It's been an incredible 16 years since the launch of the original Plants vs. Zombies, and this iconic mobile series continues to thrive. As we reflect on its evolution, from its initial release to its expansion beyond mobile platforms, it's clear why PvZ is considered a gaming legend.
The journey began with PopCap Games in the late 2000s. The first Plants vs. Zombies hit desktops in 2009, but it was the transition to mobile in 2010 and the adoption of a free-to-play model that truly propelled the game to superstardom. The mobile landscape was forever changed, and PvZ became a household name.
In 2012, EA acquired PopCap, which led to a challenging transition focused on mobile gaming and resulted in some layoffs. Despite these hurdles, Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time, released in 2013, solidified the franchise as a mobile gaming staple.
Beyond Mobile: EA had grand visions for PvZ, 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 brought third-person shooter gameplay to the franchise, eliciting mixed reactions due to their departure from the classic tower defense mechanics.
Currently, anticipation is high for Plants vs. Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia. Announced in 2020, it's undergoing a significant overhaul and is in soft launch. Fans are eager for its promised return to the series' roots, featuring a fresh art style and classic tower defense gameplay.
If you're interested in exploring more in the genre that Plants vs. Zombies helped popularize on mobile, be sure to check out our curated list of the top 25 best tower defense games available on iOS and Android. Dive into the strategic world of tower defense and see what's out there!
