Plants Vs Zombies Celebrates 16th Anniversary

Plants vs Zombies has reached the remarkable milestone of 16 years since its initial launch, and it continues to thrive in the gaming world. As we reflect on this iconic mobile series, let's take a nostalgic journey through its evolution and enduring appeal. From its origins to its expansion across various platforms, Plants vs Zombies has solidified its status as a gaming icon.

The story of Plants vs Zombies began with developer PopCap Games in the late 2000s. The franchise first blossomed on desktop in 2009, but it was the transition to mobile in 2010 and the adoption of a free-to-play model that truly catapulted Plants vs Zombies to fame. This shift allowed the game to reach a broader audience, cementing its place in mobile gaming history.

In 2012, EA acquired PopCap, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise. Despite the challenges and layoffs that followed, Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time was released in 2013, further establishing the series as a mobile gaming staple. The game's success on mobile platforms helped it weather the storm of corporate changes.

Beyond Mobile: EA's vision for Plants vs Zombies extended 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 was a significant departure from the original tower defense mechanics. These releases garnered mixed reactions but showcased the franchise's versatility.

Currently, Plants vs Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia is undergoing a major overhaul since its announcement in 2020. After being pulled back from a soft launch, the game is being fine-tuned to deliver a return to the series' roots with a fresh art style and classic tower defense gameplay. Fans eagerly await its full release, hungry for a nostalgic yet refreshed experience.

If you're interested in exploring the genre that Plants vs Zombies helped popularize on mobile, don't miss our curated list of the top 25 best tower defense games available on iOS and Android. Dive into these engaging titles and see what the world of tower defense has to offer today.