Edit filter log

'{{short description|Finnish video game developer}} {{about|the Finnish video game developer|other uses|Rovio (disambiguation){{!}}Rovio}} {{Use British English|date=July 2018}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}} {{Infobox company | name = Rovio Entertainment Corporation | logo = Rovio Entertainment.svg | image = Rovio Entertainment Hdqtrs 1.jpg | image_caption = Rovio's headquarters in Espoo, Finland | trading_name = Rovio | former_name = {{Unbulleted list|Relude Oy (2003–2005)|Rovio Mobile Oy (2005–2011)|Rovio Entertainment Oy (2011–2017)}} | type = [[Subsidiary]] | native_name = Rovio Entertainment Oyj | traded_as = | ISIN = | industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]] | founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2003|11|10}} in [[Helsinki]], Finland | founders = {{Unbulleted list|Niklas Hed|Jarno Väkeväinen|Kim Dikert}} | hq_location_city = [[Espoo]] | hq_location_country = Finland | num_locations = 8 studios<ref name="ar2020" /> | num_locations_year = 2022 | key_people = {{Unbulleted list|Alexandre Pelletier-Normand {{small|([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])}}|René Lindell {{small|([[Chief financial officer|CFO]])}}|Heini Kaihu {{small|([[Chief sustainability officer|CSO]])}}}} | products = ''[[Angry Birds]]'' series | revenue = {{Increase}} {{€|317.7&nbsp;million|link=yes}}<ref name="ar2020">{{Cite web |url=https://investors.rovio.com/sites/rovio-ir-v2/files/2023-02/Rovio%20Q4-2022_interim%20report.pdf |title=Annual report 2022 |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210001641/https://investors.rovio.com/sites/rovio-ir-v2/files/2023-02/Rovio%20Q4-2022_interim%20report.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> | revenue_year = 2022 | operating_income = {{Decrease}} {{€|28.6&nbsp;million}}<ref name="ar2020" /> | income_year = 2022 | net_income = {{Decrease}} {{€|22.9&nbsp;million}}<ref name="ar2020" /> | net_income_year = 2022 | num_employees = {{Increase}} 513<ref name="ar2020" /> | num_employees_year = 2022 | parent = [[Sega]] (2023–present) | divisions = | subsid = [[Ruby Games]] | website = {{URL|https://www.rovio.com/|rovio.com}} }} '''Rovio Entertainment Oyj''' (formerly '''Relude Oy''' and '''Rovio Mobile Oy''') is a Finnish [[video game developer]] based in [[Espoo]]. Founded in 2003 by [[Helsinki University of Technology]] students Niklas Hed, Jarno Väkeväinen and Kim Dikert, the company is best known for the ''[[Angry Birds]]'' franchise. The company currently operates studios in Barcelona, Toronto, Montreal, Espoo, [[Stockholm]], and [[Copenhagen]]. The company's success has helped to establish Finland as a leading player in the mobile game industry and has helped to create a thriving ecosystem for game development in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-30 |title=How Finland Became a Major Player in the Global Gaming Industry? {{!}} The Enterprise World |url=https://theenterpriseworld.com/how-finland-became-a-major-player/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |language=en-US |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130181700/https://theenterpriseworld.com/how-finland-became-a-major-player/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sega]] bought Rovio for {{USD|776 million}} in August 2023, and has been made a subsidiary of the Sega Europe division.<ref name="Reid">{{Cite web |last=Reid |first=Jenni |date=2023-04-17 |title=Sega to acquire Angry Birds maker Rovio for $776 million |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/17/sega-to-acquire-angry-birds-maker-rovio-for-776-million.html |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sega-has-completed-its-acquisition-of-rovio/ | title = Sega has completed its acquisition of Rovio | first= Chris | last= Scullion | date = August 18, 2023 | accessdate= August 18, 2023 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] }}</ref> == History == === 2003–2009: early years === In 2003, three students from the [[Helsinki University of Technology]], Niklas Hed, Jarno Väkeväinen and Kim Dikert, participated in a mobile game development competition at the [[Assembly demo party]] sponsored by [[Nokia]] and [[Hewlett-Packard]]. A victory with a mobile game called ''King of the Cabbage World'' led the trio to set up their own company, Relude. ''King of the Cabbage World'' was sold to Sumea, and renamed to ''Mole War'', which became one of the first commercial real-time multiplayer mobile games. In January 2005, Relude received its first round of investment from a [[Angel investor|business angel]], and the company changed its name to Rovio Mobile, where "rovio" translates from [[Finnish language|Finnish]] as "[[pyre]]".