Flappy Bird, the mobile game that became an overnight sensation in 2013 with its simple yet infuriating gameplay, is making a comeback. The original game, created by Dong Nguyen, gained immense popularity but vanished abruptly when Nguyen decided to remove it from app stores. Despite its success, Nguyen seemed uninterested in capitalizing on the game’s potential earnings.
Recently, a trailer surfaced on YouTube from an entity named “The Flappy Bird Foundation,” showcasing a rebooted version of Flappy Bird. The trailer, set to dramatic orchestral music, highlights the game’s initial success and Nguyen’s unexpected decision to pull it from the market. The new version promises a more complex experience, including multiple levels, cosmetic upgrades, and a Mario-style overworld.
This reboot, however, is not being developed by Nguyen. Instead, it comes from a different group, indicating that Nguyen has stepped away from the project. His original Flappy Bird game, which was pulled in early 2014, was a significant hit with daily ad revenues estimated at $50,000. Nguyen’s decision to remove the game was driven by concerns over its addictive nature.
Flappy Bird Reboot Emerges Amid Controversy with New Developers Tied to Cryptocurrency
After Nguyen removed Flappy Bird, the game faded from the spotlight. Despite its massive initial success, Nguyen chose to avoid leveraging the fame for personal gain, focusing instead on his work as an indie game developer. His low profile was a stark contrast to the potential fortune and fame he could have pursued.
The rights to Flappy Bird’s trademark eventually fell into the hands of Gametech Holdings, a New York-based company specializing in acquiring abandoned copyrights. This transfer of ownership allowed Gametech to relaunch the game under a new guise, leading to the development of the current reboot.
The new version’s promotional materials raise red flags with their links to cryptocurrency. The game’s website mentions blockchain technology and Web 3.0, suggesting possible involvement in the cryptocurrency space. This connection has drawn scrutiny, given the history of scams and fraudulent schemes in the crypto world.
Further investigation revealed hidden aspects of the game’s website related to crypto wallets and blockchain integration. Although the crypto features are not yet active, the association with digital currencies and NFTs has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the new Flappy Bird venture.
In response to these developments, Dong Nguyen has clarified that he is not involved with the new Flappy Bird and does not support cryptocurrency. His recent statement confirms his detachment from the project, highlighting the contrast between his original vision for Flappy Bird and the new direction the game has taken.
