A VIbe Coded Triubute to Dong Nguyen's Flappy Bird

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Flappy Bird is a mobile game developed by Vietnamese programmer Dong Nguyen under his company .Gears. Released on iOS in May 2013 and later on Android in January 2014, the game features a pixelated bird named Faby, which players navigate through gaps between green pipes by tapping the screen to keep it airborne. Despite its simple mechanics, the game is notoriously challenging, awarding one point for each pair of pipes successfully passed.

RisE to Viral Fame

Initially, Flappy Bird garnered little attention, but by early 2014, it had become a global sensation. The game's sudden popularity was attributed to its addictive gameplay and the frustration it induced in players. At its peak, Flappy Bird topped the App Store charts and was reportedly earning Nguyen around $50,000 per day from in-app advertisements.

Sudden Removal

On February 8, 2014, Nguyen announced via Twitter that he would remove Flappy Bird from app stores, stating, "I am sorry 'Flappy Bird' users, 22 hours from now, I will take 'Flappy Bird' down. I cannot take this anymore." He later explained that the game's addictive nature and the overwhelming attention it received were causing him distress, leading to his decision to take it down.

Aftermath and Legacy

Following its removal, devices with Flappy Bird installed were listed on resale sites for exorbitant prices. The game's popularity also led to a surge of clones and similar games flooding app stores. In August 2014, a revised version titled "Flappy Birds Family" was released exclusively for the Amazon Fire TV, featuring new obstacles and a multiplayer mode.

2025 Revival

In 2024, it was announced that Flappy Bird would return to mobile platforms in 2025. This revival is being led by the Flappy Bird Foundation, a group of fans and industry veterans who acquired the rights after the original trademark lapsed. The new version is set to include additional features such as new game modes and multiplayer challenges. However, Dong Nguyen has clarified that he is not involved in this project and did not sell any rights to the game.