Flappy Bird creator denies involvement in new game with crypto links

Dong Nguyen, the original creator of the popular mobile game Flappy Bird, has distanced himself from a new group that claims it is bringing the game back after a decade-long hiatus. 

On September 15, Nguyen posted on X (formerly Twitter) for the first time since 2017, clarifying his stance against the planned re-release of Flappy Bird. 

He stated, “I did not sell anything,” adding, “I also don’t support crypto.”

The controversy began when a group called The Flappy Bird Foundation announced on September 13 that it would be re-releasing Flappy Bird. 

The group claimed in an X post that it had acquired the legal rights to the game and had worked with Nguyen's predecessor to relaunch it. 

However, Nguyen denies any involvement with the project. 

The Flappy Bird Foundation allegedly acquired the rights from Gametech Holdings LLC, which had opposed Nguyen’s trademark claim and won the rights in January after the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) determined Nguyen had abandoned it.

The original Flappy Bird, released in May 2013, became a viral sensation by early 2014 and topped Apple’s App Store charts. 

Despite its success, Nguyen removed the game from the market nine months later, citing concerns about its addictive nature. 

He famously posted on X, saying he “cannot take this anymore.” 

At the height of its popularity, Flappy Bird was reportedly generating $50,000 a day in ad revenue.

The new iteration of the game, however, hints at potential cryptocurrency ties. 

Researcher Varun Biniwale discovered hidden web pages suggesting the revived game could involve crypto elements, such as a "play and earn" model and a token launch on the Solana blockchain. 

One page, now deleted, stated that Flappy Bird would "fly higher than ever on Solana as it soars into Web 3.0," mentioning features like "stake to own" and "free airdrops."

Further hints included a prototype loading screen mentioning a "$FLAP token" on The Open Network (TON) blockchain and a requirement for players to connect a TON wallet for rewards. 

This approach resembles the "tap-to-earn" games that have gained traction on messaging platforms like Telegram.

The new game's development appears to be led by Michael Roberts, head of studio at crypto game developer 1208 Production. 

Roberts has noted on LinkedIn that he "spearheaded the return of Flappy Bird," but he has not yet responded to requests for comment. 

Biniwale speculated about the motives behind the revival, stating, “Is this a somewhat shady project with the goal of capitalising off the nostalgic appeal of a beloved game while quietly aiming to make money from cryptocurrency and Web3 integration? It sure seems like it.”