This App Was Shut Down for Being Too Successful
Hello everyone! I hope you’re all doing well.
Today, I want to share the fascinating story of a mobile game that was taken down simply because it was too successful. I’ve divided this tale into several sections for your reading pleasure. I hope you find it enjoyable and insightful.
Yes, the story is as unbelievable as it sounds!
It all began in May 2013 when Dong Nguyen created Flappy Bird. By February 2014, it had amassed over 90 million downloads and been played more than 20 billion times.
But how did Dong venture into game development? Let’s rewind to the beginning.
A Quick Background
Dong’s first encounter with video games came from playing Super Mario Bros in his childhood.
This early fascination led him to start coding his own games at the age of 16. He later pursued a degree in computer science at Hanoi University of Science in Vietnam. Rather than following a conventional programming path, he acted on his passion for gaming.
During this time, he landed an internship at Punch Entertainment, a Vietnamese gaming company. This experience fueled his desire to create games and deepened his enthusiasm for the industry.
He conceived an idea for a game designed specifically for people who are always on the move.
The Game Concept and Its Development
The game’s concept consisted of two key elements:
- It should be simple enough for anyone to start playing.
- It should be engaging enough for players to keep coming back.
Unlike Angry Birds, which was hugely popular at that time, Flappy Bird was designed to be straightforward and not overly complex.
Dong developed the game in just 2-3 days. Interestingly, the game’s protagonist, Faby, was originally designed for a project that never launched but found a new purpose in Flappy Bird.
For gameplay inspiration, Dong looked to table tennis, where the aim is to keep the ball bouncing with a paddle. He added a unique twist and ramped up the challenge to keep players engaged.
How the Game Works
So, how does Flappy Bird function?
It’s simple: Tap the screen to keep your character alive.
Sounds easy, right? Well, it’s more difficult than it seems!
Dong designed the game this way to prevent it from getting boring. Players would feel close to victory, urging them to continue playing. This combination of simplicity and difficulty made the game frustratingly addictive, with some users spending hours on it every day!
The Viral Moment
Despite its quality, Flappy Bird didn’t immediately take off upon its release. It gained traction when Swedish YouTuber Pewdiepie featured it on his channel.
Suddenly, everyone was hooked! Flappy Bird went viral as people shared their high scores across social media, dominating the “top game” lists.
The game was downloaded over 90 million times, and at its peak, it generated an astounding $50,000 per day in ad revenue.
However, with rising popularity came intense scrutiny. Dong found himself in the spotlight, inundated with media attention, interviews, and even death threats from frustrated players who couldn’t conquer the game.
The overwhelming nature of this sudden fame became too much for him. The pressure to maintain the game’s success weighed heavily on Dong, who couldn’t seem to escape the nag
2 Comments
What an intriguing post! The story of Flappy Bird is a fascinating example of how success can have unintended consequences, particularly in the world of mobile gaming. Dong Nguyen’s journey from a simple concept inspired by childhood nostalgia to creating a viral sensation shows how unpredictable the gaming industry can be.
It’s interesting to think about the pressures that come with sudden fame. Many creators might dream of their product gaining massive popularity, but the reality can be overwhelming, as Dong experienced. His decision to remove Flappy Bird from app stores can’t have been easy, especially with the financial success it brought him. It makes one wonder if the toll on mental health and personal well-being is worth the financial gains for some creators.
The impact Flappy Bird had on the gaming landscape is undeniable. Despite the wave of copycat games that followed, nothing quite matched that unique blend of simplicity and frustration that made Flappy Bird so addicting. It left a lasting legacy, illustrating the dual-edged sword of virality in today’s digital age.
Thanks for sharing this story! I look forward to reading more about game development journeys and the lessons they offer.
This is a captivating account of how success can be a double-edged sword in the world of app development. Flappy Bird’s story illustrates not only the unpredictable nature of viral success but also the pressures that accompany it. It’s fascinating to consider the psychological impact on creators like Dong Nguyen, who achieved rapid popularity yet felt overwhelmed by the expectations and scrutiny that followed.
Moreover, this case raises important questions about sustainability in game design and the broader industry. While simplicity and engagement are critical for user retention, the follow-up support and community engagement are equally vital for long-term success. It would be interesting to explore how app developers can balance immediate virality with sustainable growth strategies—perhaps through community-building or iterative feedback loops—so they don’t face the same pressures that Dong experienced.
Additionally, the role of influencers like Pewdiepie cannot be overlooked. Their ability to shape trends and drive downloads showcases the power of social media in today’s digital landscape. How can independent developers harness these platforms for promotion while managing the potential pitfalls associated with sudden fame?
Overall, Flappy Bird serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of success, highlighting the importance of not only creating a great product but also preparing for the varied consequences that success can bring.