Flappy Bird, the viral mobile game that captivated millions in 2013, is back. After a decade, the game launches again, this time on Telegram.
Flappy Bird Returns with a Blockchain Twist
This re-release, which was released on September 16, 2024, is spearheaded by the Flappy Bird Foundation Group in collaboration with blockchain company Notcoin. The new version, titled 'Flap-a-TON,' blends nostalgia with modern blockchain innovations. Unlike many Web3 integrations, this version requires no cryptocurrency wallet to play, making it accessible to both blockchain enthusiasts and casual gamers. Players will engage in the familiar mechanics of Flappy Bird but will also have the chance to participate in a free minting event for the game's new FLAPPY token.
New Features and Expansions
Though the gameplay remains true to its roots, there are some new features 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 features such as 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 has led to some backlash from fans, with some accusing the new Flappy Bird of being a 'scam' or a 'Ponzi scheme.' Concerns about the legal ownership of the game also exist, as 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 the new version of Flappy Bird will successfully blend casual gaming with blockchain remains to be seen. As Michael Roberts noted, 'This is just the beginning.'
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