It's been a remarkable 16 years since the initial launch of Plants vs. Zombies. This iconic mobile series has not only endured but thrived, evolving significantly over the past decade and a half. Let's take a nostalgic journey through the growth of this seminal mobile classic, exploring its journey from modest beginnings to becoming a celebrated icon in the gaming world.

The story of Plants vs. Zombies begins with PopCap Games in the late 2000s. The original game hit desktops in 2009, but it was the transition to mobile platforms in 2010, coupled with a free-to-play model, that truly propelled PvZ to global fame. This strategic shift not only broadened its audience but also cemented its status as a mobile gaming powerhouse.

In 2012, Electronic Arts (EA) acquired PopCap, leading to a turbulent shift in focus towards mobile gaming. Despite challenges, including layoffs, the franchise continued to flourish with the release of Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time in 2013, further solidifying its position as a mobile gaming emblem.

Beyond Mobile: EA had grand visions for PvZ, aiming to make it 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 gameplay, a significant departure from the original tower defense mechanics. These releases elicited mixed responses from fans due to the radical change in gameplay style.

Currently, Plants vs. Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia, which has been in development since 2020, is undergoing a major overhaul. After taking the soft-launched version offline, it's poised to return with a fresh art style and a revival of the classic tower defense gameplay that fans have been craving. With PvZ 3 still in soft launch, the anticipation among players for a return to form is palpable.

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 available on iOS and Android. Dive in and discover what the mobile gaming landscape has to offer in this exciting genre.