How Rovio is fueling the next phase of growth?

Early 2018 has been harsh for Rovio Entertainment with its share price halved in February following an investor exodus. Also the developer had also closed its London office only a year after it opened. However, the brand aims to make a major comeback, and thus drive the revenue with its flagship property Angry Birds.

The brand’s adjusted operating profit in first quarter of 2018 almost doubled year-on-year to $12 million Fuelling teh next phase of growth, Rovio has unveiled an extensive program for its flagship Angry Birds franchise, that includes an animated TV series, live action YouTube content, and location-based entertainment. This extensive line-up propels the growth and appeal of the Angry Birds brand, thus fuelling the next phase of growth for one of entertainment's biggest franchises. Following the announcement of a second Angry Birds movie, Rovio is doubling down on the multimedia campaign for its flagship franchise. Additionally, Rovio has teased the unveiling further partnerships in the coming weeks including licensing deals in North America.

Along with the long-form animated TV series planned for release in 2020, Rovio has also confirmed an unscripted competition TV series, a new stage show, location-based projects, along with live-action and animated content for its YouTube channel. "These are exciting times for Rovio and Angry Birds fans. We have the strongest content roadmap to date starting from The Angry Birds Movie 2 planned for September 2019. We also have lots of other unique entertainment projects in development to engage audiences around the world.

There's no shortage of fun things to look forward to in the future!" said Simo Hämäläinen, Senior Vice President, Brand Licensing at Rovio Entertainment. Rovio has also announced a new licensing partnership with global confectioner Perfetti Van Melle for a new range of Angry Birds branded Chupa Chups, Crocs for footwear and Jibbitz charms. The maker of Angry Birds has also secured promotions for 2018 with Sonic Restaurants, as well as Hostess Brands, which is set to release over 10 million co-branded packaged bakery foods with a bounceback promotion tied to the mobile game Angry Birds Match.

Rovio's future milestones for the Angry Birds franchise include the development of new games, long-form animation, live stage shows and location-based entertainment initiatives, animated and live-action content on Angry Birds' YouTube channel, and the September 2019 theatrical release of The Angry Birds Movie 2, followed by the landmark 10th anniversary of the original Angry Birds in December 2019.