Flappy Bird Was Released in May 2013

Flappy Bird was made and released in May 2013 by Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen, marking the beginning of one of the most viral mobile gaming phenomena of the early 2010s. The exact date of release is often cited as May 24, 2013, when the game first appeared on Apple's App Store under the developer name 'dotgears.' This simple yet notoriously difficult side-scrolling mobile game quickly gained traction due to its minimalist design, retro-inspired pixel art, and addictive gameplay loop. Understanding when Flappy Bird was made provides insight not only into its rapid rise but also into the broader context of indie game development during that era. A natural long-tail keyword variant relevant to this topic is 'when was Flappy Bird originally released and who created it,' which captures both the timing and origin of the game.

The Creator Behind Flappy Bird: Dong Nguyen

Dong Nguyen, a relatively unknown software developer from Hanoi, Vietnam, developed Flappy Bird in his spare time while working at a small tech company. He operated under the independent studio name 'dotGears' and had previously released several other mobile games with minimal success. However, Flappy Bird would become his breakout hit. Nguyen cited classic arcade games and 8-bit aesthetics as major influences in the game’s design. His goal was to create something simple, accessible, and challenging — a philosophy clearly reflected in the final product.

Nguyen used the open-source programming framework Cocos2d-x to develop Flappy Bird, allowing for cross-platform compatibility between iOS and Android devices. The game features a small yellow bird that players control by tapping the screen to make it 'flap' upward, navigating through narrow gaps between green pipe obstacles. Gravity continuously pulls the bird down, making precise timing essential. Despite its apparent simplicity, the difficulty curve proved frustratingly steep for many players, contributing significantly to its viral appeal.

Initial Release and Platform Availability

As mentioned earlier, Flappy Bird was officially released on May 24, 2013, for iOS via the App Store. Its Android counterpart followed shortly after, launching on Google Play. At launch, the game received little attention. It wasn't until several months later — particularly in late 2013 and early 2014 — that Flappy Bird began gaining massive popularity. By January 2014, it had climbed to the top of both app store charts, becoming the most downloaded free game in the U.S.

This delayed surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors, including word-of-mouth sharing, social media buzz, and numerous YouTube videos showcasing gameplay attempts, often highlighting players' repeated failures. The game’s shareability and competitive nature (via Game Center and Google Play leaderboards) encouraged users to challenge friends, further amplifying its reach.

Rise to Global Fame

The year 2014 marked the peak of Flappy Bird's cultural impact. In February 2014, Dong Nguyen announced he would remove the game from all app stores, citing personal stress and guilt over what he described as an 'addictive product.' This controversial decision only intensified public interest. Within days of its removal, used smartphones with the game still installed were being sold online for hundreds of dollars. The sudden disappearance turned Flappy Bird into a digital legend almost overnight.

At its height, Flappy Bird reportedly earned approximately $50,000 per day in ad revenue, thanks to banner advertisements displayed between gameplay sessions. Despite this financial success, Nguyen maintained that his intention was never to profit excessively from the game. Instead, he expressed concern about how compulsively people were playing it, even comparing it to gambling in terms of psychological engagement.

Why Was Flappy Bird Removed?

The primary reason Flappy Bird was removed from app stores in February 2014 was due to the overwhelming pressure and media scrutiny faced by Dong Nguyen. In interviews following the removal, he stated that he felt 'sorry for creating this monster' and believed the game was too addictive for healthy use. He also mentioned receiving threats and intense criticism, which contributed to his decision to take the game down.

Another factor was copyright concerns. Some observers noted similarities between Flappy Bird and Nintendo's Super Mario Bros., particularly in the visual design of the pipes. Although no formal legal action was taken against Nguyen, there were widespread rumors that Nintendo might pursue litigation, which may have influenced his choice to discontinue the game.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Despite its short lifespan, Flappy Bird left a lasting legacy in both gaming culture and mobile app development. It became a symbol of how a single individual could create a globally successful product with minimal resources. The game also highlighted the power of organic virality in the digital age, especially through platforms like YouTube and Twitter.

Moreover, Flappy Bird inspired countless clones and parodies across various platforms. Games such as 'Tappy Chicken,' 'Flappy Wings,' and even browser-based versions flooded the market almost immediately after its removal. Its influence extended beyond gaming; the term 'flappy bird' entered popular lexicon as a metaphor for deceptively simple but extremely difficult tasks.

Attempts at Revival and Successor Games

In the years following the original game’s removal, Dong Nguyen remained largely out of the public eye. However, in August 2014, he released a new game titled Swing Copters, which featured similar mechanics but with a character wearing a propeller hat navigating through swinging hammers. While it captured some of the same frustration and challenge, it failed to achieve the same level of popularity.

Later, in 2024, rumors circulated that Flappy Bird might return in a reimagined form. While no official relaunch has been confirmed by Nguyen himself, third-party developers have continued to produce updated versions and remakes, though these are not affiliated with the original creator. Some modern adaptations include multiplayer modes, enhanced graphics, and cloud-based score tracking.

How to Play Flappy Bird Today

Although the original Flappy Bird is no longer available on official app stores, it is still possible to play the game through alternative means. One option is to find archived APK files (for Android) or IPA files (for iOS), though downloading apps from unofficial sources carries security risks, including malware exposure.

Alternatively, numerous web-based clones exist. Simply searching for 'play Flappy Bird online' yields dozens of browser versions that replicate the original gameplay. These are generally safe if accessed through reputable websites and do not require installation. Additionally, some retro gaming compilations and emulator packages include Flappy Bird as part of their library.

Common Misconceptions About Flappy Bird

One common misconception is that Flappy Bird was created by a large game studio or tech corporation. In reality, it was developed entirely by a solo programmer working independently. Another myth is that the game was banned due to legal issues. While copyright speculation existed, there is no evidence that any lawsuit forced its removal — the decision was entirely Nguyen’s own.

Some believe that Flappy Bird uses artificial intelligence to adjust difficulty dynamically. However, the game’s mechanics are entirely deterministic: pipe spacing, speed, and spawn rates remain constant throughout gameplay. The perceived increase in difficulty comes purely from player fatigue and the unforgiving physics model.

Lessons from Flappy Bird for Indie Developers

Flappy Bird serves as both inspiration and cautionary tale for independent game creators. On one hand, it demonstrates that a well-designed, minimalist game can capture global attention without significant marketing or budget. On the other hand, it underscores the personal toll that sudden fame and commercial success can bring.

Key takeaways for aspiring developers include the importance of preparing for scalability, understanding user psychology, and maintaining mental health boundaries when managing a viral project. Additionally, having clear intellectual property strategies and contingency plans for unexpected success can help mitigate future challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When was Flappy Bird first released? Flappy Bird was first released on May 24, 2013, on the iOS App Store.
• Who made Flappy Bird? The game was created by Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen under the studio name dotGears.
• Why did Flappy Bird get taken down? It was removed in February 2014 because the developer felt guilty about its addictive nature and was overwhelmed by media attention.
• Can I still download Flappy Bird legally? No, the original game is no longer available on official app stores. However, unofficial clones and browser versions exist online.
• Is there an official Flappy Bird sequel? There is no direct sequel, but the creator released a similar game called Swing Copters in 2014.