The announcement of the new ‘Flappy Bird’ on September 12 shocked the gaming industry. Since the original version was abruptly discontinued in 2014, the game had largely faded from the public eye. However, the news of the new release has garnered fresh attention, particularly because the original developer, Dong Nguyen, issued a statement confirming that he was not involved in the new game. This has sparked significant reactions in the gaming industry and among gamers, prompting a deeper look into the background and issues surrounding this development.
The Legend of the Original ‘Flappy Bird’
‘Flappy Bird’ debuted in 2013, and its simple yet extremely difficult gameplay quickly became a sensation. At a time when the mobile gaming market was growing rapidly, the game captivated many players and soared to the top of the charts. However, the developer, concerned about the game’s addictive nature, made the extraordinary decision to voluntarily pull it from distribution. This decision contributed to the game’s “legendary” status. Nguyen’s bold choice made headlines at the time, reflecting his genuine dedication to the enjoyment of gaming.
The New Release Without the Original Creator
The spotlight on the new release is due largely to the absence of Nguyen, the original creator. In response to the announcement, Nguyen immediately stated on social media that he had no involvement, sparking controversy among fans. It has been revealed that the new game was developed independently by the Flappy Bird Foundation, which had acquired the trademark, without any connection to the original game. This has led to growing concerns among fans and within the industry that the spirit of the original may have been lost.
Debate Over the Introduction of Web3 Technology
The news that Web3 technology would be integrated into the new release has also caused a stir. The use of Web3, particularly blockchain and cryptocurrency, has been increasing in the gaming industry, but reactions from gamers are mixed. Traditional gamers, in particular, have criticized it, saying that “it undermines the essence of gaming” and is “overly commercial.” Nguyen has also stated that he does not support crypto, further highlighting the divergence between the direction of the new game and his original vision.
The Future of the New Release and Its Impact on the Industry
The new ‘Flappy Bird’ retains the original gameplay but adds new elements like 100-player battles and beginner-friendly modes. However, questions remain about how much of the original game’s design and spirit have been preserved. The reception of the upcoming iOS/Android versions in the market is also uncertain. With potential legal issues and backlash from the community, it remains to be seen whether the new release will chase only commercial success or evolve to meet the expectations of fans of the original game.
Conclusion: Where Does the Soul of a Game Reside?
The announcement of the new ‘Flappy Bird’ brings with it more than just a nostalgic revival; it raises complex issues. While the legal handling of game rights is certainly important, what is more crucial is the “soul” that underpins a game. The original ‘Flappy Bird’ was a work imbued with Nguyen’s strong personal vision, and it is this spirit that fans may expect to see carried on in the new release.
