Omama Altaleb, special to WTOP.com
WASHINGTON — The developer of Flappy Bird, formerly the most popular free mobile app on the Apple App Store, has taken the game off the market after promising to do so almost a day earlier.
The game is no longer available in the App Store or Google’s Android Play Store, after being pulled Sunday at midnight.
Developer Nguyen Ha Dong has not been available for interviews about his decision, and has reportedly turned off his phone.
Dong had stated recently the game was earning $50,000 a day in advertising revenue.
Shortly before making the announcement he was going to remove the app, he tweeted that the game “ruins his simple life.”
I can call 'Flappy Bird' is a success of mine. But it also ruins my simple life. So now I hate it.
— Dong Nguyen (@dongatory) February 8, 2014
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
Users who downloaded the game previously will be able to continue playing the game that’s been labeled challenging, frustrating and addicting.
The strange turn comes as the game skyrocketed in popularity.
“I downloaded it last Wednesday night, after a family member brought it up and said it was impossible. I replied,
