"Plants Vs Zombies Celebrates 16 Years"

It's been an incredible 16 years since the initial launch of Plants vs Zombies, and the franchise is still thriving. As we reflect on this iconic mobile series, we delve into its evolution from a modest start to becoming a gaming legend, navigating through acquisitions and expanding beyond mobile devices. Plants vs Zombies has undeniably earned its place as a cornerstone of the gaming world.

The journey began with Popcap Games in the late 2000s, culminating in the desktop release of Plants vs Zombies in 2009. The game's true rise to fame, however, came with its transition to mobile platforms in 2010, coupled with the adoption of a free-to-play model. This strategic move catapulted PvZ into the spotlight, captivating millions of players worldwide.

In 2012, EA acquired Popcap, marking a pivotal shift towards mobile gaming. Despite facing challenges, including layoffs, the release of Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time in 2013 solidified PvZ as a flagship mobile franchise.

Beyond Mobile
EA's vision for Plants vs Zombies extended beyond mobile, aiming to make it a staple in console gaming. Titles like Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare and Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville introduced third-person shooter gameplay, diverging significantly from the original tower defense formula. These games received mixed responses but showcased the franchise's versatility.

Plants vs Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia, in development since 2020, has undergone a significant overhaul and is currently in soft launch. This latest installment aims to recapture the essence of the series with a fresh art style and a return to classic tower defense gameplay, reigniting fans' anticipation for a true return to form.

For those eager to explore the tower defense genre that Plants vs Zombies helped popularize on mobile, why not peruse our curated list of the top 25 best tower defense games available on iOS and Android? Dive in and discover what the genre has to offer today.