Plants vs Zombies turns 16 this year—and remarkably, the franchise is still thriving in many ways. Over the years, it's become more than just a mobile phenomenon; it's a cultural touchstone in the gaming world. As fans eagerly await the next chapter with Plants vs Zombies 3, now is the perfect time to revisit the journey of this beloved tower defense series.
Back in 2009, the original Plants vs Zombies launched on PC, instantly capturing hearts with its quirky charm, addictive gameplay, and memorable soundtrack. But it wasn’t until its 2010 mobile release—paired with a free-to-play model—that the game exploded in popularity, becoming one of the earliest mobile gaming success stories.
In 2012, PopCap Games, the studio behind PvZ, was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA). While the transition wasn’t without its challenges—including shifts in development focus and team restructuring—the franchise continued to evolve. Plants vs Zombies 2: It’s About Time launched in 2013, marking a deeper commitment to mobile and expanding the series with new worlds, characters, and time-traveling gameplay.
Venturing Beyond Mobile
EA had grand plans for the franchise, aiming to bring Plants vs Zombies into the console space. This led to the release of Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare and later Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. These titles reimagined the franchise as third-person shooters, a bold move that received mixed reactions from fans. While they brought PvZ into new territories, they also highlighted how unique and irreplaceable the original tower defense formula was.
The Road to PvZ 3
Plants vs Zombies 3: Welcome to Zomburbia has been in development since 2020 and recently went back into development following a soft launch phase. Promising a fresh art style, modernized visuals, and a return to the classic tower defense gameplay fans love, it’s shaping up to be the long-awaited sequel that brings the series full circle.
If you're craving more tower defense action while you wait for PvZ 3, be sure to check out our list of the top 25 best tower defense games on iOS and Android—a perfect way to relive the genre’s golden age and discover some hidden gems.
