtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215021011/https://www.techtudo.com.br/listas/2018/11/cinco-jogos-viciantes-de-pc-para-treinar-e-subir-de-ranking-no-csgo-esports.ghtml |archive-date=15 February 2020 |access-date=22 May 2024 |website=TechTudo |language=pt}}</ref> and it has been specifically recommended by some esports professionals like [[Ninja (gamer)|Ninja]] and EFFECT.<ref name="TechTudo20192" /><ref name="BizInsider20193">{{Cite web |last=Webb |first=Kevin |date=24 August 2019 |title=Professional gamers like Ninja use this music game to practice their aim and improve their mouse skills — Here's how you can play for free |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/osu-game-pro-gamers-practice-aim-improve-mouse-skills-esports-2019-8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202064758/https://www.businessinsider.com/osu-game-pro-gamers-practice-aim-improve-mouse-skills-esports-2019-8 |archive-date=2 December 2019 |access-date=26 August 2019 |website=Business Insider}}</ref><ref name=":02" />
=== ''osu!stream'' ===
In 2011, ''osu!stream'' was released as an adaptation of ''osu!'' for [[iOS]] devices, also developed by Dean Herbert. An [[Android (operating system)|Android]] version was released on 12 January 2023.<ref>{{cite web|title=osu!stream on Twitter: "a few years late but we're finally available on android"|website=twitter.com|url=https://twitter.com/osustream/status/1613459462177816577|access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref> The main difference between ''osu!'' and ''osu!stream'' is that ''osu!stream'' beatmaps are not user-created and are instead made by the developers of ''osu!stream''. The version also includes some new gameplay elements.<ref>{{Cite web|title=osu!stream|url=https://osu.ppy.sh/help/wiki/osu!stream|access-date=9 May 2019|website=osu.ppy.sh|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506113628/https://osu.ppy.sh/wiki/en/osu%21stream|url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 February 2020, Herbert announced that he released the source code and plans to halt the development of the game, releasing one final update that made all the levels free to download.<ref>{{Cite web|last=blog|first=ppy|title=osu!stream 2020 release|url=https://blog.ppy.sh/osu-stream-2020-release/|access-date=27 February 2020|website=blog.ppy.sh|archive-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227081904/https://blog.ppy.sh/osu-stream-2020-release/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== ''osu!droid'' ===
"osu!droid"<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 23, 2023 |title=GitHub - osudroid/osu-droid |url=https://github.com/osudroid/osu-droid|access-date=2023-01-23 |website=GitHub |language=en}}</ref> is an open-source and community-made project. "osu!droid"<ref>{{Cite web |title=osu!droid {{!}} Rhythm is just a Tap away! |url=https://osudroid.moe/ |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=osudroid.moe}}</ref> is a project that is unaffiliated with Dean (peppy) Herbert the official creator of "osu!"<ref>{{Cite web |title=osu! |url=https://github.com/ppy/osu |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=osu! |language=en}}</ref>. "osu!droid" feature only the standard "osu!" gamemode; and it is only available on the [[Android (operating system)|Android]] platform.


=== ''osu!lazer'' ===
=== Devices ===
''Osu!'' has been noted for encouraging the use of unique [[Input device|input devices]]—although the game can be played with a [[computer mouse]], it is often recommended to use a [[graphics tablet]] with a pen, which more closely emulates the gameplay of ''Ouendan''.<ref name="PU2018" /><ref name="TheObjective20192" /> The accessibility of using a mouse and keyboard is another reason given for the game's popularity.<ref name="PU2018" /> Gaming keyboard manufacturer Wooting announced in March 2023 a three-key keyboard dedicated to playing ''Osu!'' due to the popularity of their keyboards among the game's players.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Sayem |date=23 March 2023 |title=Wooting sheds light on brand-new 'UwU' gaming keyboard |url=https://www.dexerto.com/tech/wooting-on-brand-new-uwu-gaming-keyboard-2094786/ |access-date=30 May 2024 |website=[[Dexerto]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" />
[[File:Osu!Lazer Screenshot with Argon Skin.png|thumb|Screenshot of ''osu!lazer'', an [[open source]] rewrite of the stable ''osu!'' client]]
''osu!lazer''<ref>{{Citation|title=GitHub - ppy/osu: rhythm is just a *click* away!|date=6 September 2019|url=https://github.com/ppy/osu|publisher=ppy|access-date=6 September 2019|archive-date=3 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403030916/https://github.com/ppy/osu|url-status=live}}</ref> is an [[Open-source|open source]] rewrite of the original game client. It is intended to replace the current stable client once it gains user acceptance. New features to the game are no longer being added to the stable client;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://github.com/ppy/osu/discussions/14294#discussioncomment-1185183|title=Add a feature that allows you to report bugs in-game for stable. · ppy/osu · Discussion #14294 |website=[[GitHub]] }}</ref> new development is focused on ''osu!lazer''.


