It's been 16 years since the launch of the original Plants vs Zombies, a milestone that invites us to reflect on the evolution of this iconic mobile series. From its modest origins to its expansion beyond mobile platforms, Plants vs Zombies has carved out a significant place in gaming history.
The journey began with Popcap Games in the late 2000s, culminating in the desktop release of Plants vs Zombies in 2009. The real surge in popularity came with the game's transition to mobile in 2010, coupled with the adoption of a free-to-play model, propelling PvZ into the realm of superstardom.
In 2012, EA acquired Popcap, and despite some challenging transitions and layoffs, the focus shifted firmly to mobile gaming. This shift was solidified with the release of Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time in 2013, cementing the franchise's status as a mobile gaming staple.
Beyond Mobile
EA harbored grand visions for Plants vs Zombies, envisioning it as a key player in console gaming. Titles such as Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare and Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville were launched, offering a third-person shooter experience that diverged significantly from the original's tower defense roots. These releases elicited a range of reactions from fans and critics alike.
Plants vs Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia has been in development since 2020 and recently underwent a substantial overhaul, causing the soft-launched version to be taken offline. This upcoming installment is eagerly anticipated as a return to the series' roots, featuring a fresh art style alongside the classic tower defense gameplay that fans adore.
As we await the next chapter in the Plants vs Zombies saga, the hunger for a return to form grows. In the meantime, for those interested in exploring similar games, our list of the top 25 best tower defense games on iOS and Android offers a wealth of options to satisfy your strategic cravings.
