Electronic Arts has announced that they will be purchasing mobile games publisher Chillingo, who are responsible for publishing Angry Birds on the iPhone for a reported $20 million.
The developers of the Angry Birds game, Rovio Mobile, are not part of the deal, and they have actually been publishing Angry Birds themselves on other platforms including Android and Nokia.
Rovio Mobile retain the rights to Angry Birds, but Chillingo have a contract with them to publish the game on the Apple iPad store, and the game has sold a total of 6.5 million copies since it was launched in December 2009. Rovio Mobile have also said that they will not be using Chillingo again to publish any of their titles. Have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
Impact of the Acquisition on the Mobile Gaming Industry
The acquisition of Chillingo by Electronic Arts (EA) is a significant move in the mobile gaming industry. EA, known for its extensive portfolio of games across various platforms, is looking to strengthen its position in the mobile gaming market. By acquiring Chillingo, EA gains access to a publisher with a proven track record of successful mobile game launches. This move is expected to enhance EA’s ability to deliver high-quality mobile games to a broader audience.
Chillingo has been instrumental in the success of several popular mobile games, not just Angry Birds. Their expertise in marketing and distribution has helped many developers reach millions of users. With EA’s resources and Chillingo’s experience, the potential for future mobile game successes is immense. This acquisition could lead to more innovative and engaging mobile games, benefiting both gamers and developers.
Future Prospects for Rovio Mobile
Rovio Mobile, the developers behind Angry Birds, have made it clear that they will not be using Chillingo for future game publications. This decision indicates Rovio’s confidence in their ability to self-publish and manage their games across various platforms. Since the launch of Angry Birds, Rovio has expanded its portfolio with several other successful titles, including Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Space, and Angry Birds Star Wars.
Rovio’s decision to self-publish aligns with a growing trend among game developers to retain more control over their intellectual property and distribution channels. By self-publishing, developers can maximize their revenue and have greater flexibility in how they market and update their games. This approach has proven successful for Rovio, as they continue to innovate and expand their brand beyond mobile gaming into merchandise, animation, and even theme parks.
The success of Angry Birds has also paved the way for other independent developers to achieve similar success. The mobile gaming industry has become a fertile ground for innovation, with many small developers creating unique and engaging games that capture the attention of millions of players worldwide. The ability to self-publish and reach a global audience has democratized the gaming industry, allowing more voices and ideas to flourish.
Tech Crunch via BGR
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