Angry Birds App Behind New Theme Parks

Angry Birds, the free, downloadable video game that has become so popular it has been downloaded an estimated 10 million times, will soon become the premise for a chain of 'real life' theme parks to be built around the world by the game-maker.

Until now, the game has been available only in the 'virutal world,' such as for Apple's iPhone, the iPad, Android devices, and various other game-playing platforms. (Source: bbc.co.uk)

The game itself is simple: players launch birds at pigs on a stage, with the goal being to eliminate all of the pigs.

According to reports, Angry Birds maker Rovio has partnered with playground developer Lappset to develop several Angry Birds-based theme parks in a variety of international locations.

The first park will be built in Finland, with another to follow in the United Kingdom.

Angry Birds Theme Parks Launched at the Whole Family

The first Angry Birds centers will be known as "Angry Birds Land." The prototype will debut in Finland because that's where Rovio is based.

Reports suggest that the new parks will include animal spring rides, swings, sandboxes, climbable towers, and slides, all echoing the Angry Birds theme.

According to Rovio executive vice president of licensing and merchandising Harri Koponen, the idea for the parks isn't just about promoting the game.

"Our goal is to motivate the fans, both adults and children, to exercise and enjoy the outdoors," Koponen said, adding that the parks "offer a delightful Angry Birds experience for the whole family." (Source: pcmag.com)

Not the First Angry Birds Park

Surprisingly, this plan isn't the first time Angry Birds has been used as the basis for a theme park. Just such an establishment opened last September in China.

However, without the involvement of either Rovio or Lapsett, that park is unlicensed and unauthorized. How appropriate, given that Angry Birds is one of the world's most pirated franchises. (Source: bbc.co.uk)

"There is tons and tons of merchandise out there, especially in Asia, which is not officially licensed products," said Rovio chief executive officer, Mikael Hed.

"We could learn a lot form the music industry, and the rather terrible ways the music industry has tried to combat piracy." (Source: pcmag.com)

It's expected that the first of Rovio's fully-authorized Angry Birds-based park will open in Finland on April 28, 2012.