Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Angry Birds flick flies to cinemas July 1, 2016]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/#comments A release for the upcoming Angry Birds flick has been narrowed to July 1, 2016, with Sony distributing the movie worldwide, Rovio announced on its website today.

Rovio's intent on creating a feature film was made public late last year, when the studio tapped producers John Cohen and David Maisel from Despicable Me and Iron Man to lead the project. The Angry Birds movie is unique in that it's being completely done in-house - Rovio is funding and producing the film entirely on its own.

JoystiqAngry Birds flick flies to cinemas July 1, 2016 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-movieiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioWed, 15 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Angry Birds Friends app lands on iOS, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/free-angry-birds-friends-app-lands-on-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/free-angry-birds-friends-app-lands-on-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/free-angry-birds-friends-app-lands-on-ios-android/#comments Angry Birds Friends - essentially Angry Birds with Facebook integration - is now available on Android and iOS. The free mobile download is compatible with the established Facebook app, letting you invite Facebook friends to play, gift power-ups to your besties, take part in weekly challenges and resume progress between platforms.

The first weekly tournament will go live this Monday, May 6. After that, new weekly tournaments will be initiated every Monday, with new levels also being added every week. So until then, consider this practice time for the real thing - because friendship is all about proving you're better than the other person.

Gallery: Angry Birds Friends

JoystiqFree Angry Birds Friends app lands on iOS, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-friendsiosipadiphonemobilerovioThu, 02 May 2013 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio revenue in 2012 doubles to $195 million, toys contribute 45%]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/rovio-revenue-in-2012-doubles-to-195-million-toys-contribute-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/rovio-revenue-in-2012-doubles-to-195-million-toys-contribute-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/rovio-revenue-in-2012-doubles-to-195-million-toys-contribute-4/#comments Rovio is making so much money, you guysAngry Birds developer Rovio reported $71.3 million in net profit in 2012, up $25 million from the previous year, and its revenue doubled to $195.6 million. Rovio attributes the growth to its new gaming franchises, such as Bad Piggies and Amazing Alex, and its consumer products, including all of those Angry Birds plushies, backpacks and clothes lining Target shelves. Consumer products in 2012 brought in three times the revenue as in 2011, accounting for 45 percent of Rovio's total.

Rovio games have been downloaded more than 1.7 billion times, and monthly active users across all platforms hit 263 million in December. Rovio notes that its main sources of revenue within gaming are paid titles, virtual goods and advertising.

Angry Birds Toons premiered in March and Rovio is working on an Angry Birds movie, using its own funds to make that thing happen outside of the standard studio system. Despicable Me producer John Cohen and Iron Man executive producer David Maisel are both on board for the film, which is set to launch in 2016.

JoystiqRovio revenue in 2012 doubles to $195 million, toys contribute 45% originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsdsfinancialsiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspRoviosonywiixboxWed, 03 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Angry Birds Trilogy DLC is 'Fowl Tempered']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/latest-angry-birds-trilogy-dlc-is-fowl-tempered/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/latest-angry-birds-trilogy-dlc-is-fowl-tempered/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/latest-angry-birds-trilogy-dlc-is-fowl-tempered/#comments The next volley of downloadable content for the Angry Birds Trilogy - the retail released and priced Xbox 360 and PS3 version of the mobile best-seller - have been revealed. The 'Fowl Tempered' DLC pack includes 135 new levels culled from classic franchise episodes, such as Back to School and Haunted Hogs from Angry Birds Seasons, for $5 (400MS Points). The farm fresh content is available now for both platforms.

Fowl Tempered also features the pink bird Stella, whose special ability captures objects and enemies before floating floating to the sky and dropping them onto the ground below violently.

The first DLC released for Angry Birds Trilogy was the Anger Management pack, a collection of 130 levels also taken from original Angry Birds games that didn't make it into the retail Trilogy. As of last month, Angry Birds Trilogy sold over one million copies and plans were announced for ports to the Wii and Wii U.

Gallery: Angry Birds Trilogy (3/8/13)

Continue reading Latest Angry Birds Trilogy DLC is 'Fowl Tempered'

JoystiqLatest Angry Birds Trilogy DLC is 'Fowl Tempered' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionangry-birdsangry-birds-trilogydlcfowl-temperedmicrosoftplaystationps3rovioxboxFri, 08 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Toons series crash lands weekend of March 16, 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/angry-birds-toons-series-crash-lands-weekend-of-march-16-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/angry-birds-toons-series-crash-lands-weekend-of-march-16-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/angry-birds-toons-series-crash-lands-weekend-of-march-16-17/#comments
Sure, it's a bit later than expected, but Rovio is preparing to finally unveil its Angry Birds cartoon series. Angry Birds Toons is set to premiere next month - "March 16/17" is listed in the trailer above. So what time is equidistant between March 16 and March 17? 12:01am? It'll debut sometime that weekend, the Angry Birds Twitter account says.

An Angry Birds movie is also in production, with a planned release of 2016. Currently the film project has two producers attached to oversee development: executive producer David Maisel, whose work includes Iron Man, and producer John Cohen, who is best known for his work on Despicable Me.

