Finnish game developer Rovio Entertainment, the creator of the popular mobile game franchise Angry Birds, is reportedly considering bringing back the original game under a new name. The game, which was first released in 2009, quickly became a worldwide phenomenon and spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
According to Rovio CEO Alexandre Pelletier-Normand, the company is considering re-releasing the original Angry Birds game with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics, but under a different name. The company is reportedly hoping to attract both old and new players to the game by offering a fresh take on the classic game.
Rovio has not yet announced a release date or any further details about the re-release of the original Angry Birds game. However, Pelletier-Normand stated that the company is looking to invest more in its existing franchises and explore new opportunities for growth, including expanding into new markets and platforms.
The move to bring back the original Angry Birds game under a new name could be seen as a way for Rovio to appeal to nostalgia while also introducing new features and updates to the game. It remains to be seen how successful the re-release will be, but it’s clear that Rovio is committed to keeping the Angry Birds franchise alive and relevant in the mobile gaming industry.
Rovio, the developer behind the popular smartphone game Angry Birds, removed the original game from the Play Store in February 2022 and renamed it Rovio Classics: Angry Birds.
However, it was delisted from the Play Store and renamed Red’s First Flight on the App Store. According to a senior Rovio executive, the game may return to the Play Store under the name Red’s First Flight.
Rovio removed the original game due to its negative impact on the company’s portfolio, as users would opt not to download its other free-to-play Angry Birds games. The game was a paid download with no in-app purchases, and Rovio posits that users did not want to spend money on it.
If Rovio finds a workaround to the current naming issue, the classic game could return to the Play Store. However, the company’s future is ominous if users continue to avoid its free-to-play games.
Players who previously purchased Rovio Classics: Angry Birds can still download and play the game. Red’s First Flight is also available on the Play Store under a different name, but it is currently unavailable in some regions.