Flappy Bird Dev Reacts to Controversial Return

The development community was recently abuzz when it learned about the unexpected revival of the mega mobile hit Flappy Bird. Yet, something didn’t quite align. The announcement hinted at involvement from familiar figures through first-person language using “I,” but conspicuously absent was any mention of the game’s original creator. Now, with investigations revealing connections to NFTs and cryptocurrency, the original developer of the viral 2013 sensation has finally broken his silence.

Developer’s Reaction to Flappy Bird’s Return

“Flappy Bird is back!” tweeted developer Michael Roberts on September 12. He highlighted an enhanced version featuring new characters, modes, and multiplayer challenges. Initially, the game will relaunch exclusively on Telegram. Interestingly, this is the same app whose CEO is facing legal issues in France for allegations of failing to moderate harmful content.

Unmasking the Flappy Bird Foundation

A press release from the Flappy Bird Foundation—now apparently the game’s new owner—identified Roberts as the “chief creative behind Flappy Bird’s return.” He expressed his excitement about this revival, stating, “It’s been a decade-long, convoluted journey to get here, but we’re so excited to finally begin sharing Flappy Bird once again with the world.”

Investigations revealed that the game’s return is due to a lapse in trademark rights held by the original creator, Dong Nguyen. Filings indicate that an entity named Gametech claimed the Flappy Bird trademark was abandoned. Consequently, Nguyen’s failure to respond allowed Gametech to acquire the IP, later selling it to the Foundation.

Web 3.0 Integration and the Developer’s Verdict

The revamped Flappy Bird will integrate Web 3.0 elements and operate on the Notcoin blockchain. Although a crypto wallet won’t be necessary, cybersecurity researcher Varun Biniwale discovered cryptocurrency references on the new website. An underlying message states, “Artists, developers, and creators can build, play, and earn from the legendary Flappy Bird IP.” The direction of this strategy remains uncertain.

Dong Nguyen has clearly distanced himself from this new iteration. He tweeted on September 15, “No, I have no relation with their game. I did not sell anything. I also don’t support crypto.” Nguyen famously removed Flappy Bird from app stores due to worries about its addictive nature. The fate of the new version, slated for iOS and Android, remains unclear.

As of this writing, the Flappy Bird Foundation has not responded to requests for comment.

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