What to know

  • Flappy Bird has returned to Android after a 10-year absence, now available exclusively through the Epic Games Store.
  • The new version features both the classic gameplay plus updated modes, characters, and global challenges.
  • The game is monetized through ads and in-app purchases, with developers confirming no Web3 or cryptocurrency elements.
  • This revival is not affiliated with original creator Dong Nguyen, as Flappy Bird Foundation now owns the trademark rights.

Flappy Bird, the mobile gaming sensation that disappeared at the height of its popularity in 2014, has officially returned to Android devices through the Epic Games Store. This marks the first time in a decade that players can officially download the addictive side-scrolling game on new devices.

The revived game is being published by Flappy Bird Publishing, which has partnered with Epic Games to distribute the title. You can download it for free from the Epic Games Store app for Android, though you'll need to get the store directly from Epic's website rather than the Google Play Store.

This new version maintains the beloved "just one more try" gameplay with simple one-tap controls that made the original so addictive. The Classic mode preserves the core experience of guiding your bird through pipes without crashing. However, developers have added new content including a Quest mode where you can unlock new worlds with fresh themes and increasingly challenging obstacles.

According to the developers, the game will continue to receive updates throughout 2025, including new worlds, characters, and themes. The game is monetized through ads and in-app purchases for items like helmets that help your bird continue after crashing into pipes.

Importantly, the publishers have explicitly stated that the game will not include any Web3 or cryptocurrency elements. This clarification comes after previous concerns about potential crypto integration when the revival was first announced.

It's worth noting that this revival is not affiliated with Dong Nguyen, the original creator who famously pulled the game from app stores in February 2014 despite reportedly earning $50,000 daily in ad revenue. The Flappy Bird Foundation now owns the full trademark rights after Gametech Holdings LLC reportedly filed to terminate Nguyen's trademark.

Nguyen has publicly distanced himself from this new version, stating on social media: "No, I have no related with their game. I did not sell anything. I also don't support crypto."

The new Flappy Bird requires Android 6.0 or later and takes up approximately 129MB of storage space. An iOS version is reportedly in development, though no release timeline has been announced.

For those who remember the original phenomenon, which reached over 50 million downloads before being removed, this revival offers a chance to experience the frustratingly addictive gameplay once again, albeit under new ownership and with expanded features.

Via: 9to5google.com