Rovio not riled by Changsha Angry Birds theme park

The Window of the World theme park puts visitors behind the slingshot in its live-action version of the popular video game.

Angry Birds has become one of the most popular games in the world and has made millionaires of its makers at Finland-based games developer Rovio. Starting from a mobile app, it has become a cultural phenomenon. The Window of the World theme park in Changsha in south central China's Hunan province launched an Angry Birds section recently, according to Mobiledia, a mobile technology magazine.

Rovio itself already had plans to build an Angry Birds theme park. Yet without authorization from the game's designer, the Changsha theme park has beaten them to the punch. Opened last Thursday, Window of the World has created the full Angry Birds experience, allowing players to shoot bird toys at green piggy balloons placed around a toy brick fortress.

"This [Angry Birds park] serves as a method for people to relieve themselves of stress and be happy," a park official told Chinese gaming website Gamersky.com.

The theme park's marketing manager Ye Xiumei says Window of the World will host the Angry Birds exhibit until the end of September. Until then it will sit next to a replica of Mount Rushmore in the park's American section.

Rovio for its part does not appear angry at Window of the World, and may yet choose to forge a profitable partnership rather than pursue litigation for copyright infringement. Daisy Yang, a spokeswoman for Rovio China, said they would welcome a partnership but first they would need to give the park permission to use the Angry Birds game.

Both companies stand to benefit from teaming up. Rovio would generate revenue from a licensing deal and expand its brand, while Window of the World would be able to boast the credibility an official endorsement would bring.

Rovio is not in desperate need of more money, however, with an estimated worth of US$1.2 billion. Zynga and Walt Disney among others are reportedly courting the game maker, whose profits soared to nearly US$140 million from its plush toys, cookbooks, baby clothes and even costumes.

Rovio's potential partnership with Window on the World could bring more profits and attract even more players, eventually propelling Angry Birds to its goal of an IPO launch.

Fonte: Want China Times