The Flappy Bird Foundation has officially addressed ongoing questions about the much-anticipated return of the Flappy Bird game, which was originally launched in 2013. The Foundation, comprising a team of dedicated fans, shared its plans to revive the game and build on its legacy, bringing Flappy Bird back to the gaming community.

Flappy Bird IP Gets Revived Via Web3

Flappy Bird IP Revived

The popular mobile game Flappy Bird has made its return, nearly a decade after its original creator, Dong Nguyen, removed it from app stores. Originally pulled due to its "addictive nature", the game is now live again, this time as a mini-game on the Telegram platform. 

The game’s return has been marked by the launch of the Flap-a-TON event, which highlights its integration with Telegram’s blockchain, TON (The Open Network). This event brings a new crypto aspect to Flappy Bird, allowing players to interact with the game and participate in a minting event for the FLAPPY token. However, no cryptocurrency wallet is required to play.

Details of Trademark Registration

After the game was removed from app stores in 2014, the Flappy Bird trademark and brand were abandoned. Driven by a desire to bring the game back to life, the Flappy Bird Foundation filed an application to reclaim the trademark. This effort was successful, culminating in the acquisition of the Flappy Bird trademark in August 2024.

The legal process surrounding the trademark started in 2018 when the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Mobile Media Partners, Inc. the rights to the Flappy Bird trademark. Subsequently, in 2021, Gametech Holdings, LLC obtained the trademark, and the Flappy Bird Foundation acquired it from Gametech in 2024.

Flappy Bird In-Game Screenshot 1

Collaboration with Piou Piou vs Cactus Developer

An important aspect of the revival of Flappy Bird is the involvement of Kek, the developer of Piou Piou vs Cactus. This game, which was published in 2009, bears striking similarities to Flappy Bird in terms of gameplay, level design, and its central character. Recognizing these similarities, the Flappy Bird Foundation brought Kek on board as a founding member.

Kek has expressed his excitement about working with the Foundation, giving them exclusive rights to his casual game, Piou Piou vs Cactus. He sees this collaboration as a way to breathe new life into both his game and the legacy of Flappy Bird. Kek commented on the partnership:

“I love that through the Flappy Bird Foundation, we are able to breathe new life into the games I built and inspired. It’s incredible to work alongside such a dedicated team of fans and creators who are truly passionate. We believe that the diverse opinions of passionate gamers can only make this project stronger. Keep on flappin’.”

Flappy Bird In-Game Screenshot 2

Looking Forward

The Flappy Bird Foundation’s mission is clear: "to preserve and foster the Flappy Bird legacy for the gaming community." The Foundation believes that the diverse perspectives of dedicated fans and gamers will contribute to the project’s strength and future success.

As of August 2024, the Foundation holds both the Flappy Bird trademark and the rights to Piou Piou vs Cactus, positioning it as the steward of Flappy Bird’s intellectual property and ecosystem. This acquisition marks the final step in their preparations to reintroduce the game to the community.

With this announcement, the Flappy Bird Foundation is committed to building on the game’s legacy and welcoming the input of passionate blockchain gamers. The team encourages fans to “keep on flappin’” as they eagerly await the game’s return.