Rovio's Angry Birds Shines at Weibo Cultural Exchange Night
On April 11, 2026, Rovio Entertainment’s beloved franchise, Angry Birds, was awarded the prestigious International Classic IP Honor during the Weibo Cultural Exchange Night held in Macau’s Venetian Arena. This accolade recognizes brands that have made significant cultural contributions while maintaining global influence over the years. The event is hosted by Weibo, one of China's leading social media platforms, and gathers professionals from various cultural sectors—including film, television, and music—for international collaboration.
The recognition for Angry Birds underscores its tremendous brand value and cultural impact, which has resonated across generations and regions. The franchise, initially launched as a mobile game in 2009, has transcended the gaming industry by branching into animations, films, merchandise, and themed experiences, effectively establishing itself as a transmedia IP. The universal appeal of humor and creativity continues to garner support from a diverse fan base worldwide.
Rovio has expressed its commitment to evolving Angry Birds into an even more influential transmedia IP. The company aims to boost its presence in major markets, especially China, and create new cultural value through deeper fan engagement and innovative offerings.
Insights from the Vice President of Transmedia at Rovio
Hanna Valkeapää-Nokkala, Rovio's Vice President of Transmedia, stated, “We are extremely honored to receive this prestigious award. Angry Birds has evolved over the past 17 years through various mediums including games, animations, and movies, growing alongside our fans worldwide. We look forward to enhancing our experiences through game expansions and the forthcoming release of 'The Angry Birds Movie 3' in December 2026.”
About the Angry Birds Franchise
Since its inception by Rovio in 2009, the Angry Birds franchise has become a global sensation with over 5 billion downloads by 2022. The gameplay involves players using a slingshot to launch a variety of uniquely designed birds against structures containing green pigs, offering both simplicity and high engagement. The series has seen multiple sequels, spin-offs, animations, and films, making it a versatile brand in the entertainment landscape.
Rovio Entertainment's Journey
Rovio Entertainment is a mobile-first gaming company known for developing, producing, and publishing mobile games. Starting with Angry Birds, the brand has grown significantly, expanding beyond games into animations, entertainment, and consumer products through licensing. The franchise has also been adapted into films, with the first Angry Birds movie premiering in 2016, followed by a sequel in 2019. The next installment, 'The Angry Birds Movie 3,' is set to release in theaters on December 23, 2026. Rovio is primarily based in Finland, and it became a subsidiary of Sega in 2023.
About Sega
Sega, a Japanese entertainment company, focuses on various gaming sectors, including home consoles, PC, and smartphone games. The company leverages its expertise to offer digital services and develop character-based products. By collaborating with studios both domestically and internationally, Sega continues to provide quality gaming experiences worldwide.
All names of companies and products mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners. The information provided in this document is accurate as of the date of publication.
© SEGA
© Rovio Entertainment Ltd