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Entertainment • Video Game

Angry Birds

Angry Birds is a Finnish video game series and media franchise that began with a puzzle game released in 2009.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Angry Birds is a Finnish video game series and media franchise that began with a puzzle game released in 2009. It centers on birds using a slingshot to defeat green pigs that have stolen their eggs, and later expanded into films, merchandise, and other spin-offs. The franchise is owned by Rovio Entertainment, which is a subsidiary of Sega.

Origin and release

Angry Birds began as a puzzle video game developed by Rovio Entertainment and first released in December 2009 for iPhone and iPad. It quickly became successful and led to a broader media franchise.

Gameplay

The core gameplay uses a slingshot to launch birds at pig-built fortifications. The goal in the original game is to defeat the pigs and recover the stolen eggs.

Franchise expansion

The series grew into multiple game instalments and spin-offs, along with licensed products and adaptations. The franchise also includes theatrical films based on the characters and setting.

Ownership and corporate history

Angry Birds is owned by Rovio Entertainment. Rovio is now a subsidiary of Sega, which places the franchise within Sega's broader portfolio.

Key facts

  • The first Angry Birds game was released in 2009 and became the basis for a larger franchise.
  • Gameplay typically involves launching birds with a slingshot at structures containing pigs.
  • The franchise includes many instalments and spin-offs, with more than twenty entries reported by late 2024.
  • Angry Birds expanded beyond games into films, books, toys, and other merchandise.
  • Rovio Entertainment owns the franchise and operates as a subsidiary of Sega.
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Canadian context

Angry Birds has been widely distributed in Canada through mobile devices, consoles, and related film and merchandise releases, making it familiar to Canadian audiences as part of global pop culture.

Frequently asked questions

What is Angry Birds?
Angry Birds is a Finnish video game series and media franchise that started with a puzzle game in 2009.
Who created Angry Birds?
The franchise is credited to Finnish game designer Jaakko Iisalo.
Who owns Angry Birds?
Angry Birds is owned by Rovio Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sega.
When was the first Angry Birds game released?
The first game was released on December 11, 2009.
What is the basic premise of Angry Birds?
Birds are launched with a slingshot to defeat pigs that stole their eggs.
Has Angry Birds expanded beyond video games?
Yes. The franchise includes films, merchandise, and other spin-offs.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angry_Birds
    Supports: Series overview, ownership, creator attribution, first release date, and franchise scope
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angry_Birds
    Supports: First release date and franchise description
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angry_Birds_(video_game)
    Supports: Original game's release date, premise, and franchise origins
  4. French Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angry_Birds
    Supports: Ownership, genre, and franchise expansion into films and merchandise
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Angry_Birds_Movie
    Supports: Film adaptation and franchise expansion into cinema