Original Flappy Bird creator denounces crypto-backed re-release

The original creator of Flappy Bird has confirmed he’s not involved in the upcoming crypto-backed re-release of the game.

Speaking on X, creator Dong Nguyen said: “No, I have no [relation] with their game. I did not sell anything. I also don’t support crypto.”

The original game was released on iOS devices in May 2013, but suddenly exploded in popularity in January 2014, becoming the most downloaded app on the App Store and earning its creator Dong Nguyen tens of thousands of ad revenue per day.

The game was later pulled from the App Store, and has been unavailable in its original form for over a decade.

Now, a team of fans calling itself the Flappy Bird Foundation has acquired the official Flappy Bird trademark, as well as the rights to Piou Piou vs Cactus, the mobile game that some claim had been copied by Flappy Bird.

The Flappy Bird Foundation was able to acquire the rights to Flappy Bird from Gametech Holdings, who registered the trademark after the original creator Nguyen failed to renew it.

Flappy Bird Foundation is being led by designer Michael Roberts. Following the announcement of the re-release of the game, fans were quick to point out that Roberts is the head of 1208 Productions, a crypto firm that describes itself as “pioneering Web3.”

1208 Productions is also behind GLP, “One Of Web 3’s Largest Game Publishing Platforms,” according to its website.

The new Flappy Bird will release on iOS and Android in 2025, and will contain new characters and game modes.