JoystiqAngry Birds Toons series crash lands weekend of March 16, 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-toonsdsiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3psproviosonywiiwii-uxboxWed, 27 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds can't be mad at 30M downloads over Christmas week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/angry-birds-cant-be-mad-at-30m-downloads-over-christmas-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/angry-birds-cant-be-mad-at-30m-downloads-over-christmas-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/angry-birds-cant-be-mad-at-30m-downloads-over-christmas-week/#comments Angry Birds franchise sees 30 million downloads Christmas weekOver 30 million people downloaded a version of Angry Birds from December 22nd through the 29th. Rovio reports eight million Angry Birds downloads went through on Christmas day alone.

Rovio's most recent game, Angry Birds Star Wars, has graced the top spot on the App store since its launch in November, and was ported to Facebook just before the new year arrived. In our corner of the industry, the bird's trajectory may be more important than the ball's.

JoystiqAngry Birds can't be mad at 30M downloads over Christmas week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-star-warsangry-birds-trilogyiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioFri, 04 Jan 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Star Wars force pushes its way onto Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/angry-birds-star-wars-force-pushes-its-way-onto-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/angry-birds-star-wars-force-pushes-its-way-onto-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/angry-birds-star-wars-force-pushes-its-way-onto-facebook/#comments Angry Birds Star Wars on Facebook todayAngry Birds Star Wars is on Facebook, bringing everyone one step closer to the dark side. The Facebook version allows players to compare scores and compete against their friends, and will have five new levels each week to keep the flinging fresh.

Angry Birds Star Wars has three power-ups just for the Facebook version, the Blaster Droid, Saber Sling and Thermal Detonator. It also includes the Clone Bird ability, which duplicates a bird of the player's choice. Keep in mind that Angry Birds Star Wars on mobile is fun, satisfying and clever, for the most part, and that surprised us just as much as it did you.

Continue reading Angry Birds Star Wars force pushes its way onto Facebook

JoystiqAngry Birds Star Wars force pushes its way onto Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsangry-birds-star-warsfacebookmacpcRovioTue, 18 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds movie tags Despicable Me, Iron Man producers, out in 2016]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/angry-birds-movie-tags-despicable-me-iron-man-producers-out-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/angry-birds-movie-tags-despicable-me-iron-man-producers-out-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/angry-birds-movie-tags-despicable-me-iron-man-producers-out-in/#comments Angry Birds movie tags Despicable Me, Iron Man producers, out in 2016The Angry Birds movie is happening. Despicable Me producer John Cohen has signed on to produce, and Iron Man executive producer David Maisel is taking the same role in Rovio's feature film. The Angry Birds movie is set to hit theaters in summer 2016, and it's fully funded and produced by Rovio outside of the standard studio system.

"John's an exceptionally talented producer, and we're delighted to have him join the flock," says Mikael Hed, Rovio CEO. "With John's hands-on producer background and David's expertise in establishing and running his own successful studio, these two are the dream team for making a movie outside the studio system. Both professionals have the ideal skills and vision to achieve incredible things."

Rovio held meetings with Hollywood advisers in 2010 and was rumored to have sought funding to the tune of $1.2 billion in 2011 to expand its entertainment offerings. As this film takes off, keep one thing in mind: Cohen is the guy who thought 2007's Alvin and the Chipmunks was a good idea.

Continue reading Angry Birds movie tags Despicable Me, Iron Man producers, out in 2016

JoystiqAngry Birds movie tags Despicable Me, Iron Man producers, out in 2016 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-moviedespicable-meHollywoodiosipadiphoneiron-manmacmobilepcRovioTue, 11 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Star Wars lands on the planet Hoth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/angry-birds-star-wars-lands-on-the-planet-hoth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/angry-birds-star-wars-lands-on-the-planet-hoth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/angry-birds-star-wars-lands-on-the-planet-hoth/#comments
A free update for Angry Birds Star Wars adds the iconic planet Hoth to the game. Pigs - even giant mechanical ones - aren't exactly suited for the slippery ice tundras of the frozen planet. If only the Empire were capable of such slapstick, maybe the Rebels wouldn't hate them so much!

JoystiqAngry Birds Star Wars lands on the planet Hoth originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-star-warshothiosipadiphonemacmobilepcstar-warsWed, 28 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds invade McDonalds in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/angry-birds-invade-mcdonalds-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/angry-birds-invade-mcdonalds-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/angry-birds-invade-mcdonalds-in-china/#comments
McDonalds is partnering with Rovio for a bit of corporate synergy - in China. Playing Angry Birds inside Chinese McDonalds restaurants will unlock special in-game power-ups and "hidden game modes" available exclusively in the fast-food establishment. In addition, patrons will have the opportunity to vote on the location to be home to a real Angry Birds slingshot across the Golden Arches sign.

If you've read this far, you definitely want to hear the Angry Birds sing the McDonalds "I'm Lovin' It" song. You'll find that in the video above.

JoystiqAngry Birds invade McDonalds in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdschinamcdonaldsmobileWed, 24 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This is a Bad Piggies interactive cookbook on iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/this-is-a-bad-piggies-interactive-cookbook-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/this-is-a-bad-piggies-interactive-cookbook-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/this-is-a-bad-piggies-interactive-cookbook-on-ipad/#comments This is an Bad Piggies interactive cookbook on iPadRovio has revealed and released an interactive Bad Piggies cookbook app, now available on iPad at 99 cents for a limited time. Titled Bad Piggies Best Egg Recipes, the app's regular price is $4.99. That's a significant leap from the promotional offer. However, compared to the $14.99 RRP of last year's physical version from which the app is adapted, it's a significant drop.

