#FlappyBird
Viral mobile game phenomenon that became 2014’s most addictive app before being deleted.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Peak | January-February 2014 |
| Revenue | $50K/day at peak |
| Removed | February 2014 by creator |
| Reason | Creator felt guilt over addictiveness |
Origin & Impact
Flappy Bird, a brutally difficult mobile game where you tap to keep a bird flying through pipes, went viral in January 2014. #FlappyBird exploded as millions downloaded the free game, shared frustration, and competed for high scores. At its peak, creator Dong Nguyen earned $50,000 daily from ads.
Surprisingly, Nguyen removed the game in February 2014, saying it was “too addictive” and caused him guilt. This decision sparked its own controversy and made #FlappyBird trend even harder. The game became a case study in viral app success, simple game design, and the psychological toll of sudden fame.
Related Hashtags
- #MobileGaming
- #ViralApp
- #GameDev
- #IndieGames