=== Critical reception ===
The development of ''osu!lazer'' began in 2015, and is currently available on [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[Linux]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], and [[iOS]]. ''osu!lazer'' is written entirely in [[.NET]] (formerly .NET Core).<ref name=":0">{{Citation|title=ppy/osu-framework|date=15 June 2021|url=https://github.com/ppy/osu-framework|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624184123/https://github.com/ppy/osu-framework|publisher=ppy|access-date=24 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Jeuxvideo.com]] reviewed ''Osu!'' favorably with 18/20 points in 2015, praising its simple gameplay and its expansive community, but complaining about a high skill floor and its unoriginal gamemodes, as well as the prevalence of Japanese music, which they felt was excessive.<ref name=":2" /> In 2010, MMOGames.com reviewer Daniel Ball said that while the game was very similar to ''[[Elite Beat Agents]]'', it was differentiated by its community's large library of high-quality community made content and customization.<ref name="mmogames" />

=== ''osu!framework'' ===
''osu!framework'' is an [[Open-source software|open source]] game [[Software framework|framework]] developed with ''osu!lazer'' in mind. The goal of ''osu!framework'' development is to create a versatile and accessible game framework that goes further than most, providing things out-of-the-box such as graphics, advanced input processing, and text rendering.<ref name=":0" />

== Reception ==
[[Jeuxvideo.com]] reviewed ''osu!'' favorably with 18/20 points in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|date=7 June 2015|title=Test : Osu!|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/427571/osu.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621130547/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/427571/osu.htm|archive-date=21 June 2017|website=[[jeuxvideo.com]]|language=fr}}</ref> In 2010, MMOGames.com reviewer Daniel Ball said that while the game was very similar to ''[[Elite Beat Agents]]'', it was differentiated by its community's large library of high-quality community made content and customization.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ball|first1=Daniel|date=27 April 2010|title=Online rhythm and music game Osu! reviewed - MMOGames.com|work=MMOGames.com|url=https://www.mmogames.com/gamenews/online-rhythm-and-dance-game-osu-reviewed/|url-status=dead|access-date=22 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022073657/https://www.mmogames.com/gamenews/online-rhythm-and-dance-game-osu-reviewed/|archive-date=22 October 2018}}</ref> The game has been used and recommended by esports players such as [[Ninja (streamer)|Ninja]] and EFFECT, as a way to warm-up and practice their aim.<ref name="BizInsider2019">{{Cite web|last=Webb|first=Kevin|date=24 August 2019|title=Professional gamers like Ninja use this music game to practice their aim and improve their mouse skills — Here's how you can play for free|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/osu-game-pro-gamers-practice-aim-improve-mouse-skills-esports-2019-8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202064758/https://www.businessinsider.com/osu-game-pro-gamers-practice-aim-improve-mouse-skills-esports-2019-8|archive-date=2 December 2019|access-date=26 August 2019|website=Business Insider}}</ref><ref name="TechTudo2019" />


