"Plants Vs Zombies Celebrates 16th Anniversary"

Plants vs Zombies has been thriving for 16 years, cementing its status as an iconic mobile game series. As we reflect on its journey, from its inception to its expansive growth, it's clear why PvZ holds a special place in gaming history. With Plants vs Zombies 3 still in soft launch, fans are eagerly awaiting a triumphant return to the series' roots.

The saga began with Popcap Games in the late 2000s, launching Plants vs Zombies on desktop in 2009. It was the transition to mobile in 2010 and the adoption of a free-to-play model that truly catapulted PvZ into the spotlight. The series reached new heights when EA acquired Popcap in 2012, navigating through a challenging shift to mobile that involved significant layoffs. Despite these hurdles, Plants vs Zombies 2: It's About Time debuted in 2013, solidifying PvZ as a hallmark of mobile gaming.

Beyond Mobile
EA harbored grand plans for PvZ, envisioning it as a staple in console gaming as well. 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 gameplay. These games received mixed reviews but showcased the franchise's versatility.

Currently, Plants vs Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia, in development since 2020, has undergone a major overhaul and is back in the lab after a soft launch. This upcoming installment aims to recapture the essence of the series with a fresh art style and a return to classic tower defense gameplay, leaving fans excited for what's to come.

For those interested in exploring the genre that Plants vs Zombies helped popularize on mobile, don't miss our curated list of the top 25 best tower defense games on iOS and Android to discover the latest and greatest in the category.