Angry Birds\' creative officer Ben Mattes gives a glance behind the scenes for the series 15th birthday

Angry Birds: 15 Years of Flight and Future Plans – An Interview with Rovio's Creative Officer

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Angry Birds, a milestone few predicted when the first game launched. From its initial iOS and Android success to merchandise, films, and a significant acquisition by Sega, the franchise has become a global phenomenon, significantly impacting the mobile gaming landscape and boosting Finland's reputation as a mobile game development hub. To celebrate, we spoke with Rovio's Creative Officer, Ben Mattes, to gain insight into the past, present, and future of Angry Birds.

Ben Mattes: Architect of Angry Birds' Continued Success

Ben Mattes, with nearly 24 years in game development (including stints at Gameloft, Ubisoft, and WB Games Montreal), has been at Rovio for almost five years, focusing on Angry Birds as Creative Officer. His role ensures the franchise's coherence, respects its history and characters, and leverages existing and new products to achieve a unified vision for the next 15 years.

The Enduring Appeal of Angry Birds

Mattes describes the creative approach to Angry Birds as accessible yet deep, combining colorful visuals with engaging gameplay and addressing themes like inclusion and diversity. This broad appeal resonates with children and adults alike, leading to memorable partnerships and projects. The challenge now is to honor this legacy while innovating and creating new experiences faithful to the core IP.

The Weight of a Global Icon

Mattes acknowledges the responsibility of working on such a significant franchise. Red, the Angry Birds mascot, is considered by many as the face of mobile gaming, a status that demands careful stewardship. The team strives to create experiences that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers, navigating the challenges of live service games, content platforms, and social media engagement.

Future Directions for Angry Birds

Sega's acquisition highlights the franchise's transmedia potential. Rovio is committed to expanding Angry Birds' reach across various platforms. The upcoming Angry Birds Movie 3 is a major focus, promising a new story and deeper exploration of the world. Collaboration with producer John Cohen ensures a cohesive vision across games, merchandise, and other projects.

The Secret to Angry Birds' Success

Mattes attributes the franchise's success to its broad appeal. It has become more than just a game; it's a collection of experiences and memories for millions of players worldwide. From being a first video game for some to a symbol of the evolving potential of mobile phones for others, Angry Birds has touched countless lives.

A Message to the Fans

Mattes expresses gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support and creativity, emphasizing that their contributions have shaped Angry Birds. The team continues to listen to fan feedback and promises exciting new projects to keep the Angry Birds universe thriving for years to come.