The creator of Flappy Bird, a mobile game that achieved worldwide fame in 2014, has clarified that he is not associated with a new group claiming to revive the game after a long absence. Dong Nguyen, who originally developed Flappy Bird, recently took to social media to refute claims made by a company identifying itself as The Flappy Bird Foundation. This organization asserts that it has acquired the rights to the game through legal channels and plans to release a new version.
Nguyen expressed his disappointment, stating he did not sell any rights to the game and does not endorse cryptocurrency. The Flappy Bird Foundation claims to have obtained the rights from Gametech Holdings LLC, which had previously filed for the Flappy Bird trademark. Gametech won the rights in January after the United States Patent and Trademark Office concluded that Nguyen had abandoned his trademark claim.
Originally launched in May 2013, Flappy Bird quickly became a cultural phenomenon, leading the charts on mobile app stores. It garnered immense popularity, reportedly earning about $50,000 a day for its creator before being removed from the app store shortly thereafter. Nguyen cited the game’s addictiveness as a reason for its removal, emphasizing that he could no longer handle the pressure associated with its success.
Speculation around the new version of Flappy Bird suggests that it may incorporate cryptocurrency elements. Initial clues from hidden pages of the Flappy Bird Foundation’s website hinted at plans to launch on the Solana blockchain with features based on a new “play-to-earn” model. This indicates a pivot toward integrating blockchain technology as part of the game’s revival strategy, including mentions of a potential token and cryptocurrency rewards.
The project appears to be led by Michael Roberts, a key figure in a game development studio focused on crypto. The intent behind this revival remains uncertain, particularly whether it aims to leverage nostalgia while simultaneously pursuing profit through modern cryptocurrency trends.