<ref name="venturebeat.com">{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/11/24/in-the-land-of-angry-birds-my-trip-to-rovios-headquarters-photo-gallery/view-all/ |title=In the land of Angry Birds: Rovio reveals its global entertainment ambitions (photo gallery) |date=24 November 2013 |website=venturebeat.com |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143357/https://venturebeat.com/2013/11/24/in-the-land-of-angry-birds-my-trip-to-rovios-headquarters-photo-gallery/view-all/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In 2009, the board gave Mikael Hed the job of CEO. In December 2009, Rovio released ''[[Angry Birds (video game)|Angry Birds]]'', its 52nd game, a puzzle game where a bird is flung at pigs using a slingshot for the [[iPhone]]; it reached No. 1 spot in the [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]] paid apps chart after six months, and remained charted for months after.<ref name="venturebeat.com"/> === 2010–2014: international success === In March 2011, Rovio raised $42 million in venture capital funding from Accel Partners, Atomico and Felicis Ventures.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/angry-birds-dev-raises-42-million/1100-6303510/ |title=Angry Birds dev raises $42 million |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=11 March 2011 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143318/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/angry-birds-dev-raises-42-million/1100-6303510/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In July 2011, the company changed its name to Rovio Entertainment.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111904480904576498460747826834 |title='Angry Birds' Spreads Wings |first=Nick |last=Wingfield |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=10 August 2011 |access-date=19 July 2018 |via=www.wsj.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719173426/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424053111904480904576498460747826834 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/12/21/inside-the-nest-how-angry-birds-catapulted-rovio-to-the-stars-and-what-happens-next/|title=After 3 Years Of Angry Birds, What's Next For Rovio?|first=Robin|last=Wauters|date=21 December 2012|website=The Next Web|access-date=2 September 2019|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026075407/https://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/12/21/inside-the-nest-how-angry-birds-catapulted-rovio-to-the-stars-and-what-happens-next/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2011, the company hired [[David Maisel]] to lead their [[The Angry Birds Movie|''Angry Birds'' movie]] production.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/14019732/angry-birds-hires-movie-producer-for-future-films |title=Angry Birds hires movie producer for 'future films' – BBC Newsbeat |date=7 May 2011 |website=bbc.co.uk |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826150141/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/14019732/angry-birds-hires-movie-producer-for-future-films |archive-date=26 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> By October 2011, Rovio purchased Kombo, a Helsinki-based animation company.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.adweek.com/digital/rovio-acquires-finnish-animation-studio-kombo-for-cash-and-stock/ |title=Rovio Acquires Finnish Animation Studio Kombo For Cash and Stock |website=adweek.com |date=June 2011 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719174847/https://www.adweek.com/digital/rovio-acquires-finnish-animation-studio-kombo-for-cash-and-stock/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The animation studio was acquired to produce a series of short videos released in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/15385699/angry-birds-confirm-work-on-a-film-version-is-underway |title=Angry Birds confirm work on a film version is underway – BBC Newsbeat |first=Dan |last=Whitworth |date=20 October 2011 |website=bbc.co.uk |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826150139/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/15385699/angry-birds-confirm-work-on-a-film-version-is-underway |archive-date=26 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In March 2012, Rovio acquired Futuremark Game Studios, the game development division of [[Benchmark (computing)|benchmarking]] company [[Futuremark]], for an undisclosed sum.