Flappy Bird, The 2014 Sensation, Is Returning to Browser in October and Phones in 2025

It has been ten years since Flappy Bird was abruptly pulled from mobile stores, leaving millions of fans bewildered and nostalgic. Fortunately, after a decade-long hiatus, the viral mobile game is preparing for a comeback, with a new team set to relaunch it in an expanded form.

Initially developed by Vietnamese game designer Dong Nguyen, Flappy Bird became a worldwide sensation before its disappearance. Now, the game is ready to get a new lease on life, with a release scheduled for web browsers by the end of October and mobile platforms in 2025.

Michael Roberts, the chief creator behind the game’s return, said in the release: “We are beyond excited to be bringing back Flappy Bird and delivering a fresh experience that will keep players engaged for years to come. We have big plans for our little Bird!”

A Look Back at Flappy Bird’s Meteoric Rise and Fall

Despite its clunky controls and underwhelming initial reviews in 2013, Flappy Bird became a global sensation seemingly overnight. The game’s simplistic yet punishing mechanics — requiring players to tap the screen to keep a bird airborne while navigating a series of pipes — made it addictive and infuriating. By early 2014, it was the top mobile game on iOS and Android app stores, reportedly earning $50,000 daily from ads.

However, despite its financial success, the immense pressure from its viral fame negatively impacted Nguyen. In February 2014, he shocked the world by pulling the game from the App Store and Google Play. In an interview with Forbes in 2014, he stated: “Flappy Bird was designed to play in a few minutes when you are relaxed. But it happened to become an addictive product. I think it has become a problem, and it’s best to take down the game to solve it. It’s gone forever.”

Since then, the game has been unavailable through official channels. Despite numerous clones and imitators flooding the market after its disappearance, the original Flappy Bird became a mobile gaming legend, leaving behind a massive cultural impact.

Everything We Know So Far About The Revival of Flappy Bird

Fast forward ten years, and the game is making its comeback. A dedicated group of fans, now operating as The Flappy Bird Foundation, has acquired the rights to the game and the iconic character, such as the original character from Piou Piou vs. Cactus, the title that inspired the game. This group has big plans for the beloved bird, promising a revitalised and expanded experience.

Listed below are what we can expect from the game:

• New Game Modes: Players can look forward to different new game modes. These include a basketball shooting mode, a competitive multiplayer mode, and a practice mode to sharpen your skills.
• New Characters: The upcoming version will introduce new characters alongside the classic Flappy Bird. Some include: Trixy: A three-eyed bird, Peng: A friendly penguin, Quirky: A unicorn bird and Tekno: A futuristic robot bird.
• Multiplayer Challenges: One of the most exciting features is the introduction of multiplayer challenges. Compete with your friends or other players globally in real time to see who can soar the furthest.
• Progression System: In addition to the endless run format, Flappy Bird will now include a progression system. It will likely add a new layer of strategy, allowing players to unlock rewards or customise their characters as they achieve higher scores.

Can Flappy Bird Soar High Once Again?

Only time will tell whether this new iteration of Flappy Bird can match the runaway success of its predecessor. However, by adding new characters, game modes, and multiplayer features, the game’s comeback is positioned to attract both old fans and new players alike. As nostalgia for early mobile games continues to grow, the return of the game could reignite its addictive appeal in a new era of gaming.

I AM BACK!!

Just a decade ago, I was the talk of the town and soaring to new heights with my 100 million friends. Sadly, I had to leave the fame and spotlight behind to go home and find out who I really am.

Thanks to my super Flappy Bird® fans, I’m refreshed, reinvigorated,… pic.twitter.com/b4UaFZQA2r

— Flappy Bird (@flappy_bird) September 12, 2024

As per the words on the game’s website: “Just a decade ago, I was the talk of the town and soaring to new heights with my 100 million friends. Sadly, I had to leave the fame and spotlight behind to go home and find out who I was. Thanks to my super Flappy Bird fans, I’m refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to soar again. The decade-long mission involved acquiring legal rights and even working with my predecessor to uncage me and rehatch the official Flappy Bird game!”

Fans can follow the game’s official website and social media for updates and trailers showcasing the new features, or follow our Twitter page as we bring you the quickest updates on the game’s announcements and news.