The return of Flappy Bird has sparked excitement, but it’s also raising concerns over the game’s legitimacy. The original creator, Dong Nguyen, clarified via social media that he has no involvement in the re-release of the game. Nguyen reiterated that he didn’t sell the rights and has no connection with the new project, which is now owned by Gametech Holdings LLC. This company took over the trademark after it was ruled abandoned by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office due to Nguyen’s long inactivity.
What makes this re-release controversial is its possible connection to cryptocurrency. Cybersecurity experts discovered hidden references to crypto and blockchain technology on the new Flappy Bird website. Specifically, the game is expected to incorporate Web 3.0 elements, including crypto staking and the use of Solana, a popular blockchain platform. This raised alarms, as it suggests the game’s revival might be tied to a potential crypto scam, misleading players under the guise of nostalgic gameplay
The re-release is marketed as a fresh, updated version of the original, with new features like additional game modes and characters. However, the heavy focus on cryptocurrency, such as the inclusion of a “FLAP” token, casts doubt on its intentions. Many see this as an opportunistic move from a company capitalizing on the name’s fame to push crypto ventures, despite having no legitimate link to the original creator
As of now, fans of the original Flappy Bird are skeptical of the re-launch, especially given that the foundation managing the game is tied to Web 3.0 projects. While the game may technically make a return, it might not resemble the addictive, straightforward gameplay that made it famous a decade ago. Instead, it seems poised to cater to crypto enthusiasts rather than the original gaming community
Overall, the return of Flappy Bird could be viewed more as a strategic crypto play than a true resurrection of the beloved mobile game. Fans of the original game should remain cautious and informed before engaging with the new release.
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