Flappy Bird Returns to Blockchain Gaming With a Web3 Makeover

Remember Flappy Bird, the maddeningly addictive mobile game that took the world by storm in 2014? Well, it’s back—but this time, it’s taking flight into the world of blockchain games.

After the shutdown of its Telegram mini-app earlier this year, the Flappy Bird Foundation has announced that the game will soar once again—only now, it's coming with competitive Web3 features, digital ownership, and a bold new ecosystem for fans both old and new.

Let’s dive into everything we know so far about Flappy Bird’s blockchain-powered comeback.

A Nostalgic Look Back at Flappy Bird

Flappy Bird was the brainchild of Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen. Its premise was simple: tap the screen to guide a small pixelated bird through a maze of green pipes. But that simplicity was its secret weapon. It became a viral sensation in early 2014, as players around the world tried—and often failed—to beat their high scores.

Despite (or maybe because of) its incredible success, Nguyen pulled the game from app stores, citing concerns about its addictive nature. The removal only intensified its legend.

Fast forward to 2024, and Flappy Bird is staging a comeback. But this isn’t just a reboot—it’s a complete transformation.

From Mobile to Web3: A Surprise Blockchain Revival

Earlier this year, the Flappy Bird Foundation launched a Web3 version of the game on Telegram called Flap-a-TON, built on The Open Network (TON). It attracted over a million players during its beta phase, where users mined points in anticipation of a token launch.

However, despite strong user interest, the token airdrop never materialized. The Android release that followed also lacked blockchain integration. Still, the Foundation made it clear: the journey into crypto is just beginning.

In a recent Medium post, they confirmed, “Flappy Bird will take flight in Web3 with competitive gameplay — We will introduce new ways to play, compete and earn rewards.”

What’s Coming: Rewards, Ownership, and a Web3 IP Protocol

So what exactly can fans expect from this new era of Flappy Bird?

According to the Flappy Bird Foundation, the upcoming Web3 version will offer:

• Competitive gameplay modes

• Digital rewards for players

• Onchain ownership of in-game assets

But that’s not all. The team is also working on a Web3 IP protocol, which will bring characters, items, and other assets onto the blockchain—giving users a stake in the ecosystem itself.

Their mission is bold: “Build an ecosystem housing the best parts of traditional gaming, IP licensing, and all the benefits of Web3.”

No official launch date or token details have been announced, but a beta version of the game is expected soon.

Is Base Involved? Speculation Around Coinbase's Layer-2

The crypto community took notice when Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer-2 network, responded to Flappy Bird’s roadmap on X (formerly Twitter). A cryptic screenshot highlighting “Web3 IP protocol launches, bringing the brand on-chain” was reshared by the Flappy Bird account—complete with emoji eyes 👀.

While no official partnership has been confirmed, this interaction sparked speculation that Base may help power the Flappy Bird Web3 experience.

If true, it could mean faster, cheaper, and more scalable gameplay for users exploring the world of blockchain games.

Parallel Paths: Web2 Gamers Welcome Too

Not everyone is ready to dive into NFTs and smart contracts—and the Flappy Bird Foundation gets that.

For traditional gamers, the Foundation’s publishing arm, Flappy Bird Publishing, has launched a Web2 version of the game on the Epic Games Store for Android. This version features classic gameplay, ads, and in-app purchases—no crypto required.

“If you prefer not to engage with Web3 features,” the Foundation reassured fans, “we’ll continue to support Web2 players with traditional gaming experiences.”

It’s a smart move: welcoming both crypto enthusiasts and casual players into the Flappy Bird fold.

Web3 IP: A New Approach to Intellectual Property

One of the most exciting aspects of the new Flappy Bird vision is the introduction of Web3 IP ownership.

In their roadmap, the Foundation criticized the limitations of traditional copyright systems: expensive licensing, centralized control, and limited monetization opportunities for fans.

Their answer? A decentralized model:

• Transparent onchain records

• Smart contracts for revenue sharing

• Open markets for trading and licensing IP

• Personal ownership of Flappy Bird assets

This could transform Flappy Bird from a protected product into a shared digital platform—something fans can build upon, contribute to, and even monetize.

Building a Brand, Not Just a Game

The Foundation has made it clear: this isn’t just a game relaunch—it’s a full brand revival. Plans are already in motion to expand Flappy Bird into:

• Storylines and lore

• Custom characters and avatars

• Digital collectibles and NFTs

• Branded merchandise

Surveys and feedback channels on Telegram suggest the community is on board, too. “We are building this next chapter with you, not just for you,” the team says.

Balancing Nostalgia with Innovation

Of course, there’s still some controversy. Dong Nguyen, the original creator, has publicly criticized the Web3 reboot. But the Foundation insists that its primary goal is to honor the original spirit of Flappy Bird while evolving with new technology.

Their guiding mission? “Create joy, spark nostalgia, and build something fresh with one of the most beloved gaming brands of all time.”

Final Thoughts

The return of Flappy Bird isn’t just a blast from the past—it’s a glimpse into the future of blockchain gaming.

Whether you're here for the nostalgia, the competition, or the digital ownership possibilities, one thing is clear: Flappy Bird’s next chapter is taking off—and it’s headed straight into Web3.