Flappy Bird Looks to Embrace Web3 Despite Previous Setbacks
In a surprising development, Flappy Bird is set to re-enter the crypto landscape, even after halting its Telegram game earlier this spring. The Flappy Bird Foundation has revealed ambitions for competitive gameplay, reward systems, and an on-chain intellectual property (IP) protocol. However, specific details regarding the upcoming crypto game and any associated tokens remain undisclosed.
Background on Flappy Bird’s Return
According to a recent blog post by the Flappy Bird Foundation, which holds the trademark for the wildly popular mobile game, there are still plans for the game within the cryptocurrency sector. The game was relaunched on Telegram with a mining initiative aimed at introducing a future FLAP token on The Open Network (TON). Despite these efforts, uncertainties arose when the Telegram mining phase concluded without a token airdrop this spring, and the Android relaunch in April occurred without any crypto elements.
New Developments in Web3 Gaming
Despite past challenges, the Flappy Bird Foundation has announced that the game will soon be making strides in the Web3 space. The Foundation stated, “Flappy Bird Foundation will continue its mandate to explore and innovate in the world of Web3 IP and gaming.” The new version of Flappy Bird aims to feature competitive gameplay, introducing innovative ways for players to compete and earn rewards. Further details about this new Web3 game will be revealed shortly.
A Vision for a Flappy Bird Ecosystem
The Foundation articulated its vision to create a comprehensive ecosystem that combines elements from traditional gaming, IP licensing, and the advantages of Web3, ultimately aiming to establish a global Flappy Bird brand that resonates with its community of fans and players. This vision includes a revamped version of the game that focuses on competitive play and reward opportunities, although there was no explicit mention of a token in the latest communications.
Community Reactions and Future Collaborations
Following the announcement, the official X account for Base—Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network—responded with enthusiasm, sharing a screenshot of the game’s roadmap that highlights the launch of the Web3 IP protocol. Flappy Bird subsequently shared this post with its Telegram community, potentially hinting at collaborative efforts or simply igniting speculation among eager fans.
Details on the IP Protocol and Blockchain Integration
The Foundation also shared plans for launching an IP protocol intended to migrate Flappy Bird assets onto blockchain technology. However, specifics regarding which blockchain will be utilized or which assets will be involved were not disclosed.
A Brief History of Flappy Bird
Originally released in early 2014, Flappy Bird quickly gained viral popularity. However, its creator, Dong Nguyen, made the controversial decision to remove the game from app stores, citing concerns over its addictive nature. After making a brief return last year, Nguyen publicly distanced himself from the game’s crypto initiatives, stating, “I have no relation with their game. I did not sell anything. I also don’t support crypto.”
Clarifying the Game’s Crypto Connection
In light of Nguyen’s criticisms, the Flappy Bird Foundation has made it clear that its recent launch on the Epic Games Store for Android will not feature any crypto elements. The Foundation emphasized that the Flappy Bird app available on the Epic Games Store will operate solely on ad revenue and in-app purchases, without any Web3 components.
Commitment to Traditional Gaming Experiences
While exploring opportunities within the Web3 domain, the Foundation reassured fans who prefer traditional gameplay that they will not be required to engage with blockchain features. The statement acknowledged that many Flappy Bird enthusiasts, both new and longtime fans, simply wish to enjoy the game without the complexities of Web3. “If you prefer not to engage with Web3 features, Flappy Bird Publishing, the foundation’s licensee and Web2 gaming publisher, will always provide you with traditional Web2 games and experiences,” the post affirmed.
Looking Ahead
No specific timeline has been provided regarding the rollout of Flappy Bird’s new initiatives in the Web3 space.
