Flappy Bird Eyes Web3 Future After Telegram Closure
Despite the recent closure of its Telegram game, Flappy Bird is gearing up for a new connection to the Web3 space. The Flappy Bird Foundation has unveiled intentions to introduce competitive gameplay, rewards, and a new on-chain intellectual property protocol. However, the announcement did not specify details regarding the launch of the new crypto game or its token initiatives.
The Flappy Bird Foundation, which had previously acquired the trademark for the iconic mobile game, indicated that even after a tumultuous phase that included a play-to-earn mining campaign on Telegram, the brand is set to make a comeback in the crypto arena. Initially, the game was relaunched on Telegram to kick off a mining campaign for an anticipated FLAP token on The Open Network (TON). However, uncertainty shadowed these plans when the mining phase concluded without any token airdrop earlier this spring, and the Android relaunch in April did not integrate any crypto features.
Now, the Foundation has confirmed that Flappy Bird is set to “take flight in Web3” once more. “We are committed to exploring and innovating within the Web3 IP and gaming landscape,” the Foundation stated. They plan to unveil a new competitive gameplay experience, allowing players to engage, compete, and earn rewards. Further details regarding their innovative Web3 gaming project are expected to be disclosed in the upcoming weeks.
New Competitive Gameplay and Ecosystem Vision
For the Flappy Bird franchise, this signifies the development of a new Web3 iteration of the game that incorporates competitive elements while providing opportunities for players to earn rewards. The latest communication from the Foundation did not, however, mention any specific token associated with these initiatives. A representative from the Flappy Bird Foundation has not yet responded to inquiries regarding this announcement.
In response to the news, Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network, interacted with the announcement by sharing a screenshot of the roadmap segment that highlighted the launch of the “Web3 IP protocol,” suggesting future collaborative endeavors or at the very least, igniting curiosity among fans. The Foundation also referenced the introduction of an IP protocol that would move Flappy Bird assets onto the blockchain, but did not clarify which specific blockchain or assets would be involved.
The game, which challenges players to guide a flying bird through an obstacle course of pipes, first gained immense popularity in early 2014. Its creator, Dong Nguyen, famously removed the game from app stores shortly after its viral success, citing concerns over its addictive nature. Upon its return last year, Nguyen notably distanced himself from the game’s crypto initiatives, stating, “I have no relation to their game. I did not sell anything. I also don’t support crypto.”
Criticism surrounding the game’s blockchain affiliation also emerged, prompting the Flappy Bird Foundation to clarify that the recently launched version on the Epic Games Store for Android would not incorporate any elements of cryptocurrency. They explicitly stated, “The Flappy Bird app available on Epic Games Store will never feature any Web3 components and will solely rely on ads and in-app purchases.”
While the game is set to explore Web3 interactions, the Foundation is also mindful of its fanbase. They acknowledged that many players, both new and longtime fans, prefer to enjoy the game without engaging with cryptocurrency. “We understand that some Flappy Bird enthusiasts simply want to play without the blockchain aspects,” the post indicated. “For those who wish to avoid Web3 features, Flappy Bird Publishing, the foundation’s licensee and Web2 gaming publisher, will always deliver classic Web2 games and experiences.”
A specific timeline outlining the rollout of Flappy Bird’s new Web3 initiatives has yet to be shared.
