The Rovio logo symbolizes the company’s journey from a small group of enthusiasts to the creator of iconic games. Prioritizing accessibility and engagement, the studio gained popularity through hits that captivated early smartphone users and secured its place in the gaming industry.
Rovio: Brand overview
Rovio