Mario Bautista
If you had an Android or iOS-based mobile device back in 2013, you probably knew of the game Flappy Bird
. By January 2014, it had become the most popular free game on Apple’s App Store.
It was, without a doubt, one of the largest viral successes in the mobile gaming industry—which was remarkable for a game developed in two to three days.
However, Flappy Bird’s lifespan was not very long, and it fell from its nest rather quickly. On February 8, 2014, developer Dong Nguyen announced on Twitter (now X) that he would be removing Flappy Bird from the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
He felt guilty that his game, which he originally intended to be something that people could play for a few minutes when relaxed, had devolved into an overused app that encouraged addictions.
Though Flappy Bird was making a gratuitous amount of money, Nguyen’s decision to do what he felt was right showed great character and willpower. Soon after, Flappy Bird disappeared from the mobile gaming world.
Flappy Bird Is Back, But Needs A Revamp!
Fast-forward ten years and seven months. On September 12, 2024, it was announced from the new Flappy Bird account on X, that the game is officially returning to Android and iOS devices soon.
Surprisingly enough, Dong Nguyen has nothing to do with this new iteration of Flappy Bird or the revival of the title. The rebirth of the Flappy Bird franchise comes at the hands of The Flappy Bird Foundation: “a new team of passionate fans committed to sharing the game with the world.”
According to IGN, the Flappy Bird Foundation Group (FBFG) “purchased the trademark and rights to the original viral mobile game, [and will be] bringing it back in 2025 with new modes, characters, secrets and more, alongside the classic game.”
Per user @SamNChiet on X, it’s been so long that “the [Flappy Bird] trademark was considered abandoned, so Gametech Holdings LLC filed against him and just grabbed it for free.”
From there, it was only a matter of time before the Flappy Bird Foundation Group purchased it and began releasing a brand-new version of the game.
The announcement has incited a ton of uproar from the gaming community. There are positive reactions all around, and even companies like G Fuel have taken notice.
In today’s mobile game industry dominated by ornate, complex games with intricate mechanics, Flappy Bird would definitely have to be given a “modernization” makeover—and it looks like it’s getting just that.
Looking forward, we can’t wait to try out the new Flappy Bird. Hopefully, it retains the spirit of the original, but it promises tons of new updates and features.
