In a surprising turn of events, the beloved mobile game Flappy Bird is making a comeback after a decade-long hiatus. Originally released in early 2014, Flappy Bird took the gaming world by storm, earning its creator significant fame and financial success. However, by February 2014, the game was abruptly removed from all app stores by its developer.
Now, over ten years later, the Flappy Bird Foundation is set to relaunch the iconic game. This new organization claims to be a dedicated team of fans with the trademark to Flappy Bird, although it appears that the rights were not transferred from the original creator. Furthermore, a key figure associated with a game thought to have inspired Flappy Bird is also backing this relaunch.
What to Expect from the New Flappy Bird
The Flappy Bird Foundation has recently unveiled a trailer that gives fans a glimpse of what the new iteration will offer. The classic yellow bird will return, allowing players to tap the screen to navigate through obstacles, just like the original.
However, this new version will feature much more than its predecessor. According to the game’s official website, players can look forward to a variety of additional characters and levels, along with a world map hinting at a storyline mode. Exciting gameplay options will include navigating through basketball hoops and an online mode called Flappy Bird Rivals, where players can face off against 99 competitors.
The relaunch is scheduled for October on the web, with dedicated iOS and Android apps anticipated in 2025.
A Controversial Comeback
Amid the excitement, the absence of the original creator, Dong Nguyen, raises questions about the game’s authenticity. Nguyen has openly stated his discontent with the fame Flappy Bird brought him and has previously expressed a desire for the game to no longer exist. His comments following the game’s removal echoed this sentiment, highlighting concerns over its addictive nature.
The Flappy Bird Foundation has declared, “I AM BACK!!” and described their decade-long mission to revive the game as involving the acquisition of legal rights and collaboration with previous developers. However, they obtained rights from Gametech Holdings LLC, which secured the trademark by taking over the abandoned rights initially held by Nguyen.
Despite Nguyen’s lack of involvement, the Flappy Bird Foundation includes a member reputed to have connections to the original game, potentially adding credibility to the relaunch. There are also murmurs of controversy surrounding micro-transactions in the new game, which have already drawn criticism from fans.
With mixed feelings swirling around this relaunch, the gaming community eagerly awaits the return of Flappy Bird. Will the Flappy Bird Foundation successfully revive the magic of the original game, or will it falter under its complex history? Only time will tell.