==Notes==
==Notes==
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{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://osu.ppy.sh}}
* {{Official website|https://osu.ppy.sh}}
* [https://www.github.com/ppy/osu ''osu!lazer'' GitHub page ]
* {{Twitch|osulive|osu!}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/@osugame osu!] on [[YouTube]]
* [https://osu.ppy.sh/wiki Official ''osu!'' wiki]
* [https://osu.ppy.sh/wiki Official ''osu!'' wiki]


[[Category:2007 video games]]
[[Category:2007 video games]]
[[Category:Indie games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Music video games]]
[[Category:Music video games]]
[[Category:Open-source video games]]
[[Category:Rhythm games]]
[[Category:Rhythm games]]
[[Category:Open-source video games]]
[[Category:Software using the MIT license]]
[[Category:Indie games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Australia]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Australia]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows Phone games]]
[[Category:Windows Phone games]]
[[Category:Software using the MIT license]]

Latest revision as of 23:41, 30 November 2024

osu!
Original author(s)Dean "peppy" Herbert
Developer(s)osu! development team
Initial releaseSeptember 16, 2007; 17 years ago (2007-09-16)
Repositoryhttps://github.com/ppy/osu
Written inC#
MiddlewareOpenTK[2]
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows
macOS
Linux (open beta)
Android (open beta)
iOS (open beta)
Size
  • osu! lazer
  • 670 MB
  • osu! stable
  • 220MB
Available in37 languages
List of languages
Arabic, Belarusian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Czech, Danish, English, German, Greek, Spanish, Finnish, Filipino, French, Hebrew, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Serbian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Traditional Chinese
TypeRhythm game
LicenseFreeware (stable build)

MIT (osu!lazer code)

CC BY-NC (osu!lazer assets[3])
Websiteosu.ppy.sh Edit this on Wikidata

Osu![a] (stylized as osu!) is a free-to-play rhythm game originally created and self-published by Australian developer Dean Herbert. It was released for Microsoft Windows on 16 September 2007, with later ports to macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.[citation needed]

Osu!'s gameplay, based on the Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan series of rhythm games, primarily involves clicking notes, which appear as circles, using the mouse cursor. Since the game's release, three other game modes have been added, taking inspiration from Taiko no Tatsujin and Beatmania. Unlike many rhythm games, levels in Osu! are created and uploaded by users, increasing the range and volume of the song library, which is a factor contributing to the game's popularity.

The game has a significant connection to Japanese culture and anime music. It has also had effects on the esports industry—professional gamers use Osu! to warm up and practice, and the community frequently organizes tournaments between players.

Gameplay

[edit]
Screenshot of a beatmap being played in osu!standard

Osu! is a rhythm game in which hit circles appear as notes over a song's runtime, and the objective is to click on the circles at the appropriate time and in the correct order,[4][5][6] aided by rings called approach circles that close in on the hit circles to visually indicate the timing.[5] The core gameplay is inspired by the Nintendo DS rhythm game Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan and its sequel Elite Beat Agents.[4] Slider and spinner notes require that the player click and hold while moving the cursor.[6][7] If the player misses too many circles, they fail the song and must retry.[5][6] In-game settings, called mods, can change gameplay in different ways—for example, by speeding up the song or decreasing the size of circles.[8][9] Songs are mapped to levels called beatmaps,[4] and the same song can have multiple beatmaps of varying difficulties.[6] Some beatmaps, including a tutorial, are bundled with a new installation of the game, but more can be downloaded from the game's website.[4][5]

Beatmaps can be created and uploaded by all users.[5][7][10] In the game's single-player mode, scores on beatmaps can be compared with other players, who are ranked on an online leaderboard.[5] Scores are primarily measured using their performance points, which account for various aspects of a player's skill.[8][11] Users can add others as friends and chat in-game,[7] and the multiplayer mode allows groups of people to play beatmaps synchronously with each other.[5]

Game modes

[edit]

