Why was Flappy Bird Taken Off App Store?
Flappy Bird, a simple yet addictive mobile game, gained immense popularity in 2013. However, its creator, Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen, decided to withdraw it from the App Store and Google Play in February 2014. The question that arises is, why was Flappy Bird taken off App Store? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this surprising move.
1. Excessive Popularity and Stress
One of the primary reasons why Flappy Bird was taken off App Store was the overwhelming popularity it garnered. The game quickly became a global phenomenon, with millions of players worldwide trying to beat its challenging gameplay. However, this immense popularity also brought immense stress to Dong Nguyen.
Nguyen admitted that the constant pressure from players and the media became too much to handle. He mentioned that he was not prepared for the fame and the responsibilities that came with it. This stress led him to make the difficult decision of taking the game off the market.
2. Distraction from Personal Life
Another reason behind the removal of Flappy Bird from App Store was the distraction it caused in Dong Nguyen’s personal life. He revealed that the game had become a significant part of his life, and he was spending most of his time on it. This distraction made it difficult for him to focus on other aspects of his life, including his relationships and hobbies.
Nguyen wanted to regain control over his life and reduce the impact of Flappy Bird on his personal well-being. By removing the game from the App Store, he aimed to minimize the pressure and distraction it had created.
3. Concerns about Player Addiction
Flappy Bird’s gameplay was designed to be highly addictive, which indeed it was. However, this aspect of the game also raised concerns among players and critics. Many players reported spending excessive amounts of time playing the game, which led to negative consequences in their daily lives.
Dong Nguyen acknowledged these concerns and expressed his desire to prevent the game from causing harm to players. By taking Flappy Bird off App Store, he aimed to remove the temptation for players to become overly addicted to the game.
4. Financial Gain and Monetization
Despite the game’s success, Dong Nguyen expressed dissatisfaction with the way he was monetizing Flappy Bird. He felt that the revenue generated from the game was not substantial enough to justify the immense effort and stress he was putting into it. Additionally, he was not happy with the in-app purchases and advertisements that were a part of the game.
By removing Flappy Bird from App Store, Nguyen hoped to gain more control over the game’s monetization and potentially create a more sustainable business model.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Flappy Bird was taken off App Store due to a combination of factors, including excessive popularity and stress, distraction from personal life, concerns about player addiction, and financial gain. Dong Nguyen’s decision to withdraw the game from the market was a difficult one, but it was necessary for his well-being and the well-being of his players. Although Flappy Bird is no longer available for download, its legacy continues to live on in the hearts of millions of players who cherished its challenging and addictive gameplay.
