After a decade of silence, the once globally popular mobile game Flappy Bird is set to make its return to the market. According to reports from the renowned entertainment and gaming media site IGN, the Flappy Bird Foundation has successfully acquired the trademark and copyright for the game and plans to launch a new version in 2025, which will feature multiple new modes and characters. The Flappy Bird Foundation announced on the social media platform X, “I AM BACK!!” Although specific details have yet to be revealed, the tweet quickly garnered over 7 million views, showcasing the game's strong influence.
New Version Launching on Blockchain Sparks Interest
On September 16, the Flappy Bird Foundation announced via X that the game will be launching a Web3 version on the popular Ton blockchain. However, this news failed to excite the originally eager players, as many traditional gamers expressed disappointment due to their strong aversion to cryptocurrency. Despite the rapid development of blockchain technology and the growing acceptance of the Web3 concept, many players still find the financialization of gaming experiences confusing and potentially risky.
Cybersecurity researcher Varun Biniwale has voiced his concerns. In an article, he pointed out that the new version of Flappy Bird has no relation to the original developer and noted the presence of cryptocurrency and Web3.0 elements on the project website. He also discovered a promotional page from last year claiming that the “legendary Flappy Bird will make a grand return on the Solana blockchain,” suggesting that the foundation had considered releasing the new title on Solana but ultimately chose Ton, likely due to Ton's growth potential and market popularity.
Meanwhile, the original developer of Flappy Bird, Dong Nguyen, has spoken out after a seven-year silence, clarifying that he has no connection to the new version and asserting that he has not sold any rights or endorsed cryptocurrency. This clarification has raised concerns among players, with some users commenting on social media, “This seems like a cryptocurrency scam exploiting nostalgia.”
Trademark Battle: Old Grievances Resurface
Recent court documents have revealed that American company Gametech Holdings had previously sued Dong Nguyen over trademark issues related to Flappy Bird. Due to the original game not being updated for an extended period, Gametech Holdings was able to obtain the rights to use the trademark, and Nguyen did not take action against this. Ultimately, Gametech Holdings transferred the trademark to the Flappy Bird Foundation, leading to dissatisfaction among players towards the original developer.
This series of legal disputes over trademarks highlights the importance of intellectual property in the rapidly evolving gaming industry and serves as a reminder for players to remain vigilant when participating in new projects, ensuring they have a thorough understanding of the legality and ethics of the projects. While Gametech Holdings’ actions have been criticized as “grabby,” they are legally justifiable under trademark law, reflecting the challenges of intellectual property in the gaming sector.
The Glory and Controversies of a Classic
Flappy Bird, released by Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen in 2013, quickly became a sensation. The game's mechanics are simple: players control a little bird named Faby and try to avoid obstacles, which made it the most downloaded free game on the iOS platform at one point. Although the game was removed in 2014, its popularity remained undiminished, leading to the emergence of many clone versions. This phenomenon sparked discussions about the rights of original game developers, showcasing the helplessness many developers feel when faced with imitation and plagiarism.
Future Prospects and Player Reactions
The new game will generate revenue through in-app purchases and advertisements, with the game team promising that ads will be optional for players. As the Flappy Bird Foundation launches the “Flap to Earn” initiative and commits to a future airdrop of $FLAP tokens, it remains to be seen whether this will genuinely achieve a win-win situation for players and developers.
In response to external skepticism regarding NFTs, the Flappy Bird Foundation emphasized that the game will “never involve NFTs.” This commitment may stem from a sensitivity to player feedback and a keen awareness of market trends. Nonetheless, with the new game’s launch, whether it can attract a new generation of players and balance the needs of traditional players with new users will be crucial for its future development.
However, traditional players' aversion to Web3 and cryptocurrency remains prevalent, especially in light of community dissatisfaction following airdrops from certain projects in the Ton ecosystem. It remains to be seen whether players' confidence in the new game can be sustained. Overall, the return of Flappy Bird is both a tribute to a classic and a response to the challenges of the modern gaming ecosystem. Whether the game can find its footing in this new environment is a matter of interest and anticipation for the industry and players alike.
Is There a Suspicions of Exploitation?