The game's original and most popular mode, based on Ouendan, is also known as osu!standard. There are also three alternative game modes, osu!mania, osu!taiko, and osu!catch.[7][10] In osu!mania, a mode based on rhythm game series such as Beatmania[4] and Guitar Hero,[7] the player must press the correct keys on the keyboard when notes reach the bottom of the screen.[7] osu!taiko is based on Taiko no Tatsujin; it involves circles moving from right to left, requiring keypresses when they reach the left side.[4] osu!catch is based on EZ2Catch, a game mode in EZ2DJ.[12] In it, fruits fall from the top of the screen and the player controls a character at the bottom whom they can move left and right with the goal of catching as much fruit as possible.[7][13]

Development

[edit]

Osu! was created by Dean Herbert, an Australian developer known online as "peppy" or "ppy",[7] as a computer version of Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan and Elite Beat Agents.[4] One of his goals was to create longevity through enabling users to generate beatmaps.[14] Herbert had experience creating video games prior to Osu!, having made some during high school and university,[15]: 05:34  but has said he did not think it would become his job.[16]: 00:20  He began developing Osu! while attending university and had a working build of the game after a few hours, which he shared with friends.[15]: 00:50  It was written in C# using the XNA framework.[15]: 03:24  The game's first public release was on 16 September 2007,[10] and an open beta was officially available starting on 17 October.[17] Due to the game's growth in popularity as well as user feedback, Herbert later added the extra game modes osu!mania, osu!taiko, and osu!catch.[4] After releasing Osu!, Herbert, who had been working full-time for an IT company, gradually reduced his work hours to focus on maintaining Osu!.[15]: 39:49  According to Herbert, as of a July 2014 interview for the official Osu! YouTube channel, the user interface of the game client and official website were undergoing full "revamps".[15]: 34:42  In the same interview, he expressed interest or intentions to add major features to the game, such as a multiplayer power-up system inspired by Ouendan and TetriNET,[15]: 16:14  3D rotation of the field of play,[15]: 25:23  and expanded multiplayer lobbies.[15]: 37:40  Osu! has two different builds, one being named osu! Stable, the original build, and osu! lazer which is a rewrite of the original game with new features and bugfixes, with the end goal being for osu! lazer to replace the stable build of Osu!, however, Herbert has stated that as long as people are still playing on osu! Stable he will continue to maintain it.

Legacy

[edit]

Community and popularity

[edit]
refer to caption
An audience watches players idke and RyuK compete at the osu! TwitchCon booth in 2018.

Osu! has continued to gain popularity since its release, being widely shared on video and live streaming platforms like YouTube and TikTok.[14][18] The game works on a model of community-generated beatmaps, which has been cited as a significant factor in its popularity and longevity.[7][14][19] A large portion of the available music consists of songs from anime[14][19]—the game itself is aimed at foreign fans of Japanese culture and is influenced by it, particularly due to its inspiration from Ouendan and the general continuing association of rhythm games with Japan since the 1990s.[19]

Tournaments are held frequently as another mode of competition.[14] The Osu! World Cup is an annual tournament which comprises a group stage and bracket of the 32 highest-seeded national teams in the world, usually with 6 to 8 players on each team.[9]

Due to the game's emphasis on quickly moving the mouse cursor to precise points on the screen, some players of multiplayer online battle arena games and first-person shooter games use it to improve reflexes and mouse control,[20] and it has been specifically recommended by some esports professionals like Ninja and EFFECT.[5][21][6]

Devices

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Osu! has been noted for encouraging the use of unique input devices—although the game can be played with a computer mouse, it is often recommended to use a graphics tablet with a pen, which more closely emulates the gameplay of Ouendan.[14][4] The accessibility of using a mouse and keyboard is another reason given for the game's popularity.[14] Gaming keyboard manufacturer Wooting announced in March 2023 a three-key keyboard dedicated to playing Osu! due to the popularity of their keyboards among the game's players.[22][18]

Critical reception

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Jeuxvideo.com reviewed Osu! favorably with 18/20 points in 2015, praising its simple gameplay and its expansive community, but complaining about a high skill floor and its unoriginal gamemodes, as well as the prevalence of Japanese music, which they felt was excessive.[7] In 2010, MMOGames.com reviewer Daniel Ball said that while the game was very similar to Elite Beat Agents, it was differentiated by its community's large library of high-quality community made content and customization.[13]

Notes

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  1. ^ Pronounced variously in English: /ˈs/, /ˈs/.

