Vietnam-based developer Dong Nguyen developed Flappy Bird in 2013. Its compelling gameplay and easy mechanics made it popular, but its difficulty and frustration caused controversy.
Flappy Bird lets players guide a little bird through openings in pipes. Timing and coordination are needed to pass through the gaps without striking the pipes or ground. Passing through gaps gives points, and the goal is to score the most.
Flappy Bird is notoriously challenging. The game is notoriously difficult, with players struggling to keep the bird flying and avoid obstacles. This led many players to become addicted, aiming to beat their own or others' high scores and posting their results on social media.
Pixel images and simplistic animations gave Flappy Bird a classic, nostalgic air. In 2014, Flappy Bird's inventor, Dong Nguyen, deleted it from app stores due of its addiction and detrimental effects on his life. Other developers generated many clones and spin-offs of the game, sustaining its popularity.
