Flappy Bird Revived: Web3 Features on Telegram, No NFT Involvement

Flappy Bird Revived: Free-to-Play with Web3 Integration and No NFTs

The team behind the revived version of Flappy Bird has officially confirmed that the new game will feature optional Web3 integrations, though it will steer clear of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

This announcement follows initial speculation when hidden pages on the game’s website hinted at potential crypto connections. These speculations were confirmed after the game’s launch on September 16, 2024.

Web3 Features, but No NFTs

In an interview with Cointelegraph, a spokesperson from the Flappy Bird Foundation explained that the game will have Web3 functionality when played through the messaging app Telegram, but users who prefer not to engage with these features can opt out.

The spokesperson also emphasized that all versions of Flappy Bird would remain 100% free to play. “There will never be NFTs,” the spokesperson confirmed, aligning with a September 23 X (formerly Twitter) post by the Flappy Bird team, which reiterated that no crypto wallet would be required for gameplay.

Revenue Model: In-App Purchases and Ads

The game will generate revenue through in-app transactions, with options to purchase more energy and items that can modify flight physics. These changes will enhance the gameplay experience without requiring crypto involvement.

Additionally, the new Flappy Bird will feature optional in-game advertisements that, if watched, will offer players perks such as score multipliers. However, watching these ads remains entirely at the discretion of the player.

The Legacy of the Original Flappy Bird

The new Flappy Bird game is a reimagining of the original viral hit that first appeared in May 2013. Players guide a bird through green pipes by tapping their screen, in what became a notoriously difficult and addictive side-scrolling game.

The game’s original creator, Dong Nguyen, pulled the game from mobile stores in 2014, citing its addictive nature. In a 2014 interview with Forbes, Nguyen stated that he removed the game because it had become “an addictive product.”

However, the current iteration of Flappy Bird has no direct involvement from Nguyen. The Flappy Bird Foundation, which now holds the rights to the game, acquired it from Gametech Holdings LLC earlier this year. Gametech won the rights after contesting Nguyen’s ownership, leading the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to terminate Nguyen’s claim, ruling that he had abandoned the trademark.

The Role of Crypto: Flap-to-Earn and TON Blockchain

While the new version of Flappy Bird includes Web3 integrations, it will not be based on traditional play-to-earn mechanics. Instead, the game is running a “flap-to-earn” promotion, which promises future airdrops, although no specific $FLAP token has been confirmed at this time.

Initial leaks had suggested that Flappy Bird could launch on the Solana blockchain, but the foundation clarified that any onchain features would be hosted on The Open Network (TON), Telegram’s integrated blockchain.

What’s Next for Flappy Bird?

With its September 16 launch and upcoming Web3 integrations, Flappy Bird has entered a new era, embracing modern gaming trends while keeping its classic gameplay intact. The absence of NFTs and the option to avoid crypto features ensure that players can enjoy the game without engaging with blockchain technology, while those interested in the Web3 ecosystem can take advantage of the new integrations.

Whether these features will reignite Flappy Bird’s viral popularity remains to be seen, but the Flappy Bird Foundation has positioned the game to appeal to both casual gamers and the growing Web3 community.

FAQ for the New Flappy Bird Game