So, just in case you needed Angry Birds to invade some other part of your formerly Angry Birds-less culture, now there's an interactive cookbook. Although outside of sharing photos of your dishes on social media and setting an in-app egg timer, the interactivity is limited to pressing on the occasional illustration and seeing a brief animation. That's the same shtick early 90s CD-ROM games used, but at least it's better than just making a book digital.

The app contains 41 egg recipes, graded in difficulty, with simple step-by-step instructions. You may scoff, but when you consider how many people have downloaded the Angry Birds and Bad Piggies games, the potential success of this app really is no yolk. [You're in for a real beating over this line. - Ed.]

JoystiqThis is a Bad Piggies interactive cookbook on iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsbad-piggiesbad-piggies-best-egg-recipesiosipadmobilerelease-daterovioFri, 12 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Stars Wars sets coordinates for November 8 [update: platforms]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/angry-birds-stars-wars-sets-coordinates-for-november-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/angry-birds-stars-wars-sets-coordinates-for-november-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/angry-birds-stars-wars-sets-coordinates-for-november-8/#comments

Angry Birds Star Wars is kicking into hyperdrive on November 8, Rovio today revealed. According to USA Today, the game is coming to iOS, Android, and Windows 8 PCs. Along with the above video, Lucasfilm and Rovio released the below promotional image.

Angry Birds Stars Wars sets coordinates for November 8
According to Lucasfilm licensing and consumer products marketing VP Paul Southern, the above characters aren't just "Angry Birds dressed up as Star Wars characters," but they do have "personalities which are kind of similar" to their counterparts. We can already imagine the names: Luke Skysquawker, Chewpecker... actually, that's all we've got.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the game uses the physics of Angry Birds Space, but is set on recognizable locations from the Star Wars series. We may well learn more details after the Times Square reveal later today.

Update: Rovio lets us know the game is coming to iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, Mac, PC (including Windows 8), and Windows Phone.

JoystiqAngry Birds Stars Wars sets coordinates for November 8 [update: platforms] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-spaceangry-birds-star-warsiosipadiphonelucasfilmmobilepcrelease-daterovioMon, 08 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds and Star Wars joining forces in a series of products]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/angry-birds-and-star-wars-joining-forces-in-a-series-of-products/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/angry-birds-and-star-wars-joining-forces-in-a-series-of-products/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/07/angry-birds-and-star-wars-joining-forces-in-a-series-of-products/#comments Angry Birds and Star Wars joining forces in a series of productsWhile the teaser from earlier this week indicated that a downloadable Star Wars-themed Angry Birds game was on the way from Rovio, the Idlehands blog published leaked images of upcoming board games and figures that mash up the two brands.

The above image for a Star Wars Angry Birds Jenga game by Hasbro was also listed on Amazon.de. Rovio is scheduled to hold an event Monday in New York, where more information on these products may be revealed.

JoystiqAngry Birds and Star Wars joining forces in a series of products originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsangry-birds-trilogyhasbroRovioStar-WarsSun, 07 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Angry Birds teased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/star-wars-angry-birds-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/star-wars-angry-birds-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/star-wars-angry-birds-teased/#comments
Star Wars Angry Birds teased
The folks behind Angry Birds and Star Wars license holders have apparently been talking: Rovio has tweeted an image of what appears to be a rotund Angry Bird in classic Star Wars robes, saying "Who could this be?"

Additionally, an unknown official tumblr has surfaced with an animated version of the image that literally sheds a bit more light on the bird, but unfortunately not on the situation. We've reached out to Rovio for more information, but for now just sit back and think about the first time you ever saw The Empire Strikes Back. Remember all the weird space birds attacking the Millennium Falcon inside the worm's stomach? Yeah.

Update: Rovio has tweeted a link directly to the Angry Birds tumblr mentioned, confirming its legitimacy. We've replaced this article's original header image with the animated version for maximum lightsaber-ness.

JoystiqStar Wars Angry Birds teased originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsangry-birds-star-warsroviostar-wars-angry-birdsFri, 05 Oct 2012 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Bad Piggies (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/portabliss-bad-piggies-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/portabliss-bad-piggies-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/portabliss-bad-piggies-ios/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

Angry Birds is iOS gaming's juggernaut; even now, it regularly tops the App Store charts in both money earned and time played. Rovio, the Finnish company who created Angry Birds, put together dozens of mobile games before its first iOS release, and has seemingly hesitated to release anything else after it. The studio doesn't want to cannibalize its own success, so all we've seen from Rovio since Angry Birds' 2009 iOS release is a series of rebrands (including Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Space), and one licensed remake of a sandbox contraption game called Amazing Alex.

Bad Piggies, then, is the first original title we've seen from Rovio in years, but even it doesn't go too far off the multibillion-dollar reservation. It's a game set in the Angry Birds universe, that follows the green pigs and their goal of grabbing eggs rather than the frustrated fowl trying to demolish them. But instead of unleashing furious destruction by catapult, Bad Piggies asks the player to create modular vehicles that will cart the pigs across a level, reaching a map piece goal at the end.

Continue reading Portabliss: Bad Piggies (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Bad Piggies (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsbad-piggiescreationiosipadiphonemobilephysicsportablisspuzzlesroviovehiclesWed, 26 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Piggies trailer shows just how naughty these pigs get]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/bad-piggies-trailer-shows-just-how-naughty-these-pigs-get/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/bad-piggies-trailer-shows-just-how-naughty-these-pigs-get/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/bad-piggies-trailer-shows-just-how-naughty-these-pigs-get/#comments

Bad Piggies retains the characteristic Angry Birds appeal, but has players build wacky rides to roll and fly across obstacle courses collecting stars. Despite its adorable design, we'll continue thinking of Bad Piggies as a prequel to thechineseroom's Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. Bad, bad piggies.

