Gamers hoping that Flappy Bird will return to Google Play or the iTunes App store shouldn't hold their breath as the game's creator Dong Nguyen has confirmed it is "gone forever."
Speaking to Forbes for the first time since he mysteriously decided to remove his insanely popular, yet frustratingly addictive mobile game, Nguyen revealed his decision was, in fact, based on fans becoming too addicted to it. There was speculation that his decision was based on legal pressure from Nintendo, though Nintendo denied that immediately.
"Flappy Bird was designed to play in a few minutes when you are relaxed," he told Forbes. "But it happened to become an addictive product. I think it has become a problem. To solve that problem, it's best to take down Flappy Bird. It's gone forever."
Though Flappy Bird has been available since May of last year, it only recently gained popularity, shooting up to the top of each platform's respective charts. It was reported that Nguyen was earning around $50,000 a day from the game. Despite its success, Nguyen admitted his life "has not been as comfortable as [it had been before]." Nguyen even admitted he "couldn't sleep." Looking over his Twitter you could see that Nguyen had concern, even warning fans to take a break from the game.
"I don't think it's a mistake," he said of his decision to remove the game. "I have thought it through."
Offering one statement to fans disappointed of Flappy Bird's removal, Nguyen said: "Thank you very much for playing my game."
