The Rise and Fall of Flappy Bird
Ten years ago, a simple mobile game called Flappy Bird took the world by storm. Created by Vietnam-based developer Dong Nguyen, the game became a massive hit in early 2014 on both iOS and Android platforms, catapulting Nguyen to fame and fortune. At its peak, Flappy Bird was reportedly earning tens of thousands of dollars in ad revenue per day.
However, just as quickly as it rose to success, Flappy Bird disappeared from the mobile app stores in February 2014. Nguyen made the decision to remove the game entirely, leaving many puzzled by his sudden departure. While others have tried to replicate the game’s success with their own clones, none have been able to match the popularity of the original.
A New Era for Flappy Bird
Now, more than ten years later, a group known as the Flappy Bird Foundation has announced the re-launch of the game. Describing themselves as “a new team of passionate fans,” the group claims to have acquired the trademark for Flappy Bird, although it’s unclear whether they obtained it from Nguyen himself.
Interestingly, the creator of a game that many believe inspired Flappy Bird is also involved in the project. This collaboration adds an intriguing twist to the game’s revival.
The New Flappy Bird Game
The Flappy Bird Foundation recently released a trailer showcasing the upcoming version of the game. The new Flappy Bird retains the original yellow bird character and the gameplay mechanics involving tapping the screen to control the bird’s flight and avoid pipes.
However, the new Flappy Bird offers much more than its predecessor. The trailer reveals additional playable characters, different levels, and even a world map that suggests the inclusion of a storyline mode. The game also introduces other gameplay modes, such as guiding the Flappy Bird character through basketball hoops. Additionally, there will be an online mode called Flappy Bird Rivals, allowing players to compete against 99 others.
The Return Without the Creator
One notable aspect of Flappy Bird’s comeback is the absence of its creator, Dong Nguyen. Nguyen has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the attention and addictive nature of Flappy Bird in the past, stating that he did not want the game to exist at all. This raises questions about his involvement in the game’s revival.
The Flappy Bird Foundation claims to have acquired the rights to the game from Gametech Holdings LLC., rather than directly from Nguyen. Court documents reveal that Gametech Holdings LLC. successfully obtained the abandoned trademark rights from Nguyen by leveraging his public statements about abandoning Flappy Bird. While some fans may be disappointed by Nguyen’s lack of involvement, the foundation does include a member connected to the original game, adding some credibility to their efforts.
The Controversy and Future of Flappy Bird
The return of Flappy Bird is not without controversy. Some critics have already voiced concerns about the inclusion of micro-transactions in the new game, a feature that was absent in the original version. It remains to be seen how the Flappy Bird Foundation will address these concerns and whether they can successfully revive the game’s popularity.
Flappy Bird’s resurgence comes with a murky backstory and a new group at its helm. Whether the Flappy Bird Foundation can recreate the magic of the original game and overcome the skepticism remains to be seen. Fans and critics alike eagerly await the game’s release later this year to see if it can recapture the success and addictive charm that made it a global phenomenon a decade ago.
