The "Flappy Bird" controversy has been big news across the gaming and tech media for quite a while. The app skyrocketed up Apple's App Store charts (even became the No.1 app at one point) only to be pulled unexpectedly and never return. The creator claimed he wasn't ready for all the attention he received and simply did not want the app available for download on any digital stores for the foreseeable future.
However, he seems to have changed his mind and the game is said to return with some new additions this August. The creator, Dong Nguyen, shared the news with CNBC on "The Closing Bell" program.
It will also be less addictive, he says. In this way, people can enjoy their lives to the fullest without being swallowed up (or their time) by the app. The tweets have already been making the rounds from CNBC anchors and representatives, showing just how big this news really is.
"Flappy Bird's Dong Nguyen: Flappy Bird is coming back. Multiplayer. August," tweeted CNBC anchor Kelly Evans.
"#FlappyBirdcreator bringing game back. Tells @Kelly_Evans it will be multiplayer, less addictive," tweeted CNBC's Donna Burton, senior talent producer for "The Closing Bell."
What is interesting is the creator also revealed he is working on other games and is not letting the controversy stop his development efforts.
"#FlappyBird creator says he is creating lots of #games. Next one guy jumping from building to buildings," tweeted Burton.
The "Flappy Bird" game fiasco caused a lot of controversy because not only did the game get taken down during its popularity peak, but it spawned a number of clones and apps trying to replicate its experiences.
Some of these apps or games actually borrowed certain mechanics from Flappy Bird and proved to be interesting experiences in their own right. However, the majority were inferior clones. The hysteria got to the point that an iPhone was being sold on eBay with the original game still installed for more than $100K.
The app was very popular and has gained a lot of media attention. The creator has also became infamous because of it and everyone was trying to figure out, why did he really take it down or what his motivation for taking it down was. "Did he not like money?" many asked.
It seems that good business sense finally got to him and the game should be available again, albeit in a different flavor, come August. Even though Nguyen doesn't want to create gaming addicts this time around, the new multiplayer addition should prove to be an interesting feature that may be addicting in its own right.
