If Mario, Sonic, and World Wrestling Entertainment all have their own kart-racing games, it was only a matter of time before the grumpy avian of Rovio’s Angry Birds franchise got their chance to race around the track.
Rovio announced today that it will release Angry Birds Go! worldwide Dec. 11. The developer did not specify which platforms it will debut on, but it is a mobile title, so Android and iOS versions are likely. It’s a free download and includes support for the Angry Birds Telepods toys.
The Hasbro-backed Telepods are physical toys that players can zap into certain games. Rovio first started using this technology with the recently released Angry Birds Star Wars II, and it’s continuing this with Go!
In addition to the game and interactive toys, Angry Birds Go! will also see a new lineup of products from Fashion UK and Lemoil, which will produce clothing, accessories, and footwear based on the new Angry Birds title. Rovio is also working with Tigerprint on greeting crads, BIP on novelty candies, Puma subsidiary Brandon on bags and luggage, and more.
“We are thrilled to see so much creativity around our Angry Birds property and can’t wait to welcome these companies onboard as we continue to delight our fans with innovative product lines,” Rovio senior vice president of global consumer products licensing Naz Cuevas said in a statement.
Rovio makes a lot of its cash from merchandise sales and deals, so it’s not a surprise that it is focusing on these aspects when announcing a new title.
The developer released a gameplay trailer that shows off a variety of vehicles, characters, and courses. The title is full 3D, which is a first for an Angry Birds game. Check it out below: