Why Is Rovio Removing Angry Birds… Again? The Saga of Delisted Birds
Rovio, the Finnish gaming giant, has once again ruffled feathers by delisting the original Angry Birds game, this time from the Google Play Store, and renaming it on iOS as Red’s First Flight. The core reason for this action, as stated by Rovio, boils down to the classic game’s detrimental impact on their wider game portfolio. In essence, the enduring popularity of the original title was overshadowing and competing with their newer, more monetized games, significantly hindering their revenue streams and business strategies. It’s not a matter of the game being bad, but rather its economic disruption to Rovio’s current business model that emphasizes free-to-play games with microtransactions.
The Economic Realities Behind Delisting
The decision isn’t solely an isolated incident, but rather reflects a broader trend within the mobile gaming industry. Developers are increasingly focused on free-to-play (F2P) games, leveraging microtransactions and in-app purchases for revenue. Older titles, particularly premium games that were paid for upfront, often suffer as they are not as profitable, especially when they compete with newer titles offering more consistent and higher earnings. For Rovio, the original Angry Birds was a victim of this shift. Its popularity as a paid title meant that players were less likely to engage with their other F2P games, which were designed for recurring revenue.
Beyond the Bottom Line
While the economic aspect is paramount, it’s crucial to recognize that maintaining older titles, especially ones with legacy code, does have costs associated with them. Updating for new operating systems, managing servers, and providing support all add up. When these costs are weighed against the revenue generated by the legacy title, sometimes the conclusion is that delisting it is the most cost-effective option.
From Rovio Classics to Red’s First Flight: A New Identity
The renaming of Rovio Classics: Angry Birds to Red’s First Flight on iOS is a strategic move by Rovio to further differentiate the older game from their newer, active titles. By changing the name and delisting the game on the Google Play Store, they are signaling a new phase for the franchise. Essentially, it’s a way of acknowledging the legacy of the original while also emphasizing the company’s forward trajectory and new focus.
The History of Deletions and Delistings
This recent decision follows a pattern for Rovio, as many previous Angry Birds titles have been removed from app stores over the years. This process of delisting isn’t always malicious; it’s a common industry practice to focus resources on newer and more profitable games. However, this can be disappointing for players who grew up with and still love the original games.
The Rovio Controversy
Beyond the delistings, Rovio has also faced a significant controversy. In 2021, they were hit with a federal lawsuit from the New Mexico attorney general, Hector Balderas, alleging the company sold data of minors (under 13) to third-party advertisers. This lawsuit highlighted the increasing concerns surrounding data privacy, particularly involving children, and further put Rovio under scrutiny.
Rovio’s Present and Future
Despite the controversies and delistings, Rovio is a major player in the mobile gaming industry and has significantly contributed to Finland’s reputation as a hub for game development. In a significant development, Sega acquired Rovio for $776 million in August 2023, which positions them for expansion, particularly into the mobile gaming market. This acquisition marks a new chapter for Rovio and the Angry Birds franchise under Sega’s ownership. Angry Birds is now officially owned by Sega.
The Legacy of Angry Birds
The original Angry Birds game, launched in 2009, was a global phenomenon. It wasn’t just a game; it was a cultural touchstone. It created an ecosystem of merchandise, spin-offs, and even movies. Despite the game’s removal from the Google Play Store and its renaming on iOS, the legacy and impact of the game are undeniable. The series focuses on the eponymous flock of colorful angry birds who try to save their eggs from green-colored pigs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation:
1. Why did Rovio remove Angry Birds from the Google Play Store?
Rovio removed Rovio Classics: Angry Birds from the Google Play Store because it was negatively impacting the performance of their newer, free-to-play games. The original game’s popularity meant that players were less likely to engage with other more monetized offerings, disrupting the company’s revenue stream.
2. Why was Angry Birds renamed to Red’s First Flight?
The rebranding to Red’s First Flight is intended to further separate the classic game from the studio’s newer offerings. It’s a strategic move to signal a shift in focus, while acknowledging the legacy of the original.
3. Is the original Angry Birds game completely gone?
No, the original Angry Birds game, now Red’s First Flight, is still available on the iOS App Store. It was only removed from the Google Play Store for Android users.
4. What is the “Rovio controversy” about?
The Rovio controversy revolves around a lawsuit filed by the New Mexico attorney general, alleging that Rovio illegally collected data from children under 13 and sold it to third-party advertisers.
5. Does Rovio still own Angry Birds?
No, Sega now owns the Angry Birds franchise after acquiring Rovio for $776 million in August 2023.
6. Can I still play the original Angry Birds?
Yes, you can still play the original Angry Birds, but it’s available only on iOS devices under the new name Red’s First Flight. Android users no longer have access to it through the Google Play Store.
7. Why were so many Angry Birds games deleted?
Many older Angry Birds games were delisted as Rovio shifted its focus to free-to-play models and newer titles. They often focus on the economic aspects of the lucrative F2P games with microtransactions.
8. What game was Angry Birds inspired by?
Angry Birds was inspired by the game Crush the Castle, which itself was a spiritual successor to a game called Castle Clout.
9. What happened to Angry Birds Go?
Angry Birds Go was delisted from app stores due to its impact on Rovio’s “wider games portfolio”, or in other words, it was a revenue drain that was not performing as well as other titles.
10. Is there going to be an Angry Birds 3?
Yes, it is planned that Angry Birds 3 will be released on November 12, 2024, in honor of the franchise’s 15th Anniversary.
11. Why is there no Angry Birds Star Wars available anymore?
Angry Birds Star Wars was officially discontinued in 2020, and its servers were closed down. While you can still play it, microtransactions and advertisements are disabled.
12. How much is a phone with Flappy Bird worth?
Some phones with Flappy Bird installed have been listed on eBay for between $1,000 to $10,000, with some priced above $50,000 due to the game’s removal from the app stores.
13. Did Nintendo sue Flappy Bird?
No, Flappy Bird was not sued by Nintendo. While it was obviously inspired by Super Mario Bros, it did not infringe on any copyrights.
14. What games are similar to Flappy Bird?
Some games similar to Flappy Bird include Ironpants, Flappy Bee, Super Ball Juggling, Splashy Fish, and Clumsy Bird.
15. Is Angry Birds Epic gone forever?
Yes, Angry Birds Epic was removed from the App Store and Google Play in 2019 along with other older Angry Birds games that were released before Angry Birds Transformers (with the exception of Angry Birds Friends).
Conclusion
Rovio’s decision to remove Angry Birds again is rooted in the economic realities of the mobile gaming market. The shift towards free-to-play models and the need to focus resources on newer titles has led to the delisting of a beloved classic. While disappointing for fans, this decision reflects the evolution of the gaming industry and Rovio’s strategic approach under its new ownership by Sega. The story of Angry Birds is a testament to the constantly shifting landscape of mobile gaming and the complexities of preserving legacies in a commercialized world.