Dong Nguyen, the creator of the viral mobile game Flappy Bird, has recently refuted claims linking him to the game's reboot, which is alleged to have ties to cryptocurrency and Web3.
Flappy Bird History
Flappy Bird, a simple yet addictive mobile game, took the internet by storm back in 2013. Downloaded over 90 million times, it was raking in a staggering $50,000 per day in ad revenue at its peak. Created by Dong Nguyen, the game’s sudden rise to fame was as meteoric as its abrupt disappearance when Nguyen pulled it from app stores, citing concerns over its addictive nature.
Conflict with Gametech Holdings LLC
Last year, Gametech Holdings LLC filed an opposition to Nguyen’s Flappy Bird trademark, arguing that Nguyen had abandoned it. In January, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) sided with Gametech, terminating Nguyen’s claim to the trademark, a Forbes report noted. Nguyen’s response came after the foundation announced plans to re-release Flappy Bird, claiming they had acquired the legal rights and hinted at a collaboration with the original creator.
Undisclosed Ties to Crypto
According to a report by cybersecurity researcher Varun Biniwale, some hidden pages on The Flappy Bird Foundation’s website hinted at plans to integrate crypto elements into the game. Although the pages have been deleted, it mentioned features like a '$FLAP token,' a 'Web 3.0' version of the game on the Solana blockchain, and a 'play and earn' model. There were also references to staking mechanisms, free airdrops, and a 'flap-to-earn' event exclusive to Telegram users.
The revival of Flappy Bird comes at a time when the blockchain gaming sector is experiencing growth, especially on platforms like Telegram and The Open Network (TON). Despite this, Dong Nguyen has clarified his non-involvement with the project and rejected any support for crypto-related endeavors.
Comments