Plants Vs Zombies Celebrates 16th Anniversary

It's been a remarkable 16 years since the initial launch of Plants vs Zombies, and the iconic mobile series continues to thrive. As we reflect on its journey, it's clear that Plants vs Zombies has evolved significantly from its origins to becoming a staple in mobile gaming. The franchise's growth, marked by acquisitions and expansions beyond mobile, underscores its status as a gaming icon.

The story of Plants vs Zombies began with Popcap Games in the late 2000s, culminating in the desktop release in 2009. However, it was the transition to mobile in 2010 and the adoption of a free-to-play model that propelled PvZ to global fame. The acquisition by EA in 2012 and the subsequent focus on mobile led to the release of Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time in 2013, cementing the franchise's place in mobile gaming history.

Beyond Mobile

EA's vision for Plants vs Zombies extended beyond mobile, aiming to establish it as a key player in console gaming. Titles like Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare and Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville introduced third-person shooter mechanics, diverging significantly from the original tower defense formula. These releases received mixed reviews, reflecting the challenge of adapting the beloved series to new genres.

Currently, Plants vs Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia, in development since 2020, is undergoing a major overhaul. After a soft launch, it was taken offline for further refinement. Fans are eagerly anticipating its return, which promises a fresh art style and a revival of the classic tower defense gameplay that made the series famous.

As the anticipation for Plants vs Zombies 3 grows, players hungry for more tower defense action can explore our curated list of the top 25 best tower defense games on iOS and Android. Dive into the genre that Plants vs Zombies helped popularize on mobile and discover what's new and exciting in the world of strategic defense.