Sega acquire Angry Birds creator Rovio

Sega has officially spread its wings and acquired Rovio, the creative force behind the iconic Angry Birds franchise. 

Sega has officially sealed the deal and acquired Rovio Entertainment, the ingenious minds behind the globally acclaimed Angry Birds franchise. This news isn’t just making waves – it’s causing a full-on excitement tsunami among gamers everywhere.

The drama began back on February 6, when Rovio publicly hinted at their contemplation of a buyout. Among the suitors, an offer from Israel’s Playtika stood out: a whopping $735 million. But as the wheels of fate turned, a different suitor emerged from the shadows.

In a twist that had both fans and industry insiders buzzing, Rovio made the daring decision to remove the iconic Angry Birds game (now aptly named Rovio Classics: Angry Birds) from the Google Play Store. The rationale? A perceived detrimental impact on Rovio’s broader game lineup, including Angry Birds 2, Angry Birds Friends, and Angry Birds Journey. Their impassioned plea to fans to rally behind these other titles after the unlisting demonstrated their devotion to evolving and progressing.

The speculation finally came to a close when April unveiled the news that Sega and Rovio were negotiating a union. Fast forward to today, and the ink is dry: Sega has acquired Rovio for a staggering $776 million. A remarkable 96.3 percent of Rovio shareholders voted in favor of the acquisition, marking the dawn of a new era. The acquisition has even sparked hopes of a crossover between Angry Birds and Sega’s iconic Sonic the Hedgehog, setting imaginations ablaze.

Welcome to the SEGA family, @Rovio!

We’re so thrilled to celebrate Rovio becoming a member of the SEGA Group. Get ready for exciting adventures ahead! 💙 pic.twitter.com/LV5QkpZrrE

— SEGA (@SEGA) August 18, 2023

 

The Tweet That Echoes Through Pixels

In a tweet that resonated across the digital realm, Rovio exclaimed, “Blue meets Red! Happy to be part of the family.” This union of a beloved IP with a powerhouse corporation raises the stakes and tantalizes players with the possibilities that lie ahead. Could Sonic be flinging himself alongside those iconic irate avians? The mere thought is enough to send shivers down the spines of gaming enthusiasts.

But it’s not all about the allure of crossovers and mash-ups. Sega Sammy Holdings’ grand plans to “Tender Offer” for Rovio’s shares and options to the tune of €706 million ($776 million) was met with not only support but enthusiastic approval from Rovio’s board of directors.

Sega’s strategy to infuse Rovio’s mastery of live service mobile game operations into its arsenal hints at a deeper, transformative ambition. Together, they possess the magic ingredients for creating unforgettable gaming experiences, uniting their characters, brands, and fanbases.

Header: Rovio