The first augmented reality Angry Birds game has been released for the iPhone and iPad.
Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs combines the image seen through a phone’s camera with 3D virtual objects to overlay the levels of the puzzle game onto real-world surroundings.
The game has been developed using Apple’s ARKit technology, a set of tools which enables developers to build games and other apps using augmented reality for smartphones.
Angry Birds is one of the most successful mobile game series ever, having been downloaded more than three billion times across its 10-year history. The series has since expanded into movies, toys and even a theme park in its native Finland.
The puzzle game sees players attempt to knock down towers of green pigs by firing different types of cartoon birds at them from a slingshot. The new AR version of the game enables players to move around the 3D towers and approach each level from different angles and new perspectives, the developers say.
‘Great reaction’
Kati Levoranta, chief executive of the game’s developer Rovio, said: “We’ve received a great reaction following the announcement of Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs.
“Now that the game is available globally, we’re excited to see how fans react once they get their hands on it and experience how seamlessly Angry Birds slingshot gameplay translates to augmented reality.”
Tommy Palm, head of games studio Resolution Games — which helped develop Isle of Pigs, said: “AR creates interactive experiences like no other for gamers within their own environments. And, when you mix the rich character engagements and gameplay dynamics Angry Birds fans have come to love, we think it’s a recipe for an incredible amount of fun, and we can’t wait to see what players think.”
