Flappy Bird returns on Telegram with new gameplay features and cryptocurrency elements, but its revival raises questions about ownership and the original creator’s involvement.

​Flappy Bird returns on Telegram with new gameplay features and cryptocurrency elements, but its revival raises questions about ownership and the original creator’s involvement.  Read More Blockchain Games and Play-to-Earn

In a surprising twist, the popular mobile game Flappy Bird has returned, but not without controversy. The game, which gained massive attention a decade ago before being taken down by its creator, Dong Nguyen, is now available as a mini-app on the Telegram messaging platform. 

However, this new version of the game includes cryptocurrency elements, thanks to a partnership with Notcoin and The Open Network (TON). While some fans are excited about the return, others are not happy, especially after Nguyen made it clear that he is not involved with the revival and does not support its connection to cryptocurrency.

The Rise and Fall of Flappy Bird

Flappy Bird became an unexpected hit in 2014. The game was simple but extremely challenging, with players controlling a small bird as it flew between pipes. Its difficulty and addictive nature made it a viral sensation. 

However, its creator, Dong Nguyen, was uncomfortable with the attention and the game’s impact. Citing personal stress and concern over the game’s addictive qualities, Nguyen decided to remove Flappy Bird from app stores just months after its release. Fans were shocked, and many wanted the game to return, but Nguyen remained firm in his decision to keep it offline.

A New Beginning on Telegram

On September 16, 2024, after a week of speculation, Flappy Bird officially relaunched as a mini-app on Telegram. This new version of the game is part of the Telegram ecosystem and features integration with TON, a blockchain based platform. The game’s revival was made possible through a collaboration with Notcoin, a Telegram-based tap to earn game that has gained traction this year.

Flappy Bird on Telegram retains the same core gameplay as the original viral hit. Players tap the screen to control a cartoon bird, navigating it through a series of pipes, earning points the further they go. However, in this updated version, players are capped at 50 pipes per session, after which they are returned to the starting line.

This new iteration of Flappy Bird also incorporates elements from other crypto games, such as passive earning and in-game upgrades, which can be gained by watching ads or inviting friends. Additionally, there’s a stamina bar to limit continuous play, ensuring a balanced gaming experience. While several features are still in development, including a battle royale and basketball mode, the game already allows players to join teams, crack daily eggs.

Flap-a-TON is a sneak peek event ahead of the full Flappy Bird game launch later this year. During this early-hatched version, players can join teams, crack daily eggs, and earn points for their flock, with top teams winning prizes each week

The game’s future plans hint at the introduction of a token called FLAP. This token is tied to TON, offering staking rewards and airdrops for players. 

The Role of Notcoin

Notcoin, the strategic publishing partner for Flappy Bird on Telegram, played a key role in bringing the game to the blockchain space. Notcoin is one of the leading projects on Telegram that leverages blockchain technology and has a large user base. 

Controversy Surrounding the Revival

While the return of Flappy Bird has excited some gamers, the revival has also sparked significant controversy. As early as last week, rumors began to circulate that Flappy Bird’s return might be tied to blockchain and cryptocurrency. 

To begin, some users noticed references to Solana on the game website earlier, another blockchain platform, on the game’s website, but with the official launch focusing solely on TON, it remains unclear whether the Solana integration was abandoned or if it may be added later.

However, one of the biggest sources of controversy is the absence of Dong Nguyen in the revival. Nguyen, who had not tweeted for seven years, broke his silence on September 15, 2024, to clarify that he had no involvement with the return of Flappy Bird and that he does not support the use of cryptocurrency. This revelation further inflamed the backlash, with fans expressing concern that the game’s revival is being monetized in a way that Nguyen never intended.

Trademark Dispute and Ownership Transfer

A deeper look into the game’s return reveals a legal battle over the Flappy Bird trademark. After Nguyen pulled the game offline in 2014, the Flappy Bird brand and its trademark were left dormant. In 2018, the trademark was awarded to Mobile Media Partners, Inc., and it eventually passed to Gametech Holdings, LLC. On August 23, 2024, the Flappy Bird Foundation acquired the trademark from Gametech Holdings, claiming that it was a fully legal and transparent process. This matches findings shared by independent game developer Sam Chiet on Twitter.

The revival is led by Chief Creative Michael Roberts, who had previously worked on the NFT project Deez. In February 2023, Roberts tweeted that he had become the “owner of the brand/game Flappy Bird” and was working to bring it into Web3.

In a statement to the press, the Flappy Bird Foundation asserted that they are the rightful owners of the game’s trademark, having legally obtained it after it was deemed abandoned. The Foundation also stated that they aim to bring the game back in a way that honors its legacy while integrating new technologies like blockchain.

Despite the Foundation’s claims of legality and transparency, many fans and critics remain skeptical. Nguyen’s public disapproval of the revival has only intensified the negative reaction. For some, the introduction of crypto elements seems like a cash grab that disrespects the spirit of the original game.