The viral mobile game Flappy Bird, which captivated millions in 2013, is back, now on a new platform — Telegram. The game was re-released on September 16, 2024, incorporating new Web3 elements like blockchain technology, while retaining its simple gameplay.
Launch of the New Flappy Bird
This re-release, titled 'Flap-a-TON,' is part of a broader effort to blend the nostalgia of Flappy Bird 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. The event, dubbed Flap-a-TON Season 1, combines Flappy Bird’s classic gameplay with the blockchain-based TON (The Open Network) ecosystem.
New Features and Expansions
Though the gameplay remains true to its roots, there are 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.'
Future of Casual Gaming
The collaboration between the Flappy Bird Foundation and Notcoin aims to reshape casual gaming by integrating blockchain elements in a user-friendly way. Notcoin, the game’s publishing partner, brings expertise in mobile gaming and Web3, ensuring that Flappy Bird’s revival will offer a smooth, dynamic experience. The developers hope to remove common barriers associated with blockchain games by eliminating the wallet connection requirement. Sasha Plotvinov, founder of Notcoin, noted the importance of familiar IPs like Flappy Bird in driving Web3 adoption, saying: 'Bringing well-known games like Flappy Bird into Web3 is key to making this technology more accessible and recognizable for the masses.'
However, this revival isn’t without controversy. Dong Nguyen, the original creator of Flappy Bird, has publicly distanced himself from the new version, expressing his displeasure with the incorporation of cryptocurrency into the game. In a post on X, he stated, '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.” There are also concerns about the legal ownership of the game. Reports indicate that the Flappy Bird trademark was acquired by Gametech Holdings LLC, which later transferred it to the Flappy Bird Foundation Group. Whether or not it will succeed in blending casual gaming with blockchain remains to be seen. As Michael Roberts noted, 'This is just the beginning.'
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