How to turn Google image search into game of 'Breakout'

It's no secret that developers of Google's search engine are huge video game fans. In the past, they've hidden easter eggs paying tribute to games such as StarCraft and Starfox.

Now, their next subject is the classic Atari game Breakout. Go to Google.com, type "Atari Breakout," then perform an image search. The pictures shrink down into a series of Breakout style boxes, while a small ball and blue bar appear along the bottom of the screen, controlled by either the arrow keys or computer mouse.

For those who have never played Breakout, the arcade game requires players to break through a series of blocks using a ball guided by a bar.

And if you're curious about those other tributes, try searches on "do a barrel roll" and "zerg rush."

Also, on April Fool's Day of last year, Google transformed its Maps application into an 8-bit digital wonderland.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @bam923