Plants vs Zombies has now celebrated an impressive 16 years since its initial launch, and it continues to thrive in the gaming world. As we reflect on this iconic mobile series, it's fascinating to see how it has evolved from its modest origins to becoming a staple in the gaming industry. This journey has taken it through various platforms and transformations, cementing its status as a gaming icon.
The story of Plants vs Zombies begins with Popcap Games in the late 2000s. The original game debuted on desktop in 2009, but it was the transition to mobile in 2010 and the adoption of a free-to-play model that truly propelled PvZ to stardom. In 2012, EA acquired Popcap, and despite a challenging shift in focus to mobile that resulted in layoffs, the franchise quickly became synonymous with mobile gaming with the release of Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time in 2013.
Beyond Mobile: EA had grand visions for the PvZ franchise, aiming to make it a significant player in console gaming as well. The release of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare and Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville introduced a third-person shooter gameplay style that diverged significantly from the original tower defense concept. These titles received mixed reviews, reflecting the bold shift in gameplay mechanics.
Currently, Plants vs Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia, which has been in development since 2020, is undergoing a major overhaul following its soft launch. With the game being taken offline for refinement, it's poised to bring the series back to its roots with a fresh art style and the classic tower defense gameplay that fans crave. As anticipation builds, players are eager to see how this new iteration will reinvigorate the beloved franchise.
If you're interested in exploring the genre that Plants vs Zombies helped popularize on mobile, be sure to check out our list of the top 25 best tower defense games available on iOS and Android. It's a great way to discover what else is out there in the world of strategic defense gaming.
