Over a decade has passed since Flappy Bird went from being a little-known mobile game to an overnight sensation, ultimately becoming a burden for its creator, Dong Nguyen.
As the game’s popularity skyrocketed, numerous developers tried to replicate its success, spawning hundreds of copycat versions. Now, Flappy Bird is making an official return under new management.
This revival is being led by the Flappy Bird Foundation, a group of devoted fans who have taken over the game’s trademark and secured rights to both Flappy Bird and the characters from Piou Piou vs. Cactus, a 2011 game that is believed to have inspired Nguyen’s creation.
Later this year, Flappy Bird will relaunch across several platforms, though specifics have not yet been announced.
Versions for Android and iOS are in the works for a 2025 release. Interestingly, a previous version of the game’s Linktree hinted that the new Flappy Bird would first be available exclusively on Telegram, though this detail has since been removed.
Unlike the original, which was known for its simple, no-frills gameplay that focused on getting high scores and testing reflexes, the new Flappy Bird is shaping up to be more elaborate.
The upcoming version promises new modes, character customization, progression systems, and even multiplayer options.
The foundation’s team says they’re committed to updating the game while preserving the core mechanics that made it globally beloved.
“We’re incredibly excited to revive Flappy Bird and create an experience that will keep players engaged for years,” said Michael Roberts, the project’s creative lead, in a statement. “Our tiny bird has big things ahead!”
Originally launched in 2013, Flappy Bird reached viral status by early 2014, becoming the most downloaded app in the Apple App Store with over 50 million downloads.
Yet by February of that year, Nguyen pulled the game from stores, citing stress from the intense attention and concerns about the game’s addictiveness.
Despite a flood of clones that followed, none captured the same simplistic charm of Nguyen’s original.
Flappy Bird is Back: New Levels, Online Battles, and a Shocking Twist!
A group called the Flappy Bird Foundation has announced they are returning the popular game after buying the rights to it last year.
The new version of Flappy Bird will be released in October on websites, with mobile versions for iOS and Android coming in 2025.
However, one big change is that the original creator, Dong Nguyen, won’t be involved in this version.
While the classic gameplay of tapping to keep the bird flying and avoiding pipes is still there, the updated game will include new characters and levels.
There’s also a world map, hinting at a possible story mode, and new gameplay features like flying the bird through basketball hoops.
A major addition is Flappy Bird Rivals, an online mode where players can compete against 99 others at the same time.
However, the game may also include microtransactions, which means players might have to pay for extra features—something the original free game didn’t have.
But the massive attention became too much for Nguyen, and in February 2014, he removed the game from app stores, saying he was worried about how addictive it had become.
Although many copycat games tried to fill the gap, none matched the original’s success, turning Flappy Bird into a legendary one-hit-wonder.
Now, with a new team behind it, the big question is whether this reboot can bring back the magic of the original. We’ll find out when it launches in October.
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