JoystiqBad Piggies trailer shows just how naughty these pigs get originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-a-machine-for-pigsandroidangry-birdsbad-piggiesiosipadiphonemacmobilepcRovioTue, 18 Sep 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bad Piggies is the 'complete opposite' of Angry Birds, here's how]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/bad-piggies-is-the-complete-opposite-of-angry-birds-heres-ho/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/bad-piggies-is-the-complete-opposite-of-angry-birds-heres-ho/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/bad-piggies-is-the-complete-opposite-of-angry-birds-heres-ho/#comments Bad Piggies is the 'complete opposite' of Angry Birds, here's howBad Piggies alters the expected Angry Birds formula, having players construct various contraptions and guide them through rickety levels, while collecting stars and demolishing crates of TNT. Bad Piggies, it turns out, takes more cues from Rovio's Amazing Alex than from its pop culture smash hit, Enraged Poultry (title paraphrased).

Players build flying, rolling, roaming contraptions using a grid system, and then set the naughty pigs free, attempting to "three-star" each level. Check out a gameplay video showing off this set-up on Y!Games, and if you're really into pig products (bacon included) read the Bad Piggies comic here.

Bad Piggies and Angry Birds are "complete opposites," Rovio EVP of Games Petri Järvilehto says. "Angry Birds smash things up, Bad Piggies build stuff. The pigs are all about making plans and building things, even - and especially - when they don't work!"

JoystiqBad Piggies is the 'complete opposite' of Angry Birds, here's how originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsbad-piggiesiosipadiphonemacmobilepcRovioMon, 17 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The 'Bad Piggies' of Angry Birds get their own game on Sept. 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/angry-birds-bad-piggies-get-their-own-game-on-sept-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/angry-birds-bad-piggies-get-their-own-game-on-sept-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/angry-birds-bad-piggies-get-their-own-game-on-sept-27/#comments Angry Birds' 'Bad Piggies' get their own game on Sept 27
Wow, Rovio's next game is not an Angry Birds game - though, of course, it does take place within the deep Angry Birds Universe. Bad Piggies stars the hated pig spheres from Angry Birds, and features "all new, never-before-seen gameplay - and not a slingshot in sight!"

The teaser video doesn't show exactly what the new gameplay is, but we'll find out by September 27 at the latest, when Bad Piggies launches on iOS, Android, and Mac. Other versions coming afterward include Windows Phone, Windows 8 and PC. And though specific announcements haven't been made after those platforms, expect to see Bad Piggies in the plush toy, t-shirt, and fruit snack formats soon.

Continue reading The 'Bad Piggies' of Angry Birds get their own game on Sept. 27

JoystiqThe 'Bad Piggies' of Angry Birds get their own game on Sept. 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsbad-piggiesiosiphonemacmobilepcrovioTue, 04 Sep 2012 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds go Ga Ga for Mercury to celebrate Freddie For A Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/angry-birds-go-ga-ga-for-mercury-to-celebrate-freddie-for-a-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/angry-birds-go-ga-ga-for-mercury-to-celebrate-freddie-for-a-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/angry-birds-go-ga-ga-for-mercury-to-celebrate-freddie-for-a-day/#comments Angry Birds go Ga Ga for Mercury to celebrate Freddie For A Day

'Freddie For A Day' is an annual event held on Freddie Mercury's birthday, tomorrow, to celebrate the former Queen frontman and raise money for the AIDS charity set up in his name. Angry Birds creator Rovio gets in on the act this year by releasing the above specially created animation. We've got to hand it to Rovio: the late, great Mr. Mercury makes a dynamite Angry Bird.

Freddie For A Day festivities continue throughout the week - although, Londoners, you've just missed out on glamming up The Savoy for a day. Luckily, there are still plenty of other ways to celebrate the rock legend and donate to a very worthy cause.

JoystiqAngry Birds go Ga Ga for Mercury to celebrate Freddie For A Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdscharityfreddie-mercuryiosiphonemobilequeenTue, 04 Sep 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Bad Piggies' teased by Angry Birds dev on Facebook, Twitter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/bad-piggies-teased-by-angry-birds-dev-on-facebook-twitter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/bad-piggies-teased-by-angry-birds-dev-on-facebook-twitter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/bad-piggies-teased-by-angry-birds-dev-on-facebook-twitter/#comments 'Bad Piggies' teased by Angry Birds dev on Facebook, TwitterAngry Birds developer Rovio is teasing "Bad Piggies" across social media platforms Facebook and Twitter. Current speculation is that the green porcine will receive a spin-off game of some kind, but given that Rovio has to maintain the cash cow of the Angry Birds franchise, this could just boil down to simply more branding.

We flung a raven Rovio's way for a comment, but the company has yet to respond.