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/3/27/2905608/rovio-futuremark-games-studio-acquisition |title='Angry Birds' creator Rovio acquires Futuremark Games Studio |website=theverge.com |date=27 March 2012 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143246/https://www.theverge.com/2012/3/27/2905608/rovio-futuremark-games-studio-acquisition |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In May 2012, Rovio announced that its game series ''[[Angry Birds]]'' had reached its one billionth download. In July 2012, Rovio announced a distribution partnership with [[Activision]] to bring the first three ''Angry Birds'' titles to video game consoles and handhelds, in a collection named ''Angry Birds Trilogy''. It was released in September 2012. In November 2012, Rovio released ''Angry Birds Star Wars'', an iteration of its popular game licensed from the ''Star Wars'' original trilogy, for mobile devices and PC. Rovio partnered with Activision again to port the title to video game consoles and handhelds, with it being released on those platforms in October 2013. A sequel, ''Angry Birds Star Wars II'', based on the ''Star Wars'' prequel trilogy, was released in September 2013. In March 2013, Rovio launched its multi-platform [[Toons.TV]] channel starting with ''[[Angry Birds Toons]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rovio-announces-second-season-angry-636435 |title=Rovio Announces Second Season of 'Angry Birds Toons' Series |website=hollywoodreporter.com |date=25 September 2013 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143046/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rovio-announces-second-season-angry-636435 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> As of 2013, Rovio became a video game publisher and is publishing third party games through its Rovio Stars program.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/05/14/angry-birds-maker-rovio-will-now-publish-and-market-select-third-party-games/ |title=Angry Birds Maker Rovio Will Now Publish And Market Select Third-Party Games |website=techcrunch.com |date=14 May 2013 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143025/https://techcrunch.com/2013/05/14/angry-birds-maker-rovio-will-now-publish-and-market-select-third-party-games/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The channel was discontinued in 2017. In January 2014, Rovio announced that its game series ''Angry Birds'' had reached its two billionth download.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/01/22/angry-birds-series-pecks-up-2-billion-downloads/ |title=Angry Birds series pecks up 2 billion downloads |website=engadget.com |date=22 January 2014 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143103/https://www.engadget.com/2014/01/22/angry-birds-series-pecks-up-2-billion-downloads/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In addition, it was revealed that their flagship series, ''Angry Birds'', "leaked data" to third-party companies, possibly to surveillance agencies like the [[National Security Agency|NSA]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/27/nsa-gchq-smartphone-app-angry-birds-personal-data |title=Angry Birds and 'leaky' phone apps targeted by NSA and GCHQ for user data |first=James |last=Ball |date=28 January 2014 |website=the Guardian |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302173109/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/27/nsa-gchq-smartphone-app-angry-birds-personal-data |archive-date=2 March 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In retaliation, anti-NSA hackers defaced Rovio's website.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25949341 |title=Hackers deface Angry Birds website |work=BBC News |date=19 July 2018 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826150137/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25949341 |archive-date=26 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In May 2014, Rovio launched a new publishing arm, Rovio LVL11, to release experimental games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/7/5691382/rovios-lvl11-publishing-experimental-games |title=Rovio's new publishing arm LVL11 is a 'magical place' for experimental games |website=polygon.com |date=7 May 2014 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143345/https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/7/5691382/rovios-lvl11-publishing-experimental-games |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The first game published under Rovio LVL11 is ''[[Retry (video game)|Retry]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/7/5690134/angry-birds-flappy-birds-retry-mobile-ios-rovio |title=Angry Birds developers reveal Flappy Bird-inspired