This post is about the mobile game that is sweeping the globe, Angry Birds. I am really excited about this post because…well…I love this game! It is funny, challenging and completely addictive. Besides the game play features, Angry Birds is a great example of how mobile apps are mainstream and how they’re evolving beyond the confines of the smart phone.

First a little history. Here is the background on Angry Birds I found on Wikipedia:

Angry Birds is a puzzle video game developed by Finland-based Rovio Mobile, in which players use a slingshot to launch birds at pigs stationed on or within various structures, with the intent of destroying all the pigs on the field of play. Inspired by a simple sketch of stylized wingless birds, the game was first released for Apple’s iOS in December 2009. Since that time, over 12 million copies of the game have been purchased from Apple’s App Store, which has prompted the company to design versions for other touchscreen-based smartphones, including those using the Android, Maemo, webOS, and the Symbian^3 operating systems. Rovio Mobile has supported Angry Birds with numerous free updates that add additional game content, and the company has even released stand-alone holiday versions of the game.

Source: Wikipedia

Perhaps the most impressive part of Angry Birds’ success is that it transcends mobile. Rovio Mobile has taken Angry Birds from being just an Apple app to different mobile operating systems to personal computers and even gaming consoles.

Whether they’re on posters in gaming stores or they’re making a cameo appearance on international TV shows, these ornery birds and quivering pigs can be found mostly everywhere you look. And they may be coming to a theater near you! Rumor has it that Rovio has been approached with interest from movie studios who are looking at the option of featuring the famed birds and pigs on the big screen.

I think that the dizzying success of Angry Birds is more than just a cool concept that made it big; it is a clear sign that non-traditional media avenues (such as mobile and social media) are not only here to stay, they’re conquering the mainstream. What’s most impressive is that the Angry Birds phenomenon took flight (pardon the pun) with very little advertising or production. Personally, I found out about the game through a recommendation from a friend on Facebook. This points to the viral nature in which the popularity of Angry Birds has grown.

If you have not already played Angry Birds, I recommend you try it. But be warned…once you hurl your first bird at those dumbfounded pigs, it’s very hard to stop.

Check out the Angry Birds cinematic trailer. Now, I gotta go…some pigs are about to get it!

Disclaimer: The pigs to which I am referring are virtual pigs. I would not dare harm a real pig. Please, no hate mail.

Enjoy!