In Flappy Bird, which is players guide a small bird as it weaves through an assortment of pipes featuring openings. The goal is to navigate through the openings without colliding with the pipes or the ground, necessitating accurate timing and coordination. Every successful pass through a gap awards a point, with the objective being to attain the highest score achievable.

A defining feature of Flappy Bird is its significant challenge. The game is recognized for its challenging gameplay, where players frequently find it difficult to maintain the bird's flight while circumventing obstacles. This led to numerous players developing a strong attachment to the game, striving to surpass their own or others' high scores, and showcasing their accomplishments on social media.

Flappy Bird enticed interest due to its minimalist graphics, showcasing pixel art and straightforward animations that created a retro and nostalgic atmosphere. In 2014, Dong Nguyen, the creator of the game, decided to take Flappy Bird off the app stores, expressing concerns about its addictive qualities and the adverse effects it had on his life. Nonetheless, the game's popularity and legacy persisted, leading to the creation of numerous clones and spin-offs by other developers.

Flappy Bird often is recalled as a cultural sensation that captivated millions of players globally, even with its difficult and exasperating gameplay. This has ignited emails surrounding game design, addiction, and the effects of mobile games on mental health, building it as a significant and unforgettable chapter in the transformation of mobile gaming.