Plants vs Zombies, now a venerable 16 years old, continues to thrive in the gaming world. As we reflect on this iconic mobile series, let's explore its journey from inception to its current status. With Plants vs Zombies 3 still in soft launch, fans are eagerly awaiting a triumphant return to its roots.
The saga began with Popcap Games in the late 2000s, launching Plants vs Zombies on desktop in 2009. The transition to mobile in 2010, coupled with the adoption of a free-to-play model, propelled PvZ into the realm of superstardom. In 2012, EA's acquisition of Popcap marked a pivotal moment. Despite challenges and layoffs during the shift to mobile focus, the franchise soared with the release of Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time in 2013, solidifying its status as a mobile gaming icon.
Beyond Mobile: EA envisioned Plants vs Zombies as 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, eliciting mixed reactions due to their significant departure from the original tower defense gameplay.
Currently, Plants vs Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia is undergoing a major overhaul since its soft launch in 2020. With a fresh art style and a commitment to classic tower defense mechanics, it's poised to recapture the essence of what made the series beloved. As anticipation builds, fans are more eager than ever for a return to form.
For those interested in exploring the genre that Plants vs Zombies helped popularize on mobile, take a look at our curated list of the top 25 best tower defense games available on iOS and Android. Dive in and discover what's new and exciting in the world of tower defense gaming.
