Flappy Bird, the viral mobile game that captivated millions in 2013, is back. After a decade, the game launches again, this time on Telegram, according to a recent announcement. 

The game’s revival is spearheaded by the Flappy Bird Foundation Group in collaboration with blockchain company Notcoin.

This re-release, which was released on September 16, 2024, incorporates new Web3 elements, like blockchain technology, but retains its simple gameplay.

Flappy Bird Returns with a Blockchain Twist

This re-release, titled "Flap-a-TON," is part of a broader effort to blend the nostalgia of Flappy Bird with modern blockchain innovations. Unlike many Web3 integrations, this version requires no cryptocurrency wallet to play, making it accessible to both blockchain enthusiasts and casual gamers. 

Players will engage in the familiar mechanics of Flappy Bird but will also have the chance to participate in a free minting event for the game’s new FLAPPY token.

The event, dubbed Flap-a-TON Season 1, combines Flappy Bird’s classic gameplay with the blockchain-based TON (The Open Network) ecosystem.

New Features and Expansions

Though the gameplay remains true to its roots, there are some new features on the horizon. In 2025, Flappy Bird will expand beyond Telegram to other platforms like HTML5, web browsers, iOS, and Android. These new versions will introduce features such as customizable characters, new game modes, and a progression system. 

According to Coinspeaker, Michael Roberts, the creative head behind Flappy Bird said:

“Flappy Bird’s return on Telegram is just the beginning. By embracing Web3 and the TON ecosystem, we’re ensuring that the game’s future is community-driven, secure, and accessible to all.”

Aiming to Redefine Casual Gaming

The collaboration between the Flappy Bird Foundation and Notcoin aims to reshape casual gaming by integrating blockchain elements in a user-friendly way. Notcoin, the game’s publishing partner, brings expertise in mobile gaming and Web3, ensuring that Flappy Bird’s revival will offer a smooth, dynamic experience.

The developers hope to remove common barriers associated with blockchain games by eliminating the wallet connection requirement. Sasha Plotvinov, founder of Notcoin, noted the importance of familiar IPs like Flappy Bird in driving Web3 adoption, saying:

“Bringing well-known games like Flappy Bird into Web3 is key to making this technology more accessible and recognizable for the masses.”

Challenges Ahead: Original Creator Distances Himself

However, this revival isn’t without controversy. Dong Nguyen, the original creator of Flappy Bird, has publicly distanced himself from the new version. 

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nguyen expressed his displeasure with the incorporation of cryptocurrency into the game, stating:

“I did not sell anything. I also don’t support crypto.” This statement has led to some backlash from fans, with some accusing the new Flappy Bird of being a “scam” or a “Ponzi scheme.”

There are also concerns about the legal ownership of the game. According to reports, the Flappy Bird trademark was acquired by Gametech Holdings LLC, which later transferred it to the Flappy Bird Foundation Group. 

Some fans have taken to social media to question the ethics of the game’s blockchain rebranding, with many upset about Nguyen’s exclusion from the project.

Whether or not it will succeed in blending casual gaming with blockchain remains to be seen. As Michael Roberts noted, “This is just the beginning.”