What Happened to Angry Birds Rio and Star Wars? The Demise of Beloved Spin-offs
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The question of what happened to Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Star Wars is one that many long-time fans have asked. The short answer is that both games, along with several other titles in the Angry Birds franchise, were discontinued and removed from app stores in early 2020. This decision by Rovio Entertainment, the creators of the iconic game, marked the end of an era for these much-loved spin-offs. Specifically, the games were pulled from both the App Store and Google Play on February 3, 2020, for Angry Birds Rio, Angry Birds Star Wars, Angry Birds Star Wars II and others. This action effectively made the games unavailable for download on mobile platforms, leaving many players unable to revisit their favorites.
Why Were These Games Discontinued?
The decision to discontinue Angry Birds Rio and the Star Wars installments wasn’t arbitrary. Several factors contributed to this move:
The Shifting Landscape of Mobile Gaming
Rovio cited the changing preferences of mobile gamers as a key reason. The mobile gaming market is constantly evolving, with new genres and games emerging frequently. Classic, paid mobile games often struggle to compete with the free-to-play model that dominates app stores today. The company shifted its focus towards newer free-to-play titles, deeming that the older, paid versions, like Angry Birds Rio and the Star Wars variants, were no longer a priority.
Licensing Issues
For Angry Birds Star Wars II, another significant reason for its discontinuation was the expiration of its license. This version, based on the Star Wars prequel trilogy, had specific licensing agreements in place with Lucasfilm, and when these agreements expired, Rovio chose not to renew them.
Search Visibility
One of the more surprising reasons for discontinuing these games was that they were making it more difficult for newer Angry Birds titles to be found in app store search results. Ben Mattes, Rovio’s head of Angry Birds strategy, explained that the presence of these older titles was hindering the visibility of their newer releases.
The Move Away from Premium Paid Models
The classic models for games like Angry Birds Rio and Star Wars were built around a one-time purchase model. This is unlike the modern free-to-play games with in-app purchases and advertisements that dominate the mobile gaming landscape. Rovio made a strategic shift away from premium paid apps in favor of these new models.
The Aftermath of Discontinuation
The removal of these games created a gap for many players. For those who had purchased and downloaded the games on their devices, they remained playable offline without access to microtransactions or ads. However, new players found themselves unable to legally download the titles. This meant that the only way to experience these games today, aside from having them already downloaded, is through their releases on consoles or through buying them on a PC disc (for Star Wars II).
The Legacy Remains
Despite their disappearance from app stores, Angry Birds Rio and Star Wars hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers. They represent a time when crossover games were at their peak, introducing many players to the Angry Birds universe and the broader world of mobile gaming. Angry Birds Rio was the first crossover for the series and also the first game to use the “Mighty Eagle” feature. These titles were also very well-received, proving that a crossover was something that worked with the Angry Birds franchise and opening the doors for more spin-offs.
Where to Find Them Now
While you can’t find the games in the app stores anymore, there are some alternative paths to play them:
Consoles
- Angry Birds Star Wars is available on gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U, and Playstation 3. If you have a console from these generations, you can still experience this game in its original form.
PC
- Angry Birds Star Wars II has had a release on PC CD-ROM which you can still buy on websites like Amazon, which can allow for the game to still be played.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Star Wars marked the end of an era for these beloved spin-offs. While the move might have been disappointing for fans, it also reflects the dynamic nature of the mobile gaming industry. Rovio has shifted its focus, but the legacy of these titles lives on in the memories of players and through their availability on other platforms. Although the games are no longer available on mobile stores, dedicated players can find ways to relive the slingshot action by exploring the console and PC versions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When were Angry Birds Rio and Star Wars officially discontinued?
Both Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Star Wars were officially discontinued on February 3, 2020, from the App Store and Google Play. This was alongside a range of other titles like Angry Birds Space and Angry Birds Star Wars II.
2. Why were these games removed from the app stores?
These games were removed due to several factors, including changing preferences of mobile gamers, expired licensing for Star Wars II, and search visibility issues. Rovio focused on newer, free-to-play titles, making the older games less of a priority.
3. Can I still download Angry Birds Star Wars on my iPhone or Android?
No, you can no longer download these games from the App Store or Google Play Store as they have been officially discontinued.
4. Is there any way to play Angry Birds Star Wars or Rio on mobile now?
The only way to play the games now on mobile is if you previously downloaded them before their removal. Players who still have the game downloaded can still play it, offline.
5. Did the removal of these games affect those who already owned them?
Yes and no. Players who purchased and downloaded the games before their removal can still play the single-player modes offline, but microtransactions and advertisements are disabled.
6. What is the difference between Angry Birds Star Wars and Angry Birds Star Wars II?
Angry Birds Star Wars is based on the original Star Wars trilogy, while Angry Birds Star Wars II is based on the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Both feature different characters and level designs.
7. Why was Angry Birds Star Wars II removed, despite the other games being removed for other reasons?
Angry Birds Star Wars II was removed due to the expiration of its licensing agreement with Lucasfilm.
8. Are there any other Angry Birds games that were discontinued?
Yes, alongside Angry Birds Rio, and the two Star Wars versions, several other games were discontinued, including Angry Birds Space, Angry Birds Epic, Angry Birds Seasons, and others.
9. Why did Rovio discontinue so many Angry Birds games?
Rovio discontinued many games to streamline its portfolio, focusing on its newer, free-to-play titles, and address visibility issues in app store searches. They cited the move to a more modern mobile gaming platform.
10. Can I buy Angry Birds Star Wars or Rio on a PC?
While Angry Birds Star Wars II has been released on a PC CD-ROM, there’s no official legal PC version for Angry Birds Star Wars or Rio. You might find it on some websites, but these versions are often unofficial and may not be legitimate.
11. Where can I find Angry Birds Star Wars II today?
You can find Angry Birds Star Wars II on PC CD-ROM on online retailers like Amazon.
12. Are the console versions of Angry Birds Star Wars different from the mobile ones?
The console versions of Angry Birds Star Wars are largely the same as the mobile versions in gameplay, but have additional features. They are also adapted for console controls instead of a touch screen.
13. Is Angry Birds Star Wars 3 going to be released?
There has been no announcement of a Angry Birds Star Wars 3, however some games have been made that combine elements of the original two such as Angry Birds Reloaded. It seems unlikely that a direct sequel will be made due to the licensing and the changing landscape of mobile gaming.
14. What about other Angry Birds games like Angry Birds Stella and Epic?
Angry Birds Stella was discontinued in 2015, leaving its storyline incomplete. Angry Birds Epic was also removed in 2019 with all other Angry Birds games released before Transformers, with the exception of Angry Birds Friends.
15. What is the controversy surrounding Rovio and children’s data?
Rovio has been involved in a lawsuit concerning the collection of children’s data through its Angry Birds games. The attorney general of New Mexico accused them of illegally collecting data of children under 13.