Is Angry Birds Star Wars 2 Canceled? A Deep Dive into the Galaxy Far, Far Away
Yes, Angry Birds Star Wars II is indeed canceled and no longer available for download on major app stores. While it might be disappointing for fans, this cancellation is part of a larger trend of Rovio, the game’s developer, discontinuing several older titles. This article will delve into the reasons behind the cancellation, the broader context of Angry Birds games being removed, and provide answers to related questions you might have.
The Demise of Angry Birds Star Wars II
License Expiration: The Main Culprit
The primary reason for the cancellation of Angry Birds Star Wars II is the expiration of the licensing agreement with Lucasfilm and Disney. Like its predecessor, Angry Birds Star Wars, this game heavily relied on the Star Wars brand, which required legal contracts that had a limited lifespan. When the license expired, Rovio no longer had the legal right to distribute the game. This is a fairly common occurrence in the world of licensed games, especially mobile titles.
Removal From App Stores
As a result of the license expiration, Angry Birds Star Wars II, including its “Free” version, was pulled from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store in March 2020. This action made it impossible for new users to download the game. It’s worth noting that the “Free” version of Angry Birds Star Wars II on Android was simply an ad-supported version of the full game; unlike many other free versions which would be their own standalone version on iOS, this particular version was not available on iOS devices.
Not Just Star Wars II: A Wider Discontinuation
The discontinuation of Angry Birds Star Wars II was not an isolated event. Around the same time, Rovio also delisted several other titles, including the original Angry Birds Star Wars, Angry Birds Space, and Angry Birds Rio. This suggests a strategic shift by Rovio towards focusing on new titles and potentially free-to-play, ad-supported versions of the classic games rather than licensing games which have continued costs associated with them.
Why Was Angry Birds Star Wars II So Popular?
Angry Birds Star Wars II offered a unique twist on the classic Angry Birds gameplay, incorporating elements and characters from the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Players could sling birds based on iconic figures like Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, and Darth Maul, complete with special abilities that mimicked their movie counterparts. This blend of familiar gameplay with beloved Star Wars characters made it a hit with both Angry Birds and Star Wars fans. The game featured a “Pork Side” where players could play as the villains which added a new dimension to gameplay.
What Happens Now?
Unfortunately, the game is not currently available for download on mobile devices. While you might find older APK files online, using them can pose security risks and may not provide the best experience due to compatibility issues. However, Angry Birds Star Wars and Angry Birds Star Wars II can still be played on various gaming consoles such as PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii U.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Angry Birds Star Wars and its Discontinuation
1. When was Angry Birds Star Wars II officially discontinued?
Angry Birds Star Wars II was officially discontinued in March 2020 and removed from major app stores.
2. Why was the original Angry Birds Star Wars also discontinued?
The original Angry Birds Star Wars was also discontinued in March 2020 for similar reasons as its sequel, including license expiration and a company-wide shift away from older titles. It was removed from both the App Store and Google Play Store.
3. Are there any official ways to still play Angry Birds Star Wars II on mobile?
Unfortunately, there are no official ways to download and play Angry Birds Star Wars II on mobile devices due to its removal from app stores.
4. Did the “Free” version of Angry Birds Star Wars II get canceled as well?
Yes, the free version of Angry Birds Star Wars II on Android was also discontinued along with the paid version when the licenses expired.
5. Which other Angry Birds games were discontinued around the same time as Star Wars II?
Besides the Angry Birds Star Wars games, Angry Birds Space and Angry Birds Rio were also discontinued around the same period.
6. Is Angry Birds Star Wars available on consoles?
Yes, the original Angry Birds Star Wars is available on various consoles including PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii, and Nintendo Wii U.
7. Why did Rovio remove the original Angry Birds game from app stores?
Rovio removed the original Angry Birds to focus on new free-to-play games and sequels. It was also part of a broader strategy to shift away from older titles that were not generating significant revenue.
8. Who owns Angry Birds now?
Sega Sammy Holdings acquired Rovio in August 2023 for $776 million. This acquisition has led to speculation about potential crossovers between the Angry Birds and Sonic the Hedgehog franchises.
9. Is there any chance of a remastered version of Angry Birds Star Wars II?
As of now, there has been no official announcement or indication from Sega or Rovio about a remastered version of Angry Birds Star Wars II.
10. What was the relationship between Angry Birds and Star Wars?
Angry Birds Star Wars and Angry Birds Star Wars II were official crossovers with the Star Wars franchise, incorporating characters and themes from the movies.
11. Will there be a new Angry Birds Star Wars game?
There are currently no plans announced for a new Angry Birds Star Wars game, though the recent acquisition by Sega might open new possibilities in the future.
12. What was the concept behind Angry Birds Star Wars III?
While there wasn’t a game called Angry Birds Star Wars III, some consider an unofficial version or fan-made content as an Angry Birds Star Wars III which often combined gameplay elements from Angry Birds 2 with the Star Wars theme. There is no official Angry Birds Star Wars III.
13. What was different about Angry Birds Star Wars II?
Angry Birds Star Wars II introduced the “Pork Side,” allowing players to play as the villains for the first time, giving a fresh perspective and adding complexity to the gameplay.
14. Where can I find other Angry Birds games?
You can find several other Angry Birds games on the App Store and Google Play Store, although they are mostly newer, free-to-play titles. The original version of the Angry Birds game released in 2009, now called “Rovio Classics: Angry Birds”, was removed from Google Play in February 2023.
15. Is there a new Angry Birds game coming out soon?
Yes, Angry Birds 3 is set to be released on November 12, 2024, in honor of the franchise’s 15th anniversary.
Conclusion
While the cancellation of Angry Birds Star Wars II is undoubtedly disappointing for fans of the game and the franchise, it is a reality of the digital world and licensing agreements. Despite its absence from app stores, the legacy of Angry Birds Star Wars II, and its blend of Angry Birds gameplay with Star Wars themes remains. It is important to respect the decisions of game developers and, where applicable, seek to play games through legitimate, and safe, means. With a new entry to the main series coming soon, fans will certainly have plenty of new bird-flinging opportunities to look forward to.