Flappy Bird’s Rapid Success and Decline

Flappy Bird was a simplistic mobile game where players controlled a bird, navigating it through obstacles by tapping the screen. Created by Dong Nguyen, it unexpectedly soared to popularity in 2014, generating significant revenue but also backlash for its difficulty. In response to the growing frustration and attention, Nguyen removed the game from app stores at its peak. The podcast Version History explores the game’s rise, impact, and Nguyen’s life-changing decision.