References

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  1. ^ Walavouchey; 0x84f. "osu!(lazer) Updates: May 19, 2024". osu!. Retrieved 24 May 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Herbert, Dean (30 June 2016). "a long-overdue update". ppy blog. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2021. Until now we used some XNA code for input handling and low-level structs. These dependencies are almost compeletely [sic] removed from the project now, with OpenTK or similar open-source frameworks replacing them.
  3. ^ "GitHub - ppy/osu-resources: assets used by osu!". GitHub. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Gonzáles, Mariela (5 September 2019). "Gaming Sounds: osu!, cuando el ritmo se convierte en nuestro séptimo sentido". The Objective (in Spanish). The Objective Media. Archived from the original on 7 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Rodrigues, Gabriela (19 September 2019). "Como baixar Osu! e treinar sua mira no Fortnite e CS:GO". TechTudo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Rio de Janeiro: Globo Comunicação e Participações S.A. Archived from the original on 7 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d e Phúc, Thịnh (30 August 2019). "Bí quyết giúp game thủ có khả năng phản xạ chớp nhoáng". Zing.vn (in Vietnamese). Archived from the original on 7 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j djjulien (7 June 2015). "Test : Osu!". jeuxvideo.com (in French). Archived from the original on 21 June 2017.
  8. ^ a b Carpenter, Nicole (16 July 2019). "Gamers with godlike reflexes are racing to break world records in this rhythm game". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  9. ^ a b Amos, Andrew (16 November 2018). "Circle Work: A chat with Australia's osu! World Cup team". Red Bull. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
  10. ^ a b c Andika, Ferry (27 December 2019). "Osu!, Game Rhythm Terkenal di PC dengan Ribuan Pemain Harian" (in Indonesian). Jakarta: Indozone Media Indonesia. Archived from the original on 7 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  11. ^ Tan Guan Hao, Dexter (25 July 2019). "osu! PP world record broken by 15-year-old". Dot Esports. Archived from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2019. For instance, former Overwatch League pro Hyeon 'EFFECT' Hwang said he plays the game for one hour before matches to warm up his hands.
  12. ^ "EZ2DJ". TV Tropes. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  13. ^ a b Ball, Daniel (27 April 2010). "Online rhythm and music game Osu! reviewed - MMOGames.com". MMOGames.com. Archived from the original on 22 October 2018. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g "Genoeg rhythm-action voor de rest van je leven... en helemaal gratis!" [Enough rhythm-action for the rest of your life... and completely free!]. Power Unlimited (in Dutch). Vol. 26, no. 7. July 2018. p. 33. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h Herbert, Dean (25 July 2014). "osu!talk Episode 8 - Feat. peppy!" (Interview).
  16. ^ Herbert, Dean (12 January 2014). "CosNews 1 | Peppy (PPY) - Osu! Interview (Comic Fiesta)" (Interview). Interviewed by CalvinPixels.
  17. ^ Orland, Kyle (18 October 2007). "Free PC Ouendan/EBA emulator hits public beta". Engadget. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  18. ^ a b Ridley, Jacob (21 March 2023). "This keyboard designed for a single rhythm game is literally UwU". PC Gamer. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  19. ^ a b c Yono, Dylan (7 April 2019). "Anime music thrives in an obscure computer-based rhythm game". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  20. ^ Saguias, Gabriel (27 November 2018). "Cinco jogos viciantes de PC para treinar e subir de ranking no CS:GO". TechTudo (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 15 February 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  21. ^ Webb, Kevin (24 August 2019). "Professional gamers like Ninja use this music game to practice their aim and improve their mouse skills — Here's how you can play for free". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 2 December 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  22. ^ Ahmed, Sayem (23 March 2023). "Wooting sheds light on brand-new 'UwU' gaming keyboard". Dexerto. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
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