Joystiq'Bad Piggies' teased by Angry Birds dev on Facebook, Twitter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsbad-piggiesmobilerovioWed, 29 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fowl on the play: Angry Birds teams up with the Philadelphia Eagles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/fowl-on-the-play-angry-birds-teams-up-with-the-philadelphia-eagles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/fowl-on-the-play-angry-birds-teams-up-with-the-philadelphia-eagles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/fowl-on-the-play-angry-birds-teams-up-with-the-philadelphia-eagles/#comments Fowl on the play Angry Birds teams up with the Philadelphia Eagles
A new version of Angry Birds is coming exclusively to the Philadelphia Eagles Facebook page on September 4. Each week, a new free level will be available to play during this year's season. The teaser trailer above gives us a taste of what to expect, including a new unit type: the Mighty Philadelphia Eagle.

JoystiqFowl on the play: Angry Birds teams up with the Philadelphia Eagles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdseaglesfootballmacpcphiladelphia-eaglesMon, 27 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Friends featuring Green Day as green pigs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/angry-birds-friends-featuring-green-day-as-green-pigs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/angry-birds-friends-featuring-green-day-as-green-pigs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/angry-birds-friends-featuring-green-day-as-green-pigs/#comments
Desperately avoiding the use of the words "dookie" or "american idiot," Angry Birds developer Rovio announced a new Angry Birds Friends this morning featuring the band Green Day. Angry Birds Friends is the free Facebook version of the fowl franchise. The episode contains 10 new levels, with the members of band reimagined as some bad pigs (allegory goes here).

The crossover also includes Green Day's latest single "Oh Love," as well as "exclusive song 'Troublemaker.'" There's more Green Day episodes of Angry Birds Friends coming this fall.

Now if we could only get a Rihanna version of Angry Birds Friends with Chris Brown as all the pigs.

JoystiqAngry Birds Friends featuring Green Day as green pigs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsGreen-DaymacpcRoviorovio-entertainmentMon, 20 Aug 2012 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Seasons' new 'Pink Bird' is multifaceted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/angry-birds-seasons-new-pink-bird-is-multifaceted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/angry-birds-seasons-new-pink-bird-is-multifaceted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/angry-birds-seasons-new-pink-bird-is-multifaceted/#comments Angry Birds Seasons' new 'Pink Bird' is multifaceted
By which we mean she's not angry all the time. Instead, the new Pink Bird is a happy-go-lucky, bubble-blowing character who only embodies the Angry Birds stereotype when presented with scheming pigs.

The new character was introduced in a charming cartoon (above), advertising a "Back to School" update for Angry Birds Seasons. We're curious about how a bird who blows bubbles will work in the normal "bird tossing" gameplay. Maybe she can just distract herself with bubbles while she's being slingshotted into a stone wall.

JoystiqAngry Birds Seasons' new 'Pink Bird' is multifaceted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-seasonsiosiphonemobilepink-birdFri, 10 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The best way to play Angry Birds is with this custom USB controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/the-best-way-to-play-angry-birds-is-with-this-custom-usb-control/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/the-best-way-to-play-angry-birds-is-with-this-custom-usb-control/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/the-best-way-to-play-angry-birds-is-with-this-custom-usb-control/#comments The best way to play Angry Birds is with this custom USB controller
While Angry Birds is mostly "been there, done that" at this point in time, we've got to give it up to the setup seen above. The custom "Super Angry Birds" controller above is a complicated USB mod using wood and gyros. Hacks were definitely involved.

You adjust trajectory using the wooden sling, then pull back on the plastic bird to adjust power and let 'er rip. Simple. And if you're wondering how this setup handles those birds with special abilities, you only need watch the above video for 20 seconds or so. That neat little TNT box gets the job done!

JoystiqThe best way to play Angry Birds is with this custom USB controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsangry-birds-spacehackmacmodsuper-angry-birdsThu, 09 Aug 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Download Angry Birds on your expensive new TV today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/psa-download-angry-birds-on-your-expensive-new-tv-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/psa-download-angry-birds-on-your-expensive-new-tv-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/psa-download-angry-birds-on-your-expensive-new-tv-today/#comments For those of you who were unable to resist the siren's song of a TV with built-in motion controlled Angry Birds, or for those of you who bought a Samsung Smart TV for other, more valid reasons, good news: Rovio's avian aviation simulator is now available as a free download for eligible televisions.

Specifically, if you've purchased a Samsung LED 7500 (or higher) model TV or something in the Plamsa 8000 range, Angry Birds should be available for download in your television's Samsung 'Smart Hub.' Also, we'd like to borrow some of your apparently overflowing wealth. We're good for it, we promise.

Continue reading PSA: Download Angry Birds on your expensive new TV today

JoystiqPSA: Download Angry Birds on your expensive new TV today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsLED-7500motion-gamingPlasma-8000PSAroviosamsungsamsung-smart-tvsmart-TVsTue, 24 Jul 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple fixing in-app purchasing hack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/apple-fixing-in-app-purchasing-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/apple-fixing-in-app-purchasing-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/apple-fixing-in-app-purchasing-hack/#comments Apple fixes inapp purchasing hackApple has given some developers access to its private APIs in order to plug an in-app purchasing exploit. The Guardian reports the action was required due to a Russian hacker who enabled 8.4 million fake in-app purchases. Over 115 games were affected, including all the big iOS dogs like Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Infinity Blade and Plants vs Zombies HD.

The fix will check whether in-app downloads were valid, while faked purchases will be wiped from the device. However, consumers who used the exploit will need to update their apps to shut themselves out. The hacker who promoted the exploit, Alexey Borodin, is now attempting similar tricks on Apple's Newsstand and OSX. The Guardian goes into greater detail on how Borodin spoofed the system. Apple says the hack will be fixed by iOS 6 this fall.

