Flappy Bird’s Unexpected Comeback Sparks Confusion as Original Developer Distances Himself

Flappy Bird’s creator, Dong Nguyen, denies involvement in the game's revival, challenging the Flappy Bird Foundation’s claim of ownership. Here's the full story behind the beloved game’s surprising return.

Nearly a decade after it disappeared from app stores, Flappy Bird is once again making headlines. The mobile game that became a global sensation is now reportedly making a comeback, but the original developer, Dong Nguyen, has made it clear he’s not part of it. Nguyen's recent post on social media casts doubt on claims by the Flappy Bird Foundation, sparking questions about who truly owns the rights to the game and the implications for its revival.

Flappy Bird Creator Denies Role in New Release

Dong Nguyen, the Vietnamese developer behind the original Flappy Bird, has publicly distanced himself from the game’s impending return. In a rare social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Nguyen said he "didn’t sell" any rights to the game, marking his first statement on the platform since 2017. This statement conflicts with the Flappy Bird Foundation’s recent announcement of a planned re-release.

The Foundation stated it had secured the rights to Flappy Bird through a deal with Gametech Holdings LLC. This claim suggested a seamless revival of the beloved game, yet Nguyen’s remarks imply otherwise, raising questions about the legality of the transaction and Gametech’s authority to transfer the game’s trademark rights.

A Legal Battle over Flappy Bird’s Trademark

The ownership of Flappy Bird has been complicated. Gametech Holdings LLC contested Nguyen’s claims to the Flappy Bird trademark in a 2023 lawsuit, arguing that his abandonment of the game left the rights open to claim. Nearly ten years ago, Nguyen famously removed Flappy Bird from app stores at the height of its popularity, citing concerns over its addictive nature.

In January, the US Patent and Trademark Office declared Nguyen’s Flappy Bird trademark abandoned, essentially invalidating his ownership. This ruling allowed Gametech to secure its claim and, reportedly, transfer rights to the Flappy Bird Foundation. However, Nguyen’s statement now casts doubt on whether Gametech truly had the legal standing to do so.

A “Coming Soon” Tag, But Uncertainty Lingers

The Flappy Bird Foundation has gone ahead with its re-launch plans, recently listing the game as “coming soon” on both iOS and Android app stores. Despite Nguyen’s denial of involvement, the Foundation appears to be pressing forward, hinting at a release that could rekindle nostalgia among fans of the iconic mobile game.

The Foundation’s initial announcement framed the game’s return as a celebration of classic mobile gaming, aiming to revive the excitement that surrounded the original release. Yet, with Nguyen’s unexpected statement and legal uncertainties still unresolved, the upcoming launch may face scrutiny from fans and potential challenges if Nguyen decides to pursue his claim further.

Flappy Bird’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

With Flappy Bird’s impending reappearance, nostalgia and controversy now intertwine as fans await the game’s return. While the Flappy Bird Foundation aims to recapture the charm of the original, Nguyen’s recent statement adds complexity to the beloved game’s legacy. As questions over ownership linger, the re-launch could face hurdles that may reshape its reception in the gaming world.

Whether Nguyen will take further legal action or the Foundation’s version of Flappy Bird will proceed as planned, the renewed interest in the game underscores its enduring impact on mobile gaming culture. As Flappy Bird flaps back into headlines, its story remains as unpredictable as the gameplay that once captivated millions.