It's been an incredible 16 years since the debut of the iconic Plants vs Zombies series, and the game continues to thrive, showcasing its lasting appeal. As we reflect on this seminal mobile classic, it's fascinating to see the journey from its modest origins to becoming a titan in the gaming world. The franchise has navigated through acquisitions and expanded beyond mobile platforms, cementing its status as a gaming icon.
The story of Plants vs Zombies began with Popcap Games in the late 2000s. The original desktop version launched in 2009, but it was the transition to mobile in 2010, coupled with the adoption of a free-to-play model, that propelled PvZ to global stardom. In 2012, EA acquired Popcap, and despite some challenges, including layoffs and a focus shift to mobile, the release of Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time in 2013 solidified the series as a mobile gaming staple.
Beyond Mobile
EA's vision for the PvZ franchise extended far beyond mobile, aiming to make it a cornerstone of console gaming as well. Titles like Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare and Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville introduced third-person shooter gameplay, which, while innovative, received mixed reviews due to their departure from the original tower defense formula.
Plants vs Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia, announced in 2020, is currently undergoing a significant overhaul and has been pulled back from its soft launch. This upcoming installment is eagerly anticipated as it promises a return to the beloved tower defense roots with a fresh art style, reigniting fans' excitement for the series.
As the anticipation for Plants vs Zombies 3 grows, players are more eager than ever for a revival of the classic gameplay. If you're interested in exploring more games in the genre that PvZ helped popularize on mobile, be sure to check out our comprehensive list of the top 25 best tower defense games available on iOS and Android.
