Apple and Google reject copy-cat 'Flappy' apps

CUPERTINO, Calif., Feb. 17 (UPI) -- To stem the tide of apps trying to piggyback on the popularity of the recently-removed game Flappy Birds, Google and Apple are rejecting apps with the word 'Flappy' in the title.

Many of these games have been topping the charts, by simply mimicking the popular game Flappy Birds. But it seems Apple and Google have sent notices to a few of these games, rejecting approval of the app because they were attempting to "leverage a popular app.”

Apple's app submission policies are known to be stringent and look to prevent developers from cashing in on the success of other apps. Vancouver-based game developer Ken Carpenter said on Twitter that Apple had rejected his app 'Flappy Dragons' as it was not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines.

This is unusual considering there are other apps on the App Store with the word 'Flappy' -- Flappy Bee, Flappy Plane, Flappy Super Hero, Flappy Flyer, and even Flappy Bird Flyer. So it seems like Apple's rejection of new apps with the word 'Flappy' could be seen as unfair as other knock-offs are still available.

With the removal of Flappy BIrds, it seems like consumers are downloading games similar to the original and app developers are rushing in to fill the void.

Carpenter thought his game had made the cut on Google Play, but shortly after approving his app, Google removed his app and it stopped appearing on searches. His app description did initially have the words ‘Flappy Bird’ in it, but even after removing the title he had no luck. It was only 24 hours later that he received a suspension notice.

“There was no ‘Fair Warning’ email, which Google claims to send before taking such actions. I checked and rechecked my spam folder to be sure. They just arbitrarily removed the app with no warning,” said Carpenter. "The message they sent me simply referenced the ‘spam’ provision of the Google Play terms and did not specifically call out what my transgression was."

[TechCrunch] [TechHive]