Smartphone smashes Angry Birds and Doodle Jump are linking up with major Hollywood studios.
In separate announcements last Friday, first Lima Sky confirmed that it had entered into a licensing agreement with Universal Pictures to promote its upcoming animated film Hop. Set for release next month, a free software update to owners of Doodle Jump – which Apple recently revealed was the most popular paid app of all time on its iOS App Store – will let players control the film’s protagonist and unlock an Easter-themed level.
Igor Punsenjak, president of Lima Sky, said: “We are honored to be affiliated with this amazing film and accomplished studio. Knowing that a project like this has never been done before adds an extra level of pride to the new ground we’ll break together.”
Just a few hours later, Angry Birds developer Rovio announced it had entered into a similar agreement with 20th Century Fox’s animated film Rio. Rather than a software update to the existing game, Angry Birds Rio will be a standalone release, with 45 levels tasking players with rescuing macaws Blue and Jewel, the film’s protagonists. Additional levels will be released over time.
Mikael Hed, Rovio CEO, said: “Angry Birds Rio is a match made in heaven for a mobile application and a major motion picture, and this collaboration with Fox is definitely one the most exciting partnerships we have entered into with the brand to date.
"In addition to expanding the horizons of two fantastic entertainment brands and creating a great new gaming experience, we have also taken the concept of combining a mobile application and motion picture promotion to an entirely new level."
Angry Birds Rio is set for release in March, coinciding with the world premiere of Rio.