mobile game Retry |website=polygon.com |date=7 May 2014 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143332/https://www.polygon.com/2014/5/7/5690134/angry-birds-flappy-birds-retry-mobile-ios-rovio |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and the second is ''Selfie Slam''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Selfie+Slam/news.asp?c=61536 |title=Selfie Slam is a collection of silly mini-games from Rovio that's in soft launch for iPad and iPhone |website=pocketgamer.co.uk |date=16 September 2014 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719173524/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Selfie+Slam/news.asp?c=61536 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> As of June 2014, Rovio considers themselves an entertainment company, not just a game company. This is reinforced by Rovio's merchandise and licensing business accounting for about half of their annual revenue of $216 million in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/06/18/irate-mighty-eagle-says-angry-birds-maker-is-not-a-games-company/ |title=Mighty Eagle: Angry Birds Maker Not a Games Company |first=Juhana |last=Rossi |date=18 June 2014 |website=wsj.com |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616035151/https://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/06/18/irate-mighty-eagle-says-angry-birds-maker-is-not-a-games-company/ |archive-date=16 June 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> === 2014–present: decline and acquisition by Sega === In August 2014, Rovio announced that Mikael Hed would step down as CEO in January 2015 in favour of Pekka Rantala.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/2014/08/29/technology/angry-birds-ceo/ |title=Struggling Angry Birds maker dumping CEO |first=Chris |last=Isidore |website=cnn.com |date=29 August 2014 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143405/https://money.cnn.com/2014/08/29/technology/angry-birds-ceo/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Hed remained on Rovio's board and became the chairman of [[Rovio Animation]]. In December 2014, Rovio [[layoff|laid off]] 110 employees after net profits halved in 2013 due to its recent games, ''Angry Birds Epic'' and ''Go!'', which have not been that successful as past games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/12/04/angry-birds-maker-rovio-reduces-layoffs-to-110-and-will-close-a-studio/ |title=Angry Birds maker Rovio reduces layoffs to 110 and will close a studio |date=4 December 2014 |website=venturebeat.com |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143343/https://venturebeat.com/2014/12/04/angry-birds-maker-rovio-reduces-layoffs-to-110-and-will-close-a-studio/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> After this move, Rovio closed its [[Tampere]] studio, moving their operations to its [[Espoo]] location. At the end of 2014, Rovio suffered from a 73% decrease in profit, earning only €10 million. Pekka Rantala stated that the decrease is due to the poor sales of the licensed merchandise and the by-products of ''Angry Birds''. He also noted that "the company are unsatisfied over the result of our licensing business".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2015/03/19/angry-birds-dev-profits-falling-off-sharply-but-not-for-the-reason-you-think/ |title=Angry Birds dev profits falling off sharply – but not for the reason you think – VG247 |date=19 March 2015 |website=vg247.com |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719145546/https://www.vg247.com/2015/03/19/angry-birds-dev-profits-falling-off-sharply-but-not-for-the-reason-you-think/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In August 2015, Rovio laid off 260 employees worldwide after Angry Birds toy and merchandise revenue fell by 43% during 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-08-26-angry-birds-developer-rovio-to-lay-off-260-staff |title=Angry Birds developer Rovio to lay off 260 staff |website=eurogamer.net |date=26 August 2015 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143110/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-08-26-angry-birds-developer-rovio-to-lay-off-260-staff |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In December 2015, Rantala announced that he would step down as the CEO and would be succeeded by Kati Levoranta, former chief legal officer of Rovio, in January 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/9/9878424/rovio-angry-birds-ceo-replaced |title=Rovio's CEO steps down after just over a year on the job |website=theverge.com |date=9 December 2015 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719113654/https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/9/9878424/rovio-angry-birds-ceo-replaced |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> On 16 January 2017, Rovio opened its new game studio in London to focus on [[massively multiplayer online games]].