Rovio and Wal-Mart Stores will release a new version of the popular mobile game Angry Birds, hoping to lure fans through the doors and shoppers to the game.
Angry Birds Space, the newest version of the world's most-downloaded mobile game from Rovio Entertainment, will touch down in app stores tomorrow, March 22, and only Walmart customers will be able to access "Golden Eggsteroid" clues that unlock four bonus levels in the game.
Walmart is also offering its Facebook fans the first of four special "golden eggsteroid" clues starting March 22. The remaining clues will be embedded in select limited-edition Angry Birds merchandise available in Walmart stores, including apparel, plush toys, mobile phones, snacks and more. This retail gaming experience launches on Facebook today and moves into more than 3,000 Walmart U.S. stores on March 25.
Wal-Mart's customers can search through Angry Birds Space-themed items - including apparel, mobile phones, plush toys, snacks and more - for hidden game clues that unlock four "golden eggsteroid" bonus levels. The golden eggsteroids may be hidden on pricetags, snack boxes and even on an actual t-shirt design. Examples include:
- Angry Birds Space Fruit Snacks - $2.18
- Angry Birds Space Limited Edition Space Tee - $6.97
- Angry Birds Space 8" Plush Birds - $14.97
"We wanted to give our fans a unique retail extension to Angry Birds Space that rewards them for their eagle eyes," said Peter Vesterbacka, chief marketing officer and Mighty Eagle of Rovio Entertainment.
Additionally, T-Mobile is offering a special Angry Birds promotion in Walmart stores. With the purchase of any T-Mobile Android smartphone paired with a plan, Walmart customers will gain access to an Angry Birds Space portal in the T-Mobile Mall where they can download the new game and find a hint to unlock a hidden golden eggsteroid level. Customers will also be given access to extras like downloadable Angry Birds wallpaper and Angry Birds animated shorts.
Rovio already has a similar agreement with bookseller Barnes & Noble Inc , in whose stores it has dedicated areas where shoppers can buy Angry Birds merchandise and earn game credits.