[Mkabakov via Shutterstock]

JoystiqApple fixing in-app purchasing hack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alexey-Borodinangry-birdsappleiosipadiphonemacmobileTue, 24 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Smart TVs are now the most expensive way to play Angry Birds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/samsung-smart-tvs-are-now-the-most-expensive-way-to-play-angry-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/samsung-smart-tvs-are-now-the-most-expensive-way-to-play-angry-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/samsung-smart-tvs-are-now-the-most-expensive-way-to-play-angry-b/#comments Samsung Smart TVs are now the most expensive way to play Angry BirdsWe can't really think of an honest reason why Rovio wouldn't port Angry Birds to something even halfway capable of supporting the game, so excuse us for not being completely surprised by hearing that the now-iconic mobile title has been ported to Samsung's latest line of "Smart" televisions, which support gesture-based input.

Similar to the forthcoming Kinect and Move-enabled versions, the Smart TV release of Angry Birds has the player controlling the slingshot's aim and tension via gesture commands. Unlike those versions, however, the Smart TV release requires ... a Smart TV, which costs about two thousand dollars. We can't really recommend buying one specifically for Angry Birds, but if you're going to get one anyway, you may as well drastically under-utilize it with a port of a phone game.

JoystiqSamsung Smart TVs are now the most expensive way to play Angry Birds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsroviosamsungsamsung-smart-tvsmart-tvFri, 13 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Trilogy goes retail on 3DS, Xbox 360 and PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/angry-birds-trilogy-goes-retail-on-3ds-xbox-360-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/angry-birds-trilogy-goes-retail-on-3ds-xbox-360-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/angry-birds-trilogy-goes-retail-on-3ds-xbox-360-and-ps3/#comments Angry Birds Trilogy goes retail on 3DS, Xbox 360 and PS3You can buy Angry Birds plushes, t-shirts, fruit snacks, board games, and dozens of other items at stores, but until this holiday the one thing you couldn't get in a box was the actual game. Now, Rovio has announced the Angry Birds Trilogy, a collection of Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, and Angry Birds Rio, on a PS3 or Xbox 360 disc or 3DS cartridge, for release this holiday season.

"You can think of the game as the ultimate collector's edition," Rovio EVP of Games Petri Järvilehto told IGN. "There are new cinematics, extras and other entertaining content. In addition all of the existing material has been uprezzed and re-treated for the high-resolution and big screen." New "reactive" backgrounds take advantage of the fact that you're playing on a screen big enough to see backgrounds.

The upgrades also feature Kinect and Move capability, as well as StreetPass functionality on 3DS. Most importantly, they support the "being able to be bought and given as holiday gifts" functionality that Rovio has lacked so far.

JoystiqAngry Birds Trilogy goes retail on 3DS, Xbox 360 and PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsangry-birdsangry-birds-rioangry-birds-seasonsangry-birds-trilogymicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rovioxboxTue, 10 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds devs reveal next game: Amazing Alex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/angry-birds-devs-reveal-next-game-amazing-alex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/angry-birds-devs-reveal-next-game-amazing-alex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/angry-birds-devs-reveal-next-game-amazing-alex/#comments ImageHot on the heels of its big franchise's 1 billionth download, Angry Birds developer Rovio is introducing its next title: "Amazing Alex." Rovio head Mikael Hed told Finnish television about the game, revealing it to be based on the recently acquired "Casey's Contraptions" property, previously owned by Snappy Touch and Mystery Coconut.

The only information about Amazing Alex thus far identifies it as part education tool, part game, featuring a boy named - you guessed it - Alex, "who loves to build." If we're going by what we've seen in Casey's Contraptions, Amazing Alex will create Rube Goldberg-esque machines to complete a variety of objectives. Take a look for yourself (at Casey's Contraptions) just below the break.

Hed told the Finnish station that "quality pressure is high" internally for Rovio's next project, especially in light of recent Angry Birds milestones. "We want to maintain the high standard Angry Birds fans have come to enjoy." Platforms and a release date for Amazing Alex are currently unknown.

[Image above is of Casey's Contraptions, not Amazing Alex.]

Continue reading Angry Birds devs reveal next game: Amazing Alex

JoystiqAngry Birds devs reveal next game: Amazing Alex originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazing-alexangry-birdscaseys-contraptionsmikael-hedrovioFri, 11 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds downloaded a billion times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/#comments
The Angry Birds franchise has hurtled past a billion downloads. The number covers free and paid downloads of Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Space. The news comes a couple days after Rovio revealed revenues of $106.3 million in 2011, with approximately $67.6 million in pre-tax profit.

There's one curiosity in today's video announcing the milestone: the closing moments highlight physics-based Rube Goldberg puzzler Casey's Contraptions. As Gamasutra notes, Rovio has not officially purchased Snappy Touch or Mystery Coconut, the developers of the game. The connection between Rovio and the Casey's Contraptions team is currently unclear.

JoystiqAngry Birds downloaded a billion times originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcRovioWed, 09 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio employing a growing percentage of Finland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/#comments ImageOut of the variety of numbers included in this morning's Rovio 2011 financial report, one line stuck out to us as particularly insane: the employee count. Rovio wasn't a very large company before Angry Birds exploded in late 2009, having only produced a couple dozen under-the-radar mobile titles. But by 2011, the need for expansion was clearly there.

