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March 17, 2011
Lumia

Are you Angry?

Don’t worry, we’re not referring to the state of your mental health or a new range of Nokia psychology apps.

We are of course talking about the phenomenon that is Angry Birds.

Launched in December 2009 by the Finland-based Rovio, it has gone on to become one of the biggest mobile games of all time. Downloaded over 50 million times across different smartphone platforms – including Symbian^3 – the game is highly praised for its blend of comedy and good old-fashioned addictive gameplay. Perfect for making the most of the vivid touchscreens on the N8, Nokia C7 or E7

If you didn’t know already, the aim of the game is to control a flock of birds that are trying to retrieve their eggs from a group of evil green pigs. Each of the 120 levels requires skill, logic and brute force to succeed.

The game’s creator, Jaakko Lisalo, shares his tips on creating a world-class mobile game here.

Going social

Angry Birds has put Rovio (meaning ‘bonfire’ in Finnish) firmly on the map as a game developer, and has given the franchise real momentum. Rovio CEO Mikael Hed has recently said that Angry Birds is coming to Facebook in April with “completely new aspects to it that just haven’t been experienced in any other platform.”

If you visit the Angry Birds page on Facebook and “like” the page, Rovio promises to keep you posted on all the latest news about the upcoming Angry Birds release on Facebook. So far,nearly 1.4 million people have pushed the button in anticipation of continuing their passion.

Taking over the world

But being on every smartphone platform isn’t enough for Angry Birds and Rovio. It’s also showing up on PCs as well as the PSP and PS3. There’s a movie tie-in, an animated series, and even a 3D version in the works.

And, in the past week, Finland’s honorary son – Conan O’Brien – played a live action version of the game for his American TV show.

Will you pass the test?

So, we return to the opening question – Are you Angry?

Nokia and Rovio certainly hope so. They are looking for the first Finnish champion of the Angry Birds mobile game this month. With a national tour of game days, the best 32 players will be selected to fight for the champion’s title in the final competition.

If you’re in Finland, and feel you’ve got what it takes, then you can try your luck in the final qualifier to be held in Helsinki’s Kamppi shopping centre on March 25th (11am-7pm). If you’re successful you’ll be back on March 26th (10am-6pm) to compete for the grand prize.

The winner will receive a trip to Hollywood with a friend, as well as a brand new Nokia N8.

Who knows, you might just be the best player out there…

One thing’s for sure, it certainly won’t be the last we hear of Angry Birds.