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The games industry moves quickly, and while stories may come and go, there are some that we just can’t let go of…
So, to delve deeper into those particularly intriguing topics, we’ve created a weekly digest where the members of the PocketGamer.biz team share their insights on the most interesting events in mobile gaming from the past week.
Craig Chapple
Head of Content
Flappy Bird is making a comeback but original creator isn’t involved
Flappy Bird, an original viral hit on mobile, set the stage for the hypercasual craze and showed that generating ad revenue from games was possible. Initially making $50k a day from banner ads, the game was later pulled by developer Dong Nguyen due to concerns over its addictiveness.
While the game has spawned numerous clones, the original remains unmatched. Now, Flappy Bird is returning with new worlds, modes, and characters. Excitingly, it will feature a 100-player online mode for competitive gaming.
An early version, Flap-a-TON, has already been released on Telegram. However, the game’s relaunch has stirred controversy regarding the ownership rights and its association with blockchain and crypto.
Crypto’s involvement in Flappy Bird’s revival raises questions about its niche appeal and the overall interest in blockchain among casual users.
This unfolding story is intriguing, and it will be interesting to see how the web version and future releases impact its audience.
Playtika to acquire Dice Dreams developer SuperPlay for up to $1.95 billion
Playtika’s acquisition of SuperPlay for such a significant sum signifies the value placed on the success of games like Dice Dreams and Domino Dreams. The impressive growth of these games positions SuperPlay as an attractive investment.
This acquisition not only benefits Playtika and SuperPlay but also signals positive growth in the gaming industry, with mergers and acquisitions potentially on the rise.
EA reveals experimental Project Air, emphasizing that AI plays a crucial role in their future initiatives.
During EA’s Investor Day 2024, EA showcased Project Air, a groundbreaking product demonstrating the potential of AI in character and scenario creation for mobile gaming.
Project Air presents a new gaming category that offers innovative text-based gameplay, showcasing the power of AI in interactive storytelling.
Although Project Air is not currently in EA’s release pipeline, it offers a glimpse into the potential future of AI-powered gaming experiences.