Resultantly, employee numbers similarly exploded - from just 28 employees in early 2011 to a whopping 224 at year's end. In case that isn't a dramatic enough statement unto itself, Valve Software employs 293 people, and Valve has quite a few more things to manage. Our biggest fear - a fear that many Rovio employees likely echo - is that the massive upscaling of jobs will result in a massive downscaling should the Angry Birds franchise lose its foothold as king of mobile distractions. Not exactly a new business model in the game industry, unfortunately.

For now at least, Rovio's employing a ton of Finnish devs to craft its bird flingers and related products. Someone's gotta think of these clever marketing vices, you know!

Continue reading Rovio employing a growing percentage of Finland

JoystiqRovio employing a growing percentage of Finland originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsemployeesemploymentfinlandiosipadiphonemacmobilepcroviorovio-entertainmentrovio-mobileMon, 07 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/#comments ImageThe Angry Birds are quite a catch, it seems. Franchise creator Rovio announced this morning that earnings in 2011 topped $100 million, which it owes solely to sales of the Angry Birds franchise. "The heavy investments made in 2011 to all business areas will be seen in future products," Rovio CEO Mikael Hed noted in the press release. "To ensure continuous success we need to be creative and stay focused on entertaining our millions of fans by continuously developing new and innovative products and services." The company earned approximately $67.6 million in pre-tax profit in 2011, or about 64 percent of total revenue.

Hed doesn't necessarily mean branching out from his company's most popular franchise, of course. Especially not after such a big year for merchandising surrounding the Angry Birds - Rovio's "consumer products" unit took in "about 30 percent" of 2011's total earnings (approximately $31.9 million). That's a lot of Angry Birds gummy snacks!

Rovio's $106.3 million in revenue (not profit, mind you, but revenue) is owed primarily to growth in the Finnish company's Angry Birds games catalog, which expanded by just one game in 2011: a movie tie-in named "Angry Birds Rio." The games have been downloaded approximately 648 million times across all platforms as of Dec. 31, 2011, and have a monthly user base of approximately 200 million.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'Nearsoft']

Continue reading The Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011

JoystiqThe Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-rioearningsfinancialsfinlandiosipadiphonemacmikael-hedmobilepcrovioMon, 07 May 2012 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Angry Birds devs start new studio to make 'the next Angry Birds']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/two-angry-birds-devs-start-new-studio-to-make-the-next-angry-bi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/two-angry-birds-devs-start-new-studio-to-make-the-next-angry-bi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/two-angry-birds-devs-start-new-studio-to-make-the-next-angry-bi/#comments ImageAntti Stén and Tuomas Erikoinen have broken free of Angry Birds developer Rovio to start their own studio, Boomlagoon. Stén, Rovio's former lead server architect, and Erikoinen, former lead artist, want to make "convivial and intriguing games," according to Boomlagoon's motto. We bet they were tempted to throw "non-fowl-related" in there, too, but figured it was unnecessary.

Stén is chief executive officer while Erikoinen is chief creative officer; they refer to themselves as "Mr. Plan" and "Mr. Action," respectively. They plan to make games for web and mobile platforms, starting with HTML 5 titles.

"If we play our cards right, we just might end up with the next Angry Birds," Stén told Venture Beat.

JoystiqTwo Angry Birds devs start new studio to make 'the next Angry Birds' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsboomlagoonfinlandiosipadiphonemacmobilepcRovioFri, 27 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Space 'Fry Me To The Moon' pack adds 10 levels for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/angry-birds-space-fry-me-to-the-moon-pack-adds-10-level-for-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/angry-birds-space-fry-me-to-the-moon-pack-adds-10-level-for-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/angry-birds-space-fry-me-to-the-moon-pack-adds-10-level-for-fr/#comments ImageA fresh infusion of frustration-focused fowl flinging has made its way into the iOS and Android versions of Rovio's immensely popular game, Angry Birds Space. The free "Fry Me To The Moon" pack adds 10 new icy planets and, if you're an iOS user, 20 complimentary space eagles.

iOS users also receive one additional free space eagle every day for an unspecified amount of days, meaning that while both iOS and Android users were equally important in making Angry Birds Space "the most popular Angry Birds game yet," iOS users are more equal.

JoystiqAngry Birds Space 'Fry Me To The Moon' pack adds 10 levels for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-spacefry-me-to-the-mooniosipadiphonemobileroviospace-eagleWed, 25 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto enjoys Angry Birds, sees inspiration to create 'unexpected new things']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/miyamoto-enjoys-angry-birds-sees-inspiration-to-create-unexpec/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/miyamoto-enjoys-angry-birds-sees-inspiration-to-create-unexpec/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/miyamoto-enjoys-angry-birds-sees-inspiration-to-create-unexpec/#comments Shigeru Miyamoto loves Angry Birds, telling Edge that the 2009 mobile slingshot game is his favorite of the past year - which may come as a shock to those who consider smartphone games a dangerous threat to systems like Nintendo's 3DS.

"What I like about Angry Birds is that it has a traditional videogame [feel] to it, but also a very creative side," Miyamoto said. "And you can really feel that they're having fun developing the game. That's what I like about it." Miyamoto admitted that he doesn't typically talk in interviews about non-Nintendo games he's enjoying.

Rather than express deep fear about the fact that phone games can be enjoyable, Miyamoto said he pays little attention to the medium. "I check up on them sometimes, but I don't have a lot of time," he said, before comparing the medium to his company's work. "I think we also have a history of having certain fun ideas and making a game out of it, and there's lots of other people also doing this [now]. This kind of environment inspires us to try even harder, and create even more unexpected new things."

JoystiqMiyamoto enjoys Angry Birds, sees inspiration to create 'unexpected new things' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsangry-birdsmobilenintendoshigeru-miyamotoThu, 12 Apr 2012 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds cartoon coming to 'all possible platforms' this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/angry-birds-cartoon-coming-to-all-possible-platforms-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/angry-birds-cartoon-coming-to-all-possible-platforms-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/angry-birds-cartoon-coming-to-all-possible-platforms-this-year/#comments As if there wasn't already enough Angry Birds in your life, Rovio has announced a weekly cartoon series will debut later this year. The news comes from a media conference in Cannes, France, as reported by the BBC, where Rovio animation head Nick Dorra revealed the 52 episode series will be coming to "all possible platforms."

Dorra noted that the cartoon would provide fans with a new way to take part and would also draw newcomers to the franchise. Furthermore, Dorra stated that "Angry Birds is not just about the gameplay," elaborating that the franchise will evolve to be "less and less about the slingshot and more about the characters and their adventures and all different kinds of games in different forms." That's good news, because we've always felt that the blue bird's motivation is unclear.

JoystiqAngry Birds cartoon coming to 'all possible platforms' this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsanimated-seriescartooniosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioMon, 02 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools' Day 2012: And the rest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-day-2012-and-the-rest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-day-2012-and-the-rest/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-day-2012-and-the-rest/#comments It was a fairly lively April Fools' Day this year -- not only did we manage to make it all day without being duped, deceived or disillusioned, but at times we were genuinely entertained by what the technology and gaming companies of the world were able to dream up.

On the other hand, the stuff invented for April Fools' Day is often times way, way cooler than the products that actually get made, which is sort of depressing when you stop and think about it. It's like the news cycle on April Fools' Day is glimpse into a world where magic is still alive in the hearts and minds of millions. Sigh.

Anyway, we've taken the liberty of compiling the gags and goofs we haven't already posted about into this specific chunk of Internet, so head on past the break for a look at realities better than our own.

Continue reading April Fools' Day 2012: And the rest

JoystiqApril Fools' Day 2012: And the rest originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Angry-Birdsapril-fools-2012awesomenautschocolate-dimensionDay-of-the-Awesomenauts-Monkey-throttlemicrosoftpcplaystationps3quantum-conundrumretro-city-rampagericochet-2Rock-Band-Board-Gamesaints-row-the-thirdSaints-Row-The-Third-Enter-The-DominatrixWorld-of-BirdsWorld-of-TanksxboxSun, 01 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seattle Space Needle is a giant Angry Birds slingshot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/seattle-space-needle-is-a-giant-angry-birds-slingshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/seattle-space-needle-is-a-giant-angry-birds-slingshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/seattle-space-needle-is-a-giant-angry-birds-slingshot/#comments We used to think the Seattle Space Needle was erected to keep aliens from landing their ships, lest they get the poking of a lifetime. Turns out it was always meant to fling angry birds into outer space.

Continue reading Seattle Space Needle is a giant Angry Birds slingshot

JoystiqSeattle Space Needle is a giant Angry Birds slingshot originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-spaceiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioseattle-space-needleSat, 24 Mar 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Space marketing crafts a giant weapon on the Space Needle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/angry-birds-space-marketing-crafts-a-giant-weapon-on-the-space-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/angry-birds-space-marketing-crafts-a-giant-weapon-on-the-space-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/angry-birds-space-marketing-crafts-a-giant-weapon-on-the-space-n/#comments Angry Birds Space is officially available for Android, iOS, PC and Mac today, and to celebrate, Rovio and T-Mobile constructed a 300-foot slingshot, complete with Angry Bird, mounted on the Seattle Space Needle. Today, starting at 10 a.m. PST, Rovio is hosting an Angry Birds Space launch party -- with Angry Birds cupcakes! -- at the Space Needle.

Rovio calls the slingshot an "art installation," but we see what's really going on here: interstellar travel and a public, press-heavy reveal of a monstrous weapon -- it's the space race all over again. This time, it's angry.

JoystiqAngry Birds Space marketing crafts a giant weapon on the Space Needle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-spaceiosipadiphonemacmobilepcRovioseattleslingshotspace-needlespace-raceThu, 22 Mar 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio sponsors Formula 1 driver Heikki Kovalainen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/rovio-sponsors-formula-1-driver-heikki-kovalainen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/rovio-sponsors-formula-1-driver-heikki-kovalainen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/rovio-sponsors-formula-1-driver-heikki-kovalainen/#comments We're starting to wonder what "limited resources" actually means over at Rovio. If you've got enough cash to send your product into space itself, and then turn around and also sponsor a Formula 1 driver's head, we get the feeling our definitions of "limited" vary by a few billion dollars.

Heikki Kovalainen, a Finnish F1 driver that races on the Caterham F1 team, will now blast around Monte Carlo and various other worldly locales sporting the above Angry Birds crash helmet. Call us superstitious, but were we to drive around at several hundred miles an hour in an open-air vehicle, we wouldn't want to make ourselves look like something renowned for crashing into things and exploding at high velocity.

[Image source: @MyCaterhamF1]

JoystiqRovio sponsors Formula 1 driver Heikki Kovalainen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsCaterhamCaterham-F1F1formula-1Heikki-KovalainenroviosponsorshipFri, 16 Mar 2012 12:29:00 EST