<ref>{{cite news |date=16 January 2017 |title=Angry Birds maker Rovio opens new games studio in London |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/rovio-games-idUSL5N1F40AQ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143310/https://www.reuters.com/article/rovio-games-idUSL5N1F40AQ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |access-date=19 July 2018 |website=reuters.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 15 February, Rovio announced that it will be cutting at least 35 jobs as it restructures the animation division.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/angry-birds-owner-rovio-to-cut-jobs-1487153622 |title='Angry Birds' Owner Rovio to Cut Jobs |first=Matthias |last=Verbergt |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=15 February 2017 |access-date=19 July 2018 |via=www.wsj.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719173401/https://www.wsj.com/articles/angry-birds-owner-rovio-to-cut-jobs-1487153622 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In March, Kaiken Entertainment, founded by former Rovio CEO Mikael Hed, acquired Rovio's [[Rovio Animation|animation division]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/rovio-mikael-hed-angry-birds-kaiken-1202003088/|title=Rovio Founder Launches Kaiken Entertainment, Takes Over Rovio's TV Animation, Publishing|first1=Carita|last1=Rizzo|date=7 March 2017|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143413/https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/rovio-mikael-hed-angry-birds-kaiken-1202003088/|archive-date=19 July 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Later that month Rovio reported that it has returned to profitability with a gross revenue of US$201 million with the success of the ''Angry Birds Movie'' and its recent video games.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-rovio-results/angry-birds-dependent-games-maker-rovio-swings-to-annual-profit-idUSKBN1672JM |title=Angry Birds-dependent games maker Rovio swings to annual profit |first=Jussi |last=Rosendahl |website=reuters.com |date=28 February 2017 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143308/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-rovio-results/angry-birds-dependent-games-maker-rovio-swings-to-annual-profit-idUSKBN1672JM |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In June, Kaj Hed resigned as chairman of Rovio and Mika Ihamuotila succeeded him as new chairman.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/job-news/65888/rovio-appoints-mika-ihamuotila-chairman-of-the-board/ |title=Rovio's Board of Directors appoints Mika Ihamuotila as new Chairman of the Board |website=pocketgamer.biz |date=2 June 2017 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143320/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/job-news/65888/rovio-appoints-mika-ihamuotila-chairman-of-the-board/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> On 5 September, Rovio announced its intention to become a publicly-traded company.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/09/05/angry-birds-maker-rovio-announces-plans-for-ipo-to-raise-36-million/ |title=Angry Birds maker Rovio announces plans for IPO to raise $36 million |date=5 September 2017 |website=venturebeat.com |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719143240/https://venturebeat.com/2017/09/05/angry-birds-maker-rovio-announces-plans-for-ipo-to-raise-36-million/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> In October, Rovio shares were sold at [[NASDAQ Helsinki]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development/rovio-confirm-plan-for-ipo-on-helsinki-nasdaq |title=Rovio confirm plan for IPO on Helsinki NASDAQ |website=mcvuk.com |date=5 September 2017 |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826145759/https://www.mcvuk.com/development/rovio-confirm-plan-for-ipo-on-helsinki-nasdaq |archive-date=26 August 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and the company was valued at $1 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/09/15/angry-birds-maker-rovio-sets-ipo-price-range-that-values-company-around-1-billion/ |title=Angry Birds maker Rovio sets IPO price range that values company around $1 billion |date=15 September 2017 |website=venturebeat.com |access-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719145017/https://venturebeat.com/2017/09/15/angry-birds-maker-rovio-sets-ipo-price-range-that-values-company-around-1-billion/ |archive-date=19 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> On 2 March 2018, Rovio announced the closure of its London studio after disappointing results.