Flappy Bird, the viral mobile game that captivated millions in 2013, is back. The game is now available on Telegram, following an announcement on September 16, 2024.
Flappy Bird Returns
The game’s revival is spearheaded by the Flappy Bird Foundation Group in collaboration with blockchain company Notcoin. This re-release, titled 'Flap-a-TON,' retains its simple gameplay while incorporating new Web3 elements, like blockchain technology. This version requires no cryptocurrency wallet to play, making it accessible to both blockchain enthusiasts and casual gamers. Players can participate in a free minting event for the game’s new FLAPPY token, part of the Flap-a-TON Season 1, which is supported by the blockchain-based TON (The Open Network) ecosystem.
New Features and Expansions
Although the gameplay remains true to its roots, new features are on the horizon. In 2025, Flappy Bird will expand beyond Telegram to other platforms like HTML5, web browsers, iOS, and Android. These new versions will introduce customizable characters, new game modes, and a progression system. According to Michael Roberts, the creative head behind Flappy Bird, 'Flappy Bird’s return on Telegram is just the beginning. By embracing Web3 and the TON ecosystem, we’re ensuring that the game’s future is community-driven, secure, and accessible to all.'
Challenges and Controversies
However, this revival isn’t without controversy. Dong Nguyen, the original creator of Flappy Bird, has publicly distanced himself from the new version. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nguyen expressed his displeasure with the incorporation of cryptocurrency into the game, stating: 'I did not sell anything. I also don’t support crypto.' This statement led to some backlash from fans, with some accusing the new Flappy Bird of being a 'scam' or a 'Ponzi scheme.' There are also concerns about the legal ownership of the game. According to reports, the Flappy Bird trademark was acquired by Gametech Holdings LLC, which later transferred it to the Flappy Bird Foundation Group. Some fans have taken to social media to question the ethics of the game’s blockchain rebranding, with many upset about Nguyen’s exclusion from the project.
Whether or not the blending of casual gaming with blockchain will succeed remains to be seen. As Michael Roberts noted, 'This is just the beginning.'
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