Angry Birds Celebrates 15 Years of Avian Antics

Angry Birds: 15 Years of Flight – An Interview with Rovio's Creative Officer

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Angry Birds, a milestone few could have predicted for this wildly popular franchise. From its initial iOS and Android success to merchandise, films, and a significant acquisition by Sega, the impact of these feisty birds is undeniable. They've propelled Rovio to global recognition and significantly contributed to Finland's reputation as a mobile game development powerhouse. To celebrate, we spoke with Rovio's Creative Officer, Ben Mattes.

About Ben Mattes and his Role at Rovio:

Ben Mattes boasts nearly 24 years in game development, with experience at Gameloft, Ubisoft, and WB Games Montreal. For almost five years, he's been at Rovio, primarily focused on Angry Birds. His current role as Creative Officer ensures the franchise's future development remains consistent with its established characters, lore, and history, while also leveraging existing and new products to achieve a unified vision for the next 15 years.

The Creative Approach to Angry Birds:

Ben describes Angry Birds' enduring appeal as a blend of accessibility and depth. The vibrant, charming visuals appeal to children, while the strategic gameplay and satisfying physics provide a sense of accomplishment for players of all ages. This broad appeal has fueled successful partnerships and projects over the years. The challenge now is to honor this legacy while innovating with new game experiences that remain true to the core IP and the ongoing conflict between the birds and the pigs.

The Pressure of Working on an Iconic Franchise:

Ben acknowledges the immense responsibility that comes with working on such a globally recognized IP. Red, the Angry Birds mascot, is practically synonymous with mobile gaming. The team understands the need to create experiences that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers, a task made more challenging by the ever-present feedback loop of live service games and social media engagement. This "building in the open" approach adds pressure but also fosters a strong connection with the community.

The Future of Angry Birds:

Sega's acquisition highlights the franchise's transmedia potential. Rovio is committed to expanding the Angry Birds fandom across various platforms, including the highly anticipated Angry Birds Movie 3 (more details coming soon). The goal is to deliver a compelling narrative that integrates seamlessly with games, merchandise, fan creations, and community engagement. Collaboration with producer John Cohen and his team ensures a deep understanding and respect for the IP, introducing new characters, themes, and storylines that complement other projects.

The Secret to Angry Birds' Success:

Ben attributes Angry Birds' success to its broad appeal – "something for everyone." The franchise has resonated with millions in diverse ways, from being a first video game experience to a symbol of the evolving capabilities of mobile devices. The rich history of Angry Birds Toons and the extensive merchandise collection demonstrate the multifaceted engagement with the IP. This broad spectrum of connection is at the heart of its enduring popularity.

A Message to the Fans:

Ben expresses gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support and creativity, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the Angry Birds universe. He assures fans that future projects will continue to reflect their passion and engagement, promising something for everyone who has been a part of the Angry Birds journey.