No time to read? Just listen to the news!
TL;DR
- Flappy Bird, the viral mobile game from 2014, is set for an October 2024 relaunch by “The Flappy Bird Foundation,” who acquired the trademark after original creator Dong Nguyen apparently abandoned it.
- Nguyen has publicly stated he has no involvement with the relaunch, raising questions about the legitimacy and ethics of reviving the game without its creator’s consent.
- The new version promises additional features like new game modes and multiplayer challenges, while cybersecurity research suggests potential cryptocurrency integration.
- The situation highlights complex issues surrounding intellectual property rights in mobile gaming and the potential exploitation of abandoned trademarks.
The viral mobile game Flappy Bird is set for an unexpected comeback in October 2024, a decade after its original creator, Dong Nguyen, removed it from app stores at the height of its popularity. However, this relaunch comes with controversy, as Nguyen is not involved in the project.
The game’s return is being orchestrated by a group calling themselves “The Flappy Bird Foundation,” described as “a new team of passionate fans committed to sharing the game with the world.” The foundation claims to have acquired the official Flappy Bird trademark from Gametech Holdings LLC, a U.S. company.
The trademark acquisition process raises questions about the legitimacy of this relaunch. Nguyen originally applied for the Flappy Bird trademark in 2014, but it appears to have remained in limbo for years. Eventually, Gametech opposed Nguyen’s trademark, and due to Nguyen’s apparent lack of response, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office declared the trademark abandoned.
On September 15, 2024, Nguyen broke his seven-year silence on social media to address the situation, stating: “No, I have no related with their game. I did not sell anything. I also don’t support crypto.”
The Flappy Bird Foundation’s announcement makes no mention of Nguyen. Instead, they emphasize “preserving the Flappy Bird IP” and promise new features including “new game modes, characters, progression, and massive multiplayer challenges.”
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the foundation has also acquired the rights to Piou Piou vs. Cactus, a mobile game that reportedly inspired Flappy Bird. They have employed its creator, known as Kek, who stated: “It’s so cool to see how influential Piou Piou has been for developers and hundreds of millions of gamers over the years.”
Cybersecurity researcher Varun Biniwale discovered hidden pages on the new Flappy Bird website suggesting the game may incorporate cryptocurrency elements. One page, since removed, mentioned that Flappy Bird would “fly higher than ever on Solana as it soars into web 3.0.”
The relaunch has been met with mixed reactions from the gaming community. Some express excitement about the return of the addictive game, while others criticize the apparent exploitation of Nguyen’s creation and the potential inclusion of cryptocurrency features.
As the October launch approaches, questions remain about the legal and ethical implications of reviving a game without its original creator’s involvement. The situation highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights in the fast-paced world of mobile gaming and the potential for opportunistic acquisitions of abandoned trademarks.
News Source: PCGamer
