Plants Vs Zombies Celebrates 16th Anniversary

Plants vs Zombies has now celebrated 16 years of existence, yet it remains a powerhouse in the gaming world. Let's take a moment to reflect on the journey of this iconic mobile series, especially as anticipation builds with Plants vs Zombies 3 currently in soft launch, leaving fans eager for a revival of its classic formula.

It all began 16 years ago, when Plants vs Zombies first hit the scene. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple yet addictive desktop game into a mobile juggernaut and beyond. The story kicked off with Popcap Games launching the original Plants vs Zombies on desktop in 2009. However, it was the transition to mobile platforms in 2010, coupled with the adoption of a free-to-play model, that catapulted PvZ to global fame.

In 2012, EA acquired Popcap, steering the franchise towards a stronger focus on mobile gaming. Despite facing challenges, including layoffs, the release of Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time in 2013 solidified PvZ as a staple of mobile gaming.

Beyond Mobile

EA's vision for Plants vs Zombies extended beyond mobile, aiming to establish it as a key player in console gaming as well. Titles like Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare and Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville introduced third-person shooter gameplay, diverging significantly from the original tower defense format. These releases received mixed feedback due to their departure from the series' roots.

Fast forward to the present, Plants vs Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia has been in development since 2020. After undergoing a significant overhaul, it's back in the lab, with its soft-launched version taken offline. This new installment promises to bring back the essence of the series with a fresh art style and a return to the beloved tower defense mechanics.

For those interested in exploring similar games that Plants vs Zombies helped popularize on mobile, be sure to check out our curated list of the top 25 best tower defense games available on iOS and Android.