EN
21 March 2012 - 08:31 AMT

Angry Birds-themed activity parks to be constructed worldwide

Angry Birds-themed activity parks are set to be constructed around the world, BBC reports.

The mobile game's Finnish developer Rovio has paired up with the playground equipment specialist Lappset Group to create and maintain the parks. They will feature interactive content and "exclusive" downloads. The first will be built in Finland this summer, with UK locations to follow.

An unauthorized Angry Birds park opened in China last year, but this marks the first official licensing deal.

The game – in which players use a slingshot to fling outsized birds at pigs hiding in destructible buildings – is the most popular paid-for mobile app of all time.

In addition to the game, the series has spurned a raft of merchandise such as cuddly toys and clothing.

The parks, the creators said, would encourage fans into more physical activity.

"Rovio wanted to invite people who play the game to not only sit inside on the sofa, but to go out, move themselves and have fun," Lappset's marketing director Johan Granholm told the BBC.

"You have large screens where you can play the games in the park. There's a tunnel that you have to ruin though at a certain speed – if you don't get there in time you get sprayed with water." However, Mr Granholm reassured parents: "We don't shoot anything in the park, that's important to say!"

Since its release in 2009, Angry Birds has been downloaded well over 10 million times – even by British Prime Minister David Cameron.