"Plants Vs Zombies Celebrates 16 Years"

It's been 16 years since the initial launch of Plants vs. Zombies, and this iconic mobile series is still thriving. As we reflect on its journey, from its inception to its expansion beyond mobile, it's clear why Plants vs. Zombies has cemented its status as a gaming legend.

The story begins with developer PopCap Games in the late 2000s. The original Plants vs. Zombies debuted on desktop in 2009, but it was the transition to mobile in 2010 and the adoption of a free-to-play model that propelled the game into the stratosphere of popularity.

In 2012, EA acquired PopCap, and despite some challenges, including layoffs during the shift to focus more on mobile, the franchise solidified its place in mobile gaming with the release of Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time in 2013.

Plants vs. Zombies Gameplay

Beyond Mobile: EA had grand visions for the Plants vs. Zombies series, aiming to make it a staple in console gaming as well. Titles like Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare and Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville ventured into third-person shooter territory, garnering mixed reviews due to their departure from the original tower defense formula.

Currently, Plants vs. Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia, announced in 2020, is undergoing a significant revamp. It's been pulled back into soft launch for further development, promising a return to the beloved tower defense roots with a fresh art style. Fans are eagerly awaiting its full release, hungry for the classic PvZ experience.

For those interested in exploring similar games, take a look at our curated list of the top 25 best tower defense games on iOS and Android, and see what other titles are making waves in the genre that Plants vs. Zombies helped popularize on mobile.