Flappy Bird Returns with a Crypto Twist

After a decade of absence, Flappy Bird is officially back—this time as a mini app on the Telegram platform. And it’s entering the world of Web3 with plans for a token on The Open Network (TON). The revival comes in collaboration with Notcoin. A Telegram-based tap-to-earn game that gained immense popularity earlier this year. Notcoin is taking on the role of strategic publishing partner, introducing Flappy Bird to the TON ecosystem and its millions of players.

The comeback, dubbed the “Flap-a-TON” event, kicked off on Monday, blending classic Flappy Bird gameplay with the innovative potential of Web3. Players can now enjoy the game on Telegram for free as part of a mining event. However, the reintroduction of this mobile sensation has stirred controversy within the gaming community.

Crypto-Fueled Flappy Bird: A Divisive Move

Hints of Flappy Bird’s transition into the crypto world began to surface last week, raising eyebrows and sparking debate. The game’s website briefly mentioned a potential FLAP token on TON, suggesting plans for an airdrop and staking rewards. Additionally, there were signs of possible integration with Solana. Although Monday’s announcement confirmed TON as the chosen blockchain partner, leaving Solana’s involvement unclear.

Blockchain games and crypto integrations are often met with skepticism from traditional gamers, and this revival was no exception. Adding to the controversy, original Flappy Bird creator Dong Nguyen had no involvement in the game’s return. Nguyen famously pulled the game from the App Store in 2014 at the height of its success. Citing the negative impact it had on his life. When asked about the game’s revival. Nguyen took to Twitter after a seven-year hiatus to confirm he did not sell the rights and that he does not support crypto.

Trademark Disputes and Legal Maneuvering

Further complicating the situation, game developer Sam Chiet revealed that the Flappy Bird trademark had been acquired by a company called Gametech Holdings. This company challenged Nguyen’s ownership of the trademark, leading the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to deem it abandoned. The Flappy Bird Foundation, which now claims ownership of the brand, acquired the rights from Gametech Holdings in August 2024.

In response to inquiries about Nguyen’s involvement, the Flappy Bird Foundation issued a statement affirming that the trademark acquisition was conducted legally and transparently. They emphasized that the game’s revival was done with respect to its history, although they did not directly address Nguyen’s comments.

A New Era for Flappy Bird

Despite the backlash, the Flappy Bird Foundation is moving full steam ahead with plans for the game’s Web3 future. Initial screenshots reveal new game modes, including battle royale and basketball-style gameplay, as well as new characters. The Foundation plans to release iOS and Android versions of the game by 2025, with updates promised for the Telegram mini app in the meantime.

The Foundation has partnered with Notcoin, which has a strong foothold in the TON ecosystem. This collaboration is seen as a strategic move to tap into the growing Telegram gaming community. Notcoin previously launched a popular narrative game based on the Lost Dogs NFT project, which recently concluded.

Conclusion: The Future of Flappy Bird in Web3

Flappy Bird’s return as part of Telegram’s burgeoning Web3 gaming platform marks a significant shift for the game that once captivated millions. Whether or not it will capture the same magic remains to be seen. With a planned integration of TON tokens and future mining events, the game is evolving far beyond its original roots.

For gamers, the big question is whether this new version will feel like the Flappy Bird they once knew or simply another crypto project aiming to capitalize on nostalgia. One thing is certain: Flappy Bird is back, and it’s embracing blockchain technology in ways few could have predicted.