Angry Birds downloads have reached more than 300 million globally. China is currently the second largest market for Angry Birds and represents immense potential for continued growth. Rovio Entertainment is forecasting 100 million Angry Birds downloads in China by the end of 2011, according to Peter Vesterbacka, Rovio’s global Chief Marketing Officer or “Mighty Eagle.”
Rovio will develop games and other products designed to appeal to Chinese fans, with the first game, the “Moon Festival” episode for Angry Birds Seasons arriving in September, in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Beyond China, “Moon Festival” will share this culturally important festival season with hundreds of millions of Angry Birds fans worldwide, celebrating Chinese culture in every corner of the world.
Angry Birds themed moon cakes will also be available in China, allowing local fans to connect their virtual and physical worlds to the delight of their family and friends.
“As we have done in all of our markets around the world, we will create products specifically for this market,” said Vesterbacka. “Angry Birds will recognize the uniqueness of China and our Chinese fans.”
In addition to expanding its operations staff in China, Rovio is adding strategic partners to its Angry Birds China team. PPW has been appointed as the licensing representative of the Angry Birds franchise.
Madhouse, China’s leading mobile ad network, will partner with Angry Birds to expand virtual and real world connections and reach via prime time mobile advertising concepts. Additional mobile ad industry partners are expected to be announced soon.
Angry Birds branded products will also be available in China, including the first, a line of Angry Birds shoes at Letao, China’s largest online shoe company.
“We are delighted to be fully operational in China,” said Vesterbacka. “China has great potential for growth, but just as exciting is the opportunity to build a creative franchise, a marriage of virtual and real life, that is special for China and exciting for our Chinese fans.”
