Flappy Bird, the iconic mobile game from 2014, is getting a modern revival, this time with web3 features. After shutting down its play to earn Telegram mini-app earlier this year, the Flappy Bird Foundation has now confirmed that the game will return to the crypto space.

A Look Back at Flappy Bird

Flappy Bird was created by Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen. In this game, players guide a small bird flying through pipes by tapping on the screen. Its basic gameplay and high difficulty made it a viral hit in early 2014. But shortly after, Nguyen pulled the game from app stores, citing concerns over its addictive nature. 

Even after it vanished, the game's popularity continued to grow. 

A Surprise Web3 Comeback

In 2024, a group called the Flappy Bird Foundation secured the rights to the game. They launched a web3 version called "Flap-a-TON" on Telegram, based on The Open Network (TON). Players could mine points, and a token launch was planned. The beta drew over a million users.

But the mining phase ended this spring without a token airdrop. The Android version that followed also did not include any blockchain elements. Still, the Foundation says the crypto dream is far from over.

In their latest Medium article, the team said: "Flappy Bird will take flight in web3 with competitive gameplay — We will introduce new ways to play, compete and earn rewards."

What the Flappy Bird Foundation Has Planned

According to the Foundation, a full web3 version of the game is in the works. It will let players earn rewards and own digital items. The team is also working on a new IP protocol, which will bring Flappy Bird assets like characters and items onto the blockchain. 

Their stated goal is broad and ambitious: "Our ultimate vision is to build an ecosystem housing the best parts of the traditional gaming space, IP licensing and all the benefits of web3 to create a global Flappy Bird brand for the community of fans and players."

No token or launch timeline has been revealed yet. But a beta version of the web3 game is expected to arrive soon.

Following the announcement, the official X account of Base, Coinbase's Ethereum layer-2 network, responded with a screenshot highlighting the phrase "Web3 IP protocol launches, bringing the brand on-chain" from Flappy Bird's roadmap, accompanied by emoji eyes. Flappy Bird then reshared that post. While no official partnership has been confirmed, the interaction has led to speculation that Base might be involved in powering Flappy Bird's upcoming onchain protocol.

Parallel Paths: Web2 and Web3

While exploring onchain features, the Foundation also continues to serve traditional gamers. Its publishing partner, Flappy Bird Publishing, launched the classic version of the game on the Epic Games Store for Android. This version is purely web2, supported by ads and in-app purchases.

For those who prefer to stay away from blockchain, they added: "If you prefer not to engage with web3 features, Flappy Bird Publishing, the foundation's licensee and web2 gaming publisher, will always provide you with traditional web2 games and experiences."

A New Vision for the Flappy Bird Brand

The Foundation wants to go beyond games. Their roadmap includes adding storylines, characters, and avatars. They also plan to launch digital collectibles and merchandise. The team says they are listening closely to player feedback through Telegram.

"We are building this next chapter with you, not just for you," they wrote. Surveys revealed that many players want Flappy Bird to grow into a full brand with more ways to engage, both on and off-screen.

Web3 IP and Ownership

Another key idea discussed in the post is web3 IP: putting the Flappy Bird brand onchain for public use. They describe this as a way to break traditional copyright models.

"Traditionally, IP is locked up by corporations. IP is also very difficult to license and monetize, has no global open market, has high legal friction and costs to engage, and royalties are not shared with the community of users and supporters, since corporations wholly own the IP."

"Web3 Intellectual Property addresses all of the issues above and even creates ways for consumers and fans to license and utilize parts of the IP itself. Transparent onchain records, automated smart contracts for licensing and revenue splits, 24/7 liquid markets for trading, staking or collateralizing IP, and individual ownership rights are all possible with the power of web3 IP."

This could make Flappy Bird a shared platform rather than a locked product.

Balancing Nostalgia with New Tech

The Foundation is aware that not all fans are ready for crypto. Their promise is to offer both options. They say their mission is simple: "Create joy, spark nostalgia and build something fresh with one of the most beloved gaming brands of all time."

Though the game's original creator Dong Nguyen has publicly criticized its web3 relaunch, the Foundation says it will move forward with the community's interests in mind.