Is Angry Birds Star Wars 2 Discontinued? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, Angry Birds Star Wars II is indeed discontinued. This beloved mobile game, along with other titles from the early Angry Birds era, was officially removed from app stores several years ago. This article delves into the details of its discontinuation, explores why it happened, and answers frequently asked questions for fans looking to understand the game’s current status.
The Discontinuation of Angry Birds Star Wars II
Angry Birds Star Wars II was discontinued on February 3, 2020, alongside a significant number of other Angry Birds games. This was a sweeping move by Rovio Entertainment, the game’s developers, marking a shift in their focus towards newer, free-to-play titles. The removal affected both the App Store and Google Play Store, meaning the game is no longer available for direct download through these platforms.
The decision was not sudden, with an announcement made in December 2019 that these titles would be removed in the new year. This allowed users some time to enjoy the games before their official delisting. The reason for this widespread removal was largely due to the expiration of the licensing agreement for the Star Wars franchise, as well as Rovio’s strategy to streamline their portfolio.
The Impact of Licensing and Strategy
The removal of Angry Birds Star Wars II, and other titles including the original Angry Birds Star Wars and Angry Birds Space, signals a change in how Rovio handles its older games. As a game based on the popular Star Wars brand, Angry Birds Star Wars II relied heavily on licensing agreements. Once these agreements expired, Rovio likely found it more cost-effective to remove the games rather than renew the licenses, especially given the rise of new games and changing mobile gaming preferences.
Another reason for the discontinuation was to clean up the search results in app stores. Having older games alongside newer titles could potentially detract from the visibility of those newer games, impacting download numbers and the monetization strategy. This also allowed Rovio to concentrate their development efforts on their most profitable games, streamlining their resources.
Where Can You Still Find Angry Birds Star Wars II?
While Angry Birds Star Wars II is no longer available on mobile app stores, there are still ways to potentially access the game. Notably, it is still available on PC through a CD-ROM version listed on Amazon.com. However, this option may not be suitable for all gamers. It’s important to note that the removal of the mobile version impacts a large majority of the players, and there are currently no legitimate alternative mobile avenues for downloading the official version.
It is also important to be careful about downloading the game from unofficial sources. These third-party websites or services may not be safe and may contain viruses or malware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the original Angry Birds Star Wars also discontinued?
Yes, the original Angry Birds Star Wars was also discontinued on February 3, 2020, along with Angry Birds Star Wars II and other titles. It was removed from both the App Store and Google Play Store.
Why were these Angry Birds games removed from app stores?
The primary reasons were expired licensing agreements for titles using licensed characters such as Star Wars, and Rovio’s strategy to streamline their game portfolio and prioritize newer, free-to-play games with updated monetization models.
Can I still download Angry Birds Star Wars II on my mobile device?
No, Angry Birds Star Wars II is no longer available for download on the App Store or Google Play Store. The game was officially removed from these platforms on February 3, 2020.
Is there a free version of Angry Birds Star Wars II?
There was a free version of Angry Birds Star Wars II available on Android, but this version was also removed when the main game was discontinued. A free iOS version was never released for the game.
Are there any other Angry Birds games that have been discontinued?
Yes, several older Angry Birds games have been discontinued, including Angry Birds Space, Angry Birds Rio, Angry Birds Go, and the original Angry Birds itself, now marketed as Rovio Classics: Angry Birds, which was unlisted in February 2023.
Where can I find a copy of Angry Birds Star Wars II?
The PC CD-ROM version is still listed on Amazon.com. This may be the only legitimate way to play the game at this time.
Are there any plans to bring back Angry Birds Star Wars II?
As of now, there are no official plans from Rovio to bring back Angry Birds Star Wars II or any of the other discontinued games. The focus remains on newer titles within the Angry Birds franchise.
Was the original Angry Birds game deleted?
The original Angry Birds game, now known as Rovio Classics: Angry Birds, was removed from the Google Play Store on February 23, 2023, marking its final delisting.
Why was Angry Birds removed from the Play Store?
Rovio removed the original Angry Birds and other older titles to avoid hindering visibility of their newer titles in app store search results and due to an updated strategy on their game portfolio.
What happened to Rovio Entertainment?
Sega acquired Rovio for US$776 million in August 2023.
Is Angry Birds Star Wars 3 in development?
There is no official announcement or confirmation of an Angry Birds Star Wars 3 game being in development. The provided document discusses a mobile game called Angry Birds Star Wars III, but not a third iteration in the numbered franchise. This game was released and uses a similar system to Angry Birds 2 and allows the player to use cards.
What is the Angry Birds controversy?
Rovio has faced a lawsuit regarding concerns about illegally collecting data from children under 13 who played Angry Birds.
What was the original version of Angry Birds Go?
In June 2016, Angry Birds Go was controversially updated to version 2.0, significantly changing the game.
How many levels are currently in Angry Birds 2?
As of April 2023, Angry Birds 2 has 3460 levels in its campaign mode.
Is there going to be a sequel to Angry Birds Epic?
A sequel to Angry Birds Epic, titled Angry Birds Epic Sequel, is in development by a Russian team named Relude, and the game is expected for release, according to the document, sometime in late 2022, but the release date may be delayed.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of Angry Birds Star Wars II marks the end of an era for a popular mobile gaming experience. While the game is no longer available through official app stores, its legacy remains in the memories of its fans and the impact it had on the mobile gaming world. Though it’s disappointing to many, understanding the reasons behind the discontinuation and exploring the ways to possibly still play helps to manage expectations and satisfy the desire to revisit this iconic title. For now, players will have to turn to the PC version or look for videos and gameplay online to relive the magic of Angry Birds Star Wars II.