Flappy Bird, the popular mobile game that took the world by storm a decade ago, is making a comeback. The game's revival is being spearheaded by The Flappy Bird Foundation, self-described as a "new team of passionate fans committed to sharing the game with the world," rather than its original creator Dong Nguyen. It will be available on web browsers by the end of October and on iOS and Android platforms in 2025.
The Flappy Bird Foundation has acquired the game's trademark from US firm Gametech Holdings LLC. The foundation also secured the game and character rights of Piou Piou vs. Cactus, which is believed to have inspired Flappy Bird. Michael Roberts from the foundation expressed his excitement about reviving Flappy Bird and delivering a fresh experience for players.
The revamped version of Flappy Bird will offer an enhanced gaming experience with new modes, character skins, progression, and multiplayer challenges. The foundation aims to "revamp the game's ecosystem while maintaining the familiarity of the game design that was enjoyed globally." The original creator, Dong Nguyen, has not yet commented on the game's return or his involvement in its relaunch.
The new Flappy Bird website provides a glimpse into the upcoming features of the game. These include a "rivals" mode where players can compete against 99 others, and another mode involving shooting birds through basketball hoops. The site also introduces new characters like "Peng" the penguin, and "Quirky," who sports a rainbow mohawk.
Nguyen's Flappy Bird debuted in 2013 and gained immense popularity the following year. By the end of January 2014, it was the most downloaded game on the App Store, surpassing 50 million downloads. However, in February 2014, Nguyen removed the game amid accusations of plagiarism and concerns about the stress of fame and player addiction. While numerous clones emerged, many of which had superior technical features, they lacked the original game's simple, endearing appeal.
"I’m refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to soar again"
Flappy Bird is set to make a return, 10 years after the viral mobile game was taken offline.
Originally launched in 2013 by video game developer Dong Nguyen and his company .Gears, Flappy Bird was a side-scrolling mobile game that tasked players with helping Faby The Bird avoid green pipes with well-timed button presses.
After a slow start, the game quickly became one of the most popular mobile phone apps and by the start of 2014, was reportedly earning Nguyen more than £38,000 ($50,000) a day through sales and in-game adverts.
However, in February the same year, Nguyen suddenly removed Flappy Bird from all platforms after apparently feeling guilty about how addictive the game was. The same year, an arcade version of the game was released, while Flappy Birds Family was launched exclusively for Amazon Fire TV. The sudden removal of the original game also meant that mobiles and iPads with Flappy Bird already installed are still being sold for £1000s.
Now, Flappy Bird is set to make a comeback. An expanded version of the game is set to launch for web browsers by the end of October 2024, while a mobile version of Flappy Bird is due to launch at some point in 2025.
“I am back,” read a post on the game’s new social media page. “Just a decade ago, I was the talk of the town and soaring to new heights with my 100 million friends. Sadly, I had to leave the fame and spotlight behind to go home and find out who I really am.”
“Thanks to my super fans, I’m refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to soar again. The decade-long mission involved acquiring legal rights and even working with my predecessor to uncage me and re-hatch the official Flappy Bird game,” the post continued.
I AM BACK!!
Just a decade ago, I was the talk of the town and soaring to new heights with my 100 million friends. Sadly, I had to leave the fame and spotlight behind to go home and find out who I really am.
Thanks to my super Flappy Bird® fans, I’m refreshed, reinvigorated,… pic.twitter.com/b4UaFZQA2r
— Flappy Bird (@flappy_bird) September 12, 2024
According to IGN, The game will be released by The Flappy Bird Foundation, “a new team of passionate fans committed to sharing the game with the world.” The foundation has acquired the trademark as well as the rights to Piou Piou vs Cactus, the mobile game that inspired the viral game.
Flappy Bird screenshots pic.twitter.com/VKNhUFvtEa
— Wario64 (@Wario64) September 12, 2024
“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,” explained Michael Roberts, the chief creative of The Flappy Bird Foundation.
In other news, the official soundtrack for season two of Arcane has been revealed, with the likes of Twenty One Pilots, Stray Kids and Fever 333 all set to feature with new tracks.
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