In the gaming industry, especially in projects involving cryptocurrency and blockchain, there are often concerns about “exploitation.” Many players express skepticism about the reboot of Flappy Bird, believing that this move may simply be an attempt to quickly garner funds from investors and attract player attention. The Flappy Bird Foundation has closely tied the game's launch to cryptocurrency; although it promises not to involve NFTs, doubts still arise.
On one hand, blockchain games often leverage players' nostalgia and love for classic games to rapidly attract investors and users. However, if the in-game economic system lacks transparency or overly relies on token issuance instead of actual gaming experiences, players' investments may not yield corresponding returns, leading to a situation of “exploitation.” Particularly in the Ton ecosystem, dissatisfaction from communities following airdrops of certain projects has deepened players' skepticism towards the new Flappy Bird.
Opinions from Notable Figures
On social media and industry forums, various opinions from notable figures regarding the reboot of Flappy Bird have emerged. Game industry analysts and investors have shared their views, with some expressing optimism about the prospects of the new version, believing that the classic game can rejuvenate under a new technological framework. For instance, some comments note that Flappy Bird's position in mobile gaming history is irreplaceable, and its return to the market could attract a large number of old players, forming a stable user base.
However, some well-known game developers have taken a cautious stance. They believe that the disconnect between the developers and the original game has led to a lack of “soul” in the new version. Moreover, many worry whether the game can maintain sustainable profitability as promised without involving NFTs, especially in an increasingly competitive market where attracting and retaining players will be a significant challenge.
Additionally, blockchain technology experts have also expressed concern about the new game. They point out that while Web3 brings new possibilities, developers must prioritize user experience in their designs rather than solely pursuing economic benefits. This balance is crucial for the long-term development of the game.
Is It Worth Participating?
Whether participating in the new Flappy Bird is worthwhile largely depends on individual attitudes towards blockchain and cryptocurrency, as well as emotional connections to classic games. For those who loved Flappy Bird, the new version may evoke nostalgic feelings and offer new gaming experiences. However, given the risks associated with blockchain games and the uncertainties of the in-game economic system, players should cautiously assess their understanding and acceptance of cryptocurrency. Additionally, although the Flappy Bird Foundation promises not to involve NFTs, it remains important to monitor whether the game can maintain profitability while ensuring a positive user experience.
Exclusive Commentary
The return of Flappy Bird is an exciting endeavor, serving as both a tribute to the classic game and an exploration of the modern gaming ecosystem. However, in the face of the increasing number of blockchain projects in the market, players should remain vigilant and avoid blindly following trends. For developers, how to attract new players while meeting the expectations of old players will be key to the success of this project. The true challenge lies in achieving economic benefits without sacrificing the gaming experience. In the future, whether the Flappy Bird Foundation can bridge the gap between traditional gaming and blockchain remains a focus of our attention.
Relevant Knowledge Q&A
What is Flappy Bird?
Flappy Bird is a mobile game released by Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen in 2013. The game features simple mechanics where players control a bird trying to navigate through a series of obstacles without crashing. Its minimalist gameplay and high difficulty quickly attracted a large number of players, making it one of the most popular free games of its time.
What are blockchain games?
Blockchain games are games built using blockchain technology, typically allowing players to trade and interact through digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies or NFTs. These games often emphasize players’ true ownership of assets and a transparent gaming economy.
How does Flappy Bird utilize Web3 technology?
The new version of Flappy Bird is planned to be launched on the Ton blockchain, which means the game may integrate decentralized features, such as allowing players to earn rewards through in-game transactions and make payments using cryptocurrencies. This technology enables players to have greater control and involvement in the game.
How can players participate in the new Flappy Bird?
Players can participate by downloading the new version of the game from designated platforms. In the game, players can make in-app purchases, participate in events, and earn tokens or other rewards by completing tasks. Detailed participation methods and event information are usually announced through the official channels of the Flappy Bird Foundation.
How do game developers address players' concerns about blockchain and cryptocurrency?
Developers need to build trust through transparent communication and user feedback, ensuring that game design centers on player experience rather than solely pursuing economic gains. Additionally, regularly updating and improving game features, along with a commitment not to involve disliked NFTs, can help alleviate players' concerns.
