The phenomenal mobile game Flappy Bird will return 10 years after its creator pulled it from the web.
In 2014, Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen shocked the gaming world when he pulled the viral hit Flappy Bird from the App Store and Google Play Store at a time when the game was earning tens of thousands of dollars a day. He added, “I can call Flappy Bird my success. But it’s also ruining my simple life. So now I hate it.”
Now, Flappy Bird is set to return, with an expanded version set to release in tardy October on multiple platforms, including web browsers, and an iOS and Android version set to release in 2025. However, this modern Flappy Bird game is not coming from Nguyen, but from “The Flappy Bird Foundation,” which is described as “a new team of passionate fans dedicated to sharing the game with the world.”
The Flappy Bird Foundation announced that it has acquired the official Flappy Bird trademark from Gametech Holdings LLC, an American company that apparently took the trademark from Nguyen, as well as the rights to the original game and characters from Piou Piou vs. Cactus, the mobile game that allegedly originally inspired the Flappy Bird character.
The Flappy Bird Foundation is already talking about future Flappy Bird installments that will feature modern game modes, characters, a progression system, and massive multiplayer challenges.
Michael Roberts, the “creative lead” behind the return of Flappy Bird, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Flappy Bird back and delivering a new experience that will keep players engaged for years to come. We’ve got big plans for our little Bird!”
Kek, creator of Piou Piou, is also involved, commenting: “Today is a milestone not only in gaming, but for me personally. It’s incredible how influential Piou Piou has been on creators and hundreds of millions of players over the years. It’s incredible to work with such a dedicated team of fans and creators who are truly passionate about changing the narrative in the industry and bringing the original Flappy Bird back to life together.”
The Flappy Bird Foundation press release makes no mention of Dong Nguyen. Nguyen, who has largely avoided the limelight since Flappy Bird was removed from the web, hasn’t tweeted in years.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter @wyp100. You can contact Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
