Flappy Bird officially returned yesterday, September 16th, as a mini app on the Telegram messenger platform 10 years after it was removed from all mobile devices.
Flappy Bird relaunched with the “Flap-a-TON,” flap-to-earn event; “a free mining event, blending the fun of Flappy Bird’s classic gameplay with the innovation of web3.”
Flappy Bird’s return has been facilitated by Notcoin, Telegram’s first and most popular tap-to-earn game, who are being advertised as the “strategic publishing partner” for Telegram’s version of the game.
There are also rumours that a Flappy Bird $FLAP token on The Open Network is being worked on.
What to expect from Flappy Bird’s on Telegram?
Flappy Bird is a viral mobile game that challenges players to guide a small yellow bird through a pipe-filled obstacle course. After 10 years, it’s making its returning via Telegram before it launches on the iOS and Android app stores in 2025.
The Flappy Bird Foundation has promised “new game modes, characters, progression, and massive multiplayer challenges.” The new game modes include a basketball and battle royale mode.
“By launching Flappy Bird on Telegram first, we’re able to connect with an engaged audience that’s excited about gaming and blockchain integration,” stated a Flappy Bird Foundation spokesperson. “Pairing the robust support from the TON community with the current infrastructure on Telegram has effectively provided us with the ideal launchpad for Flappy Bird.”
Flappy Bird Revival Controversy
Though many are excited for its return, the launch of Flappy Bird V2 has been somewhat controversial.
This is mainly because Dong Nguyen has had nothing to do with the game’s relaunch. Nguyen created Flappy Bird back in 2013, and he was also responsible for taking it down in 2014 despite its huge success which earned him $50,000 per day from advertisement.
Gametech Holdings successfully challenged Nguyen’s right to the Flappy Bird trademark having abandoned the game in 2014. The Flappy Bird Foundation then acquired the trademark from Gametech Holdings on August 23, 2024.
Some are concerned that this new version of the game is taking advantage of nostalgia for the original Flappy Bird to sell tokens and NFTs to a fanbase who are not crypto and web3 savvy.
Revelations that an upcoming $FLAP token is in the works, the mention of a Solana token in a recently deleted post on the official website, along with Nguyen’s tweet; “I also don’t support crypto,” have fuelled these concerns.
Budding writer, voracious reader, veteran gamer, devout HODLer.