The mobile game, originally developed by Vietnamese game developer Dong Nguyen and published by .Gears Studios, involves navigating a bird through a series of green pipes. The challenge lies in tapping the screen to make the bird flap its wings and avoid collision with the obstacles. Its simple mechanics belied a high degree of difficulty, contributing significantly to its rapid spread in popularity on Apple’s mobile operating system.
The title’s unexpected viral success in early 2014 stemmed from its addictive gameplay loop and high level of frustration. This combination encouraged players to repeatedly attempt to improve their scores, sharing their experiences and scores on social media platforms, further fueling its growth. Its brief availability on the App Store created a sense of scarcity following its removal, further solidifying its place in mobile gaming history.