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/03/02/angry-birds-maker-rovio-shutters-london-studio-results-disappoint/ |title=Angry Birds maker Rovio shutters London studio as results disappoint |first=Matthew |last=Field |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=2 March 2018 |access-date=19 July 2018 |via=www.telegraph.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622184451/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/03/02/angry-birds-maker-rovio-shutters-london-studio-results-disappoint/ |archive-date=22 June 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Later on 14 November, Rovio announced that it appointed the former [[Gameloft]] executive Alexandre Pelletier-Normand as executive vice president of its game business unit. He started his role on January 2, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/ex-gameloft-exec-joins-rovio-entertainment-1203028274/ |title=Ex-Gameloft Exec Joins 'Angry Birds' Developer Rovio Entertainment |first=Stefanie |last=Fogel |date=14 November 2018 |access-date=15 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115113352/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/ex-gameloft-exec-joins-rovio-entertainment-1203028274/ |archive-date=15 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> On 30 November 2018, Rovio announced that they had fully acquired PlayRaven, the developer known for making strategy games such as ''Eve: War of Ascension''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/legal-uk-playraven-m-a-rovio-idUSKCN1O02VV|title=Angry Birds firm Rovio buys strategy game studio PlayRaven|newspaper=Reuters|date=1 December 2018|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215222613/https://www.reuters.com/article/legal-uk-playraven-m-a-rovio-idUSKCN1O02VV|archive-date=15 December 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all|last1=Rosendahl|first1=Anne Kauranen}}</ref> On 3 June 2020, Rovio acquired Darkfire Games for an undisclosed sum. The subsidiary became Rovio Copenhagen.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/06/03/2042670/0/en/Rovio-Entertainment-has-acquired-Darkfire-Games-Copenhagen-based-mobile-games-studio.html|title=Rovio Entertainment has acquired Darkfire Games – Copenhagen based mobile games studio|date=3 June 2020|access-date=20 June 2020|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621175517/http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/06/03/2042670/0/en/Rovio-Entertainment-has-acquired-Darkfire-Games-Copenhagen-based-mobile-games-studio.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 December Rovio announced that Executive Vice President of games, Alexandre Pelletier-Normand, would take over as CEO. The change went into effect on January 1, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-21|title=Alexandre Pelletier-Normand appointed as the new CEO|url=https://www.rovio.com/articles/alexandre-pelletier-normand-appointed-as-the-new-ceo-of-rovio-entertainment-corporation/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=Rovio|language=en-US|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305064559/https://www.rovio.com/articles/alexandre-pelletier-normand-appointed-as-the-new-ceo-of-rovio-entertainment-corporation/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, the [[New Mexico]] attorney general filed a federal lawsuit against Rovio, alleging the company illegally collected and sold private [[personal data]] of users under thirteen to third party advertisers.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gillett|first=M. Tyler|date=28 August 2021|title=New Mexico sues Angry Birds developer over child privacy violations|url=https://www.jurist.org/news/2021/08/new-mexico-sues-angry-birds-developer-over-child-privacy-violations/|url-status=live|website=[[JURIST]]|access-date=22 September 2021|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923164606/https://www.jurist.org/news/2021/08/new-mexico-sues-angry-birds-developer-over-child-privacy-violations/}}</ref> On 15 April 2023, [[IGN]] reported that [[Sega]] would be acquiring Rovio, with a deal close to $1 billion. Rovio had rejected an earlier acquisition bid from Israeli mobile company [[Playtika]] for $800 million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yang |first1=George |title=Sega is Reportedly Close to Acquiring Angry Birds Developer Rovio for $1 Billion |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/sega-is-reportedly-close-to-acquiring-angry-birds-developer-rovio-for-1-billion |access-date=16 April 2023 |agency=IGN |date=15 April 2023}}</ref> Two days later [[Sega Sammy Holdings]] announced that they have made a €706 million ($776 million USD) tender offer to bid for Rovio, which closed on 17 August.