The popularity of Flappy Bird, a mobile game for iOS and Android, has exploded over the past few weeks. But it looks like the rush of attention and success surrounding Flappy Bird has finally taken its toll on its Vietnam-based creator, who has decided to discontinue the game.
See also: How 'Flappy Bird' Went From Obscurity to No. 1 App
Dong Nguyen, the creator of Flappy Bird, tweeted on Saturday, at 11:02 a.m. PT, that he planned take the game down in 22 hours, noting that he "cannot take this anymore." This news comes just a day after the game rolled out an update.
I am sorry 'Flappy Bird' users, 22 hours from now, I will take 'Flappy Bird' down. I cannot take this anymore.
— Dong Nguyen (@dongatory) February 8, 2014
Though it may seem like a surprising choice to take down such a popular game, in recent days Nguyen had shown signs of having trouble dealing with the popularity of his app. On Feb. 4, Nguyen tweeted about how the game's success caught him off guard.
Flappy Bird first launched in 2013 for iOS and Android devices. It has been the number-one free app in Apple's App Store and in the Google Play Store for the past few days. It became an overnight Internet sensation after tweets, videos and reviews went viral.
Press people are overrating the success of my games. It is something I never want. Please give me peace.
— Dong Nguyen (@dongatory) February 4, 2014
The goal of the game — to navigate a yellow bird through a series of obstacles by tapping on the screen — appears simple, at first, but players often find themselves spending frustratingly long amounts of time trying to finish the addictive game.
If you haven't already given the game a try, you've been warned, it will only be available for a few more hours.
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