~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~41~RS~)
Angry Birds sets new record by reaching 500m downloads
Page last updated at 10:02 GMT, Thursday, 3 November 2011
- E-mail this to a friend [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Angry Birds has become the first game to achieve 500 million downloads.
The milestone was reached less than two years after it was released.
Growing popularity in China, where it's been downloaded 50 million times, and strong figures from elsewhere in the world has ensured its success.
"This is a fantastic landmark achievement for us, and we're extremely delighted to see such an incredible amount of people enjoying our games," said Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio.
The developer is certainly trying to make the most of the game's success.
The company has already shipped 10 million Angry Birds toys and its first retail outlet is due to open in Helsinki.
Billion fansMore stores will follow in China within 12 months where fake merchandise has caused it some problems.
There are also book and film plans in the pipeline and Rovio intends to expand the brand into other areas.
Rovio recently raised £26m in investment, which valued the company at £760m.
There has also been talk of a stock market flotation next year.
The plans mean the company has come a long way since it was on the verge of going bust just two years ago.
It was founded in 2003 but by 2009 the company was struggling and down to 12 employees.
It now employs 170 people and has publicly stated that its next goal is to reach one billion fans.
- E-mail this to a friend [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Print Sponsor
On Newsbeat today
Top stories
-
Your view: cot death bed warning
Dr Ranj Singh answers your questions and comments, as a report warns sleeping with your baby increases the risk of cot death.
-
Facebook violent content review will not be rushed
Facebook tells Newsbeat it will not rush a review of violent content after beheading videos were removed from the site.
-
Tulisa confirms leaving The X Factor
Former N-Dubz singer confirms that she will not return as as a judge for the next X Factor series.
-
Dancing on Ice to be axed next year
After eight years the ice skating TV show is coming to an end finishing with one final series in 2014.
-
Naughty Boy to release debut album
Naughty Boy is stepping out of the shadows in his role as a producer to release his debut album.
-
Kelly Rowland joins The X Factor USA
The singer will appear with Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato along with newcomer Paulina Rubio.
See also
-
Angry Birds flying off to China
31 October 11Technology
-
Angry Birds confirm film plans
20 October 11Technology
-
Video games get classical concert
02 September 11Technology
-
Angry Birds tops Appy Awards list
12 April 11Technology
-
Angry Birds switches to consoles
04 January 11Technology
Most popular stories now
shared
-
How religions change their mind
-
'Mr Blobby' house painted in prank
-
Mayor drives car into Tesco store
-
Afghan interpreters to get UK visas
-
Bowie bassist Bolder dies aged 62
read
-
Mayor drives car into Tesco store
-
'Mr Blobby' house painted in prank
-
Wayne Rooney's baby and The K effect
-
Boy, 8, killed in crash with crane
-
Is Fussball coming home?
-
Xbox One: Web reacts to new console
-
2013 cold start may mean fruit boom
-
Fifty-five beaches meet new rules
-
US rescuers comb tornado-hit area
-
Bowie bassist Bolder dies aged 62