<ref name="Reid" /> On December 7, Rovio closed down the [[Montreal]] based division Studio Lumi leading to the loss of 16 jobs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Sophie McEvoy Staff |date=2023-12-07 |title=Rovio closes Studio Lumi |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/rovio-closes-studio-lumi |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=Daniel |date=2023-12-07 |title=Rovio close Studio Lumi in Montreal with the loss of 16 jobs |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/83001/rovio-close-studio-lumi-in-montreal-with-the-loss-of-16-jobs/ |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=pocketgamer.biz}}</ref> == Games developed == === Pre-''Angry Birds'' === Prior to creating ''Angry Birds'', Rovio developed 51 games, a combination of work-for-hire projects, publishing contracts and independently released titles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/024243/interview-rovio-on-the-origin-of-angry-birds-being-inspired-by-swine-flu-and-why-you-may-never-see-an-angry-birds-2/ |title=Interview: Rovio on the origin of Angry Birds, being inspired by swine flu, and why you may never see an Angry Birds 2 |first=Jon |last=Mundy |date=13 October 2010 |website=[[PocketGamer]] |access-date=13 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113163244/https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/024243/interview-rovio-on-the-origin-of-angry-birds-being-inspired-by-swine-flu-and-why-you-may-never-see-an-angry-birds-2/ |archive-date=13 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> {{Div col|colwidth=30em}} * ''[[Bounce (video game series)|Bounce]] Boing Voyage'' – [[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]] (2008) * ''Bounce Evolution'' – [[Nokia N900]] (2009) * ''Bounce Tales'' – [[Java ME]] (2008) * ''Bounce Touch'' – [[Symbian^1]] (2008) * ''Burger Rush'' – [[Java ME]] (2008) * ''Burnout'' – Java ME (2007) * ''Collapse Chaos'' – Java ME (2008) * ''Cyber Blood'' – Java ME (2006) * ''Darkest Fear'' – Java ME (2005), iOS (2009) * ''Darkest Fear 2: Grim Oak'' – Java ME (2006) * ''Darkest Fear 3: Nightmare'' – Java ME (2006) * ''Desert Sniper'' – Java ME (2006) * ''Dragon & Jade'' – Java ME (2007) * ''Formula GP Racing'' – Java ME (2005) * ''Gem Drop Deluxe'' – Java ME (2008) * ''Marine Sniper'' – Java ME (2007) * ''Mole War'' – Java ME (2004) * ''[[Need for Speed: Carbon]]'' – Java ME (2006) * ''Paid to Kill'' – Java ME (2004) * ''Paper Planes'' – Java ME (2008) * ''Patron Angel'' – Java ME (2007) * ''Playman Winter Games'' – Java ME (2005) * ''Shopping Madness'' – Java ME (2007) * ''[[Space Impact|Space Impact: Meteor Shield]]'' – [[Nokia N97]] (2010) * ''Star Marine'' – Java ME (2007) * ''Sumea Ski Jump'' – Java ME (2007) * ''[[SWAT Elite Troops]]'' – Java ME (2008) * ''Totomi'' – iOS, [[Adobe Flash|Flash]], Java ME (2008) * ''US Marine Corps Scout Sniper'' – Java ME (2006) * ''War Diary: Burma'' – Java ME (2005) * ''War Diary: Crusader'' – Java ME (2005) * ''War Diary: Torpedo'' – Java ME (2005) * ''Wolf Moon'' – Java ME (2006) * ''X Factor 2008'' – Java ME (2008) {{div col end}} === 2009–present === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! rowspan="2" | Year ! width=200px rowspan="2" | Title ! colspan="4" | Platform(s) |- ! style="width:3em; font-size:90%" | [[Android (operating system)|Android]] ! style="width:3em; font-size:90%" | [[iOS]] ! style="width:3em; font-size:90%" | [[Personal computer|PC]] ! style="width:3em; font-size:90%" | [[Windows Phone|WP]] |- | 2009 | ''[[Angry Birds (video game)|Angry Birds]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} |- | 2010 | ''[[Angry Birds Seasons]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} |- | 2011 | ''[[Angry Birds Rio]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} |- | rowspan="4" | 2012 | ''[[Angry Birds Space]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} |- |''[[Amazing Alex]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} |- | ''[[Bad Piggies]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds Star Wars]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} |- | rowspan="4" | 2013 |''[[The Croods (video game)|The Croods]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds Friends]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds Star Wars II]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds Go!]