Addictive mobile game Flappy Bird has returned, a decade since its original creator removed it from app stores, reportedly because it was ‘too addictive’.

The tappy game is now live as a Telegram mini-game, which is being published by Notcoin, the IP having being acquired by the Flappy Bird Foundation Group.

The game has now launched with season one of its Flap-a-TON event highlighting the game’s crypto credentials as part of Telegram’s TON blockchain.

No wallet is required to play, although activity during the event will allow players to participate in a free minting event for the game’s FLAPPY token.

“Telegram is becoming an important field for app and game developers to create a new level of communication with users. Well-known brands and IPs like Flappy Bird are important to make this journey more recognisable and exciting for users. IP market is a significant part of modern culture; we’re glad to make this first step. And we’re welcoming IPs to work with Telegram and TON via Notcoin,” commented Notcoin founder Sasha Plotvinov.

“Launching on Telegram is the perfect runway for the return of the game, with the platform now recognized as the premier destination for web3 gaming. With the support of Telegram, our community, and the 200 million gamers already on the platform, Flappy Bird’s takeoff into web3 looks more than promising,” commented Michael Roberts, one of figures behind the new version.

As part of the IP acquisition, the Flappy Bird Foundation Group also got rights to the Piou Piou vs. Cactus game, which inspired Flappy Bird, and its creator Kek has been working on the Telegram version.

However, Flappy Bird’s creator Dong Nguyen has been more critical, saying he’s not involved, nor does he “support crypto”.

As well as launching on Telegram, the new version of Flappy Bird will also go live via mobile app stores and on browser in 2025, including with new game modes, cosmetics and progression systems.

In the meantime, however, the only way to play and collect rewards now is on Telegram.