By Sagar V. Mankar Once-viral sensation Flappy Bird is making a comeback after more than a decade of absence.
This revival promises to bring new features and gameplay modes to the beloved yet frustrating tap-to-fly game that captivated millions worldwide.
What is Flappy Bird?
In Flappy Bird, the player controls a bird by tapping the screen to make it fly between green pipes without hitting them. Many of you might have played a similar kind of game in your life right, but this was the original one.
Created by Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen under his game studio dotGEARS Studios, it was released in May 2013 for iOS and later for Android in January 2014.
However, it wasn’t until January 2014 that the game exploded in popularity. Within weeks, it became the most downloaded app on the App Store.
The game’s simple yet frustratingly difficult gameplay struck a chord with millions of players worldwide. The game was so addictive that even Times Magazine included it in the list of the “50 Worst Inventions due to the frustration and obsession nature.”
According to multiple reports, it generated an estimated $50,000 per day in advertising revenue from in-game ads at that time.
However, the game’s meteoric rise was short-lived. In February 2014, just a month after its explosive popularity, Nguyen made the shocking decision to remove Flappy Bird from app stores.
He cited the game’s addictive nature and its impact on his “simple life” as reasons for its sudden removal. This is what Nguyen tweeted on February 8, 2014:
“I am sorry Flappy Bird users, 22 hours from now, I will take Flappy Bird down. I cannot take this anymore.”
Despite its removal, Flappy Bird’s legacy continues, with many copycats and tributes appearing across various platforms.
Who’s Reviving Flappy Bird?
Now, the OG Flappy Bird is set to return, thanks to a group of dedicated fans who have formed the Flappy Bird Foundation.
This group has acquired the official Flappy Bird trademark from Gametech Holdings LLC, a U.S. company that apparently obtained the rights from Nguyen.
Interestingly, the Foundation has also secured the rights to Piou Piou vs Cactus, a mobile game that some claim inspired Flappy Bird’s character design.
According to the Flappy Bird Foundation, a new expanded web-based version of the game will be released by the end of October 2024. Additionally, dedicated app-based iOS and Android versions are slated for 2025..
The revived Flappy Bird offers exciting new elements:
- Basketball-themed mode: Players will navigate the bird through basketball hoops.
- ‘EZ mode’/Easy Mode: Designed to welcome newcomers, this mode may offer a gentler learning curve for those intimidated by the original’s notorious difficulty.
- ‘Rivals mode’: A multiplayer experience allowing up to 100 players to compete simultaneously, potentially bringing a battle royale-style element to the Flappy Bird universe.
Michael Roberts, chief creative of the Flappy Bird Foundation, expressed excitement about the game’s return during a press release. He stated,:
“We are beyond excited to be bringing back Flappy Bird and delivering a fresh experience that will keep players engaged for years to come. We have big plans for our little Bird.”
Kek, the developer of Piou Piou and now part of the Flappy Bird Foundation, also shared his personal connection to the project:
“Today is a milestone not just in gaming but for me personally. It’s so cool to see how influential Piou Piou has been for developers and hundreds of millions of gamers over the years.”
Curiously, the Flappy Bird Foundation’s announcement makes no mention of Dong Nguyen. The original creator has maintained a low profile since removing Flappy Bird from app stores, with his social media presence dormant for years. It remains unclear whether Nguyen is involved in or approves of this revival.
Industry insiders are keeping a close eye on the topic and inform you of further developments. so subscribe to Gaming Foodle to stay updated!