Why Did Flappy Bird Come Out Without Cryptocurrency Elements?

The iconic tap-and-swipe game Flappy Bird has been absent from mobile devices for a decade, and its return has been truly triumphant; it should come as no surprise. A new release has been made available for Android via the Epic Games Store.

Many have judged the crypto-supported version of Telegram controversial, but this version is strictly Web2, and to ensure no one doubts that, it even comes with appropriate explanations.

The developers themselves talk about their game being a “Web2-only” reboot. It has brought back the simple yet addictive mechanics of the classic mode game and introduced a Quest mode. In doing so, the game has completely distanced itself from any blockchain integration or token economy.

Flappy Bird was originally launched in 2013 by Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen and quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, amassing over 90 million downloads. In 2014, its sudden removal from the app store caused a major uproar.   

The developer said the addictive nature of the game led him to feel guilty. With Nguyen unable to keep the trademark, Flappy Bird was acquired by Gametech Holdings, LLC. This deal resulted in the creation of the Flappy Bird Foundation. In 2024, a new version of the game was introduced on Telegram – it was integrated with The Open Network (TON) and accompanied by the planned FLAP token. But such a cryptocurrency version sparked an adverse reaction. Even Nguyen, who has been silent on social media for seven years, said he does not support cryptocurrency. He noted that he is not affiliated with the fund in any way. 

Flappy Bird Web3 failed to achieve the same popularity as the projects it was targeting, such as Notcoin and Hamster Kombat. As a result, the project quietly ended by April 2025. 

A similar trend of introducing cryptocurrencies into the gameplay is observed in many other projects. For example, in the well-known crash game Aviator, you can now bet in cryptocurrency. And to start playing, it is even easier – you just need to download and install one of the best Aviator apps on your smartphone. Integration with Web3 allowed the project to attract even more users. 

However, unlike Aviator, the Flappy Bird game failed to succeed. The project is back, but now it relies on traditional monetization methods, i.e., ads and in-app purchases, as before. The game features a classic mode that stays true to the original pipe-dodging gameplay and a new Quest mode that introduces new challenges and characters in themed worlds.

The developers noted that if a game is impersonating Flappy Bird Web3 while offering cryptocurrency, it is a fraudulent project.  The company also said that any updates will be provided through official channels.