Original Angry Birds Game Removed from Stores Due to Impact on Other Titles

Rovio has made the decision to delist the re-released original Angry Birds game from Android and rebrand the iOS version as Red's First Flight, citing the game's negative impact on the company's broader portfolio of games. The move comes less than a year after the game's re-release in April. The iOS version's name change is likely intended to reduce its visibility in searches for 'Angry Birds.' Unlike other Angry Birds titles from Rovio, this re-release was a paid game priced at $0.99, without microtransactions. Users who have already downloaded the game will retain access to it after delisting. Rovio expressed gratitude to fans who have supported the game and the brand, encouraging them to engage with the company's other live Angry Birds games, such as Angry Birds 2, Angry Birds Friends, and Angry Birds Journey, where the focus is on creating the best experience for players. The community manager provided further insight into the decision, stating that the game's presence was negatively affecting the growth of other titles, which is crucial for the company's overall outlook and ability to develop new games and projects. The original Angry Birds game was first launched in 2009 and was temporarily removed from app stores in 2019. Recently, Rovio announced preliminary discussions to sell the company to potential buyers, following an acquisition interest from Playtika.