Flappy Bird Game in Java (Java Swing)

Project Overview

This project is a desktop-based clone of the classic Flappy Bird game developed using Java Swing. It simulates real-time gameplay mechanics where the player controls a bird navigating through procedurally generated pipes using keyboard input. The project demonstrates core game development concepts such as rendering, collision detection, game loops, and event handling in Java.

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Key Features

• Realistic bird physics with gravity and jump mechanics
• Procedurally generated pipes with random vertical gaps
• Real-time scoring system
• Game over detection and restart functionality
• Custom background and character assets
• Smooth real-time rendering using Java Swing

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Technologies Used

• Java
• Java Swing
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Event handling and graphics rendering

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How to Run

Prerequisites

• Java JDK 8 or higher
• Any Java IDE (IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, NetBeans) or terminal

Steps

1. Clone or download the repository.
2. Ensure all image assets are placed in the /resources/ folder and referenced using getResource().
3. Compile and run the project:

javac App.java FlappyBird.java
java App

Make sure the resources folder is correctly added to the classpath when using an IDE.

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Controls

• Spacebar – Jump / Start game / Restart after game over
• Up Arrow – Move bird upward
• Down Arrow – Move bird downward

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Game Logic Summary

• The bird is continuously affected by gravity.
• A jump provides upward velocity.
• Pipes are generated every 1.5 seconds and move left across the screen.
• The game ends if the bird collides with a pipe or goes out of bounds.
• Each successfully passed pipe contributes to the score.

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Applications

• Desktop game development demos
• Object-oriented programming practice
• Real-time simulation projects
• Java graphics and event-handling demonstrations

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Conclusion

This project demonstrates the implementation of a complete 2D game using Java Swing. It highlights real-time rendering, physics simulation, procedural obstacle generation, and interactive user input handling.

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Future Enhancements

• Add background music and sound effects
• Implement high score tracking
• Improve animations and visual effects
• Migrate to JavaFX or LibGDX
• Add mobile or touch-based controls

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