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{Yes}} |- | rowspan="5" | 2014 | ''[[Angry Birds Epic]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{Yes}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds Stella]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{Yes}} |- |''[[Angry Birds Transformers]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- |''Selfie Slam'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{Yes}} |- |''[[Retry (video game)|Retry]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | rowspan="5" | 2015 | ''[[Angry Birds POP!]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds 2]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} |- | ''[[Nibblers (video game)|Nibblers]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- |''[[Love Rocks Starring Shakira]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- |''[[Angry Birds Fight!]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | rowspan="2" | 2016 |''[[Angry Birds Action!]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds Blast!]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | rowspan="5" | 2017 | ''[[Battle Bay]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds Evolution]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds Match]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''Angry Birds Champions'' | {{No}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''Angry Birds for Messenger'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | rowspan="6" | 2019 | ''[[Angry Birds Dream Blast]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs|Angry Birds VR/AR: Isle of Pigs]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} |- | ''Angry Birds POP Blast'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''Angry Birds Explore'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''The Angry Birds Movie 2 VR: Under Pressure'' | {{No}} | {{No}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''Sugar Blast'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | 2020 | ''Small Town Murders'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | 2021 | ''[[Angry Birds Reloaded]]'' | {{No}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | 2021 | ''Angry Birds: Bird Island'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} |- | rowspan="2"| 2022 | ''[[Angry Birds Journey]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | ''[[Angry Birds (video game)|Rovio Classics: Angry Birds]]'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | rowspan="2" |2023 |''Angry Birds Kingdom'' | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- |''Bad Piggies 2'' | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |- | 2024 |''Sonic Rumble''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Rovio/status/1788238401398817017?t=rG-nfDZDgamP2eDhoLdDBg&s=19|title=Rovio's involvement in ''Sonic Rumble''|work=X|publisher=Rovio|date=May 8, 2024|accessdate=May 8, 2024}}</ref> | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | {{No}} | {{No}} |} == Television series == * ''[[Angry Birds Toons]]'' (2013–2016) * ''[[Piggy Tales]]'' (2014–2019) * ''[[Angry Birds Stella (TV series)|Angry Birds Stella]]'' (2014–2016) * ''[[Angry Birds Blues]]'' (2017) * ''Angry Birds World Cup'' (2018) * ''[[Angry Birds Zero Gravity]]'' (2018) * ''[[Angry Birds on the Run]]'' (2018–2020) * ''[[Angry Birds MakerSpace]]'' (2019–present) * ''[[Angry Birds Slingshot Stories]]'' (2020–present) * ''[[Angry Birds Bubble Trouble]]'' (2020–present) * ''[[Angry Birds: Summer Madness]]'' (2022 on [[Netflix]]) * ''[[Angry Birds Mystery Island]]'' (2024–present) == Feature films == * ''[[The Angry Birds Movie]]'' (2016) * ''[[The Angry Birds Movie 2]]'' (2019) * ''[[The Angry Birds Movie 3]]'' (TBA) == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == {{Commons category|Rovio Mobile}} {{Portal|Finland|Companies|Video games}} * {{Official website|https://www.rovio.com/}} {{Rovio Games}} {{Sega}} {{Sega Sammy Holdings}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Rovio Entertainment| ]] [[Category:Finnish companies established in 1988]] [[Category:Sega divisions and subsidiaries]] [[Category:Companies based in Espoo]] [[Category:Mobile game companies]] [[Category:2017 initial public offerings]] [[Category:Video game companies established in 1988]] [[Category:Video game companies of Finland]] [[Category:Video game development companies]] [[Category:Companies formerly listed on Nasdaq Helsinki]] [[Category:2023 mergers and acquisitions]]'