Although released May last year, "Flappy Bird" became a certified mobile gaming sensation only last month. The overnight success of the previously unknown and underrated app somehow gave its developer, Vietnam-based Dong Nguyen, a really hard time.
Perhaps he now knows what it feels like to be a reality star shocked by the complications that come with fame. Previously, he spoke about needing some peace and quiet in the wake of the hoopla surrounding his viral game. He also mentioned that things were going "out of control."
We can imagine him with both hands bearing the weight of his head, at a loss with his predicament.
A couple of days after his protestations, he announced that he will be taking "Flappy Bird" down in 22 hours, according to his Twitter post. He also said he "cannot take this anymore."
Soon after the game's actual removal, buzz about the act being a "marketing stunt" swirled and talk of legal issues also emerged. We've recently talked about "Flappy Bird" being one of the many offshoots of a game called "Helicopter Game" here.
However, Nguyen denied all those accusations. In an exclusive interview with Forbes, he revealed the real reason why he took down the hugely popular app.
"Flappy Bird was designed to play in a few minutes when you are relaxed," the 29-year-old developer began. "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."
The landmark interview was notable as it was Nguyen's first after he "pulled the plug on the app."
He also said that if he thinks users were becoming addicted to his other games, which include Shuriken Block and Super Ball Juggling, he would also take them down.
Guilt and the fact that his life "has not been as comfortable as I was before" pushed him to remove "Flappy Bird". He also said that he couldn't sleep. However, after he took down the game, he spent the next few days catching up on sleep.
He also defended his daring and costly decision. "I don't think it's a mistake," he said. "I have thought it through." He will continue making games, though.
When he was asked what he'd want to say to "Flappy Bird" fans, he simply said this: "Thank you very much for playing my game."
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