Iconic mobile game makes long-awaited return after it 'ruined' creator's life

A mobile game that took the world by storm in early 2014, is making a dramatic comeback.

We're all suckers for a bit of nostalgia. Whether that be an old movie, a Tamagotchi or an insanely addictive game that came out in 2013...

If you're lucky enough to remember the era of mobile games (I'm looking at you, Temple Run), then you almost certainly remember this game that's set to make a comeback soon.

The Flappy Bird game took the world by storm in 2014 (HOANG DINH NAM/AFP via Getty Images)

That game? Flappy Bird.

Created by Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen, Flappy Bird became an overnight sensation.

However, the meteoric success came at a personal cost to Nguyen, who famously removed the game from app stores less than a year after its release, citing the negative impact it had on his life.

The game’s creator had no intention of creating a global phenomenon when he developed the mobile game in just a few days.

Nguyen admitted that Flappy Bird’s addictive nature troubled him, as players were reportedly becoming obsessed with it, and he felt responsible for disrupting their lives.

As reported by LADbible, one of the messages he received was a tweet that read: "FLAPPY BIRD HAS RUINED MY LIFE! I'VE BEEN PLAYING IT FOR 8 HOURS STRAIGHT AND I SWEAR MY EYES ARE BLEEDING!"

This clearly upset the creator, who replied: "It's just a game. Take care of yourself first. I don't make game to ruin people's lives [sic]."

Nguyen was also accused of faking positive game reviews and negativity started to surround the game.

The overwhelming attention from the media and fans added to his stress, prompting him to pull the game from the app stores in February 2014, despite it generating an estimated $50,000 per day from ad revenue, as reported by Rolling Stone.

Flappy Birds was said to be highly addictive (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Flappy Bird's appeal was in its simplicity: players control a small bird, tapping the screen to keep it airborne while navigating through narrow gaps between green pipes, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros, which Nguyen was accused of copying.

The game’s challenge and quick rounds made it highly addictive, leading to a surge in downloads, millions of players, and constant chatter on social media.

However, for its creator, the sudden success turned into an overwhelming burden. Now, years later, rumors of Flappy Bird’s return have become reality.

Whilst Nguyen has largely stepped away from the public eye over the years, a group named The Flappy Bird Foundation Group has acquired the official Flappy Bird trademark and rights for the original game.

The game looks set to return to iOS and Android in 2025, according to a post by DiscussingFilm on X

This unexpected revival has sparked excitement and nostalgia among fans who fondly remember their countless hours spent trying to beat their high scores.

Flappy Bird's return is a testament to the game's enduring legacy, a cultural icon of mobile gaming that continues to captivate players across generations even years after its initial rise to fame.