Angry Birds
News, coverage and analysis tracking Angry Birds across the outlets.
Sega Europe vet Post steps down as West Studios COO, Rovio's Pelletier-Normand taking his placeJurgen Post is stepping down as COO of Sega Europe's West Studios and will be replaced by Rovio's CEO, Alex Pelletier-Normand, who will hold both positions. Post will remain with Sega Europe in an advisory capacity, while Tatsuyuki Miyazaki takes over his regional managing director responsibilities. This transition follows Sega's acquisition of Rovio in 2023.- Business and FinanceThis article analyzes the reasons behind the unsuccessful $776 million acquisition of Rovio Entertainment, the company behind the Angry Birds franchise, by Sega. It delves into the business and financial aspects that led to the deal's failure.
What went wrong with Sega's $776m acquisition of Angry Birds giant Rovio?Sega Sammy's $776 million acquisition of Rovio has faced significant challenges, resulting in a $200 million impairment due to profitability falling below forecasts. Issues include difficulties integrating Rovio's technology and the mature state of the Angry Birds franchise in a rapidly changing mobile market with increased user acquisition costs and platform shifts. While Take-Two's acquisition of Zynga eventually proved successful, Sega's situation highlights the complexities and risks involved in acquiring mobile game companies, particularly when relying heavily on established IP.
Animate Will Sell Sega Games Merchandise Worldwide in 2026Sega, Atlus, and Animate are collaborating to release merchandise for eight popular game franchises worldwide starting in June 2026. The collaboration will span over 140 Animate locations globally, offering goods, game demos, displays, and cafe collaborations. The featured franchises include Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona series, Like a Dragon, and Metaphor: ReFantazio, among others.
Sega Cancels Super Game And Shifts Focus From Live Service GamesSega has canceled its ambitious "Super Game" initiative and shifted focus away from live service and free-to-play development towards full game development. This decision follows underperformance of several mobile titles and the earlier cancellation of the live service shooter Hyenas. The company aims to increase profitability by prioritizing established IPs for new releases.
Sega downsizes free-to-play division after "weak performance" from Sonic Rumble Party, moving over 100 devs onto "full game" releases in "mainstay IPs"Sega is downsizing its free-to-play division due to weak performance from titles like Sonic Rumble Party and a lack of economic value from its partnership with Rovio. Over 100 developers are being moved to full-game development for mainstay IPs. The company also announced the cancellation of its upcoming "Super Game" project.
SEGA/ATLUS and animate Launch First Global Project: Year-Long Collaboration Showcasing Popular IPs at animate Stores Worldwide - GameHauntSEGA Corporation and Animate Co., Ltd. have launched their first global collaboration, a year-long initiative featuring eight major franchises at over 140 Animate stores worldwide. The partnership, which began on June 6, 2026, with Sonic the Hedgehog events, aims to expand SEGA's properties into retail spaces and themed experiences, including hands-on gaming stations and exclusive merchandise.
Dragon Quest And Three Other Titles Inducted Into Video Game Hall Of FameThe Strong National Museum of Play has inducted four new titles into its World Video Game Hall of Fame for 2026: Angry Birds, FIFA International Soccer, Silent Hill, and Dragon Quest. These games were recognized for their sustained popularity and significant influence on the video game industry and popular culture.- World Video Game Hall of Fame Inducts FourThe Strong National Museum of Play has announced the latest inductees into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Among the chosen titles are the popular mobile game Angry Birds and the long-running RPG series Dragon Quest.
- Angry Birds marks new milestone with induction into the World Video Game Hall of FameRovio Entertainment's Angry Birds franchise has been inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame at The Strong National Museum of Play. Launched in 2009, Angry Birds was instrumental in defining the mobile gaming era and has since evolved into a multi-platform entertainment brand with over 5 billion downloads. Creative Officer Ben Mattes attributes the franchise's longevity to its simple core idea, engaged fan community, and globally resonant humor.
2026 World Video Game Hall of Fame finalists announcedThe finalists for the 2026 World Video Game Hall of Fame have been announced, featuring titles such as Angry Birds, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and League of Legends. While no Nintendo-developed titles are among the finalists, some have ties to Nintendo platforms. Public voting for a 'Player's Choice' ballot will take place from March 5 to March 13, with winners announced on May 7.
2026 World Video Game Hall of Fame winners announcedThe winners for the 2026 World Video Game Hall of Fame have been announced, recognizing iconic titles for their longevity, reach, and influence. This year's inductees include Angry Birds, Dragon Quest, FIFA International Soccer, and Silent Hill, alongside other notable games like Frogger, Galaga, League of Legends, Mega Man, PaRappa the Rapper, RuneScape, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Tokimeki Memorial. While no Nintendo-developed titles were inducted this year, some of the chosen games have ties to Nintendo platforms.- Angry Birds and FIFA International Soccer join the World Video Game Hall of FameAngry Birds, FIFA International Soccer, Silent Hill, and Dragon Quest have been inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2026. These titles join a prestigious list of games recognized for their global impact and influence.
- Diskutera – Starka finska spelminnenThis article discusses memorable moments from Finnish video games, highlighting Finland's significant contribution to the industry despite its small population. It mentions games like S.A.R.O., Max Payne, Cities: Skylines, and Control, inviting readers to share their own strong memories of Finnish-developed titles.
- Quizzi – Vad kan du om finska spel?This article presents a quiz focused on successful Finnish video games, highlighting titles such as Saros, Angry Birds, Trials, Cities: Skylines, and games from Remedy Entertainment like Max Payne, Death Rally, Control, and Alan Wake. Participation in the quiz requires logging in.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds reveals Arle release dateSEGA has announced that Arle from Puyo Puyo will be available as free DLC for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on May 27, 2026. Arle is the final free character addition, following Red from Angry Birds and Captain Majima from Yakuza. The game will also receive paid DLC featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Avatar Legends.- Wuthering Waves Version 3.3 “Reverbs From the End of Galaxies” Launches as Second Anniversary BeginsWuthering Waves Version 3.3, "Reverbs From the End of Galaxies," is now live, marking the game's second anniversary. The update introduces new story quests, playable characters Hiyuki and Denia, new weapons, an expanded map with Dimmr Plains, and a new challenge encounter. It also features collaboration events with franchises like Resident Evil and system updates for PC and mobile, including DLSS support and performance improvements.
Wuthering Waves Version 3.3 Available Now as Second Anniversary Celebrations BeginKuro Games has released Version 3.3, 'Reverbs From The End of Galaxies', for Wuthering Waves, introducing new story content, playable characters Hiyuki and Denia, weapons, and the Dimmr Plains region. This update also kicks off the game's second-anniversary celebrations with new features and collaboration rewards. Wuthering Waves is available on PlayStation 5, PC, and mobile, with an Xbox Series X|S release planned for July 2026.
Like a Dragon's Majima Brings Another Yakuza Icon to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on PS5, PS4Goro Majima, from the Like a Dragon series, will be added as a free playable character to Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on April 29, 2026. He will be featured in his Pirate Yakuza appearance, complete with a pirate ship vehicle. This update follows the recent addition of Red from Angry Birds and precedes another free character, Arle from Puyo Puyo.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Adds Goro Majima for Free on April 29thSEGA is releasing free DLC for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on April 29th, adding Goro Majima from the Yakuza series as a playable character with his own vehicle. The update also includes a Captain Majima Festival, a free weekend to try the game, and a discount on the base game as part of SEGA's Golden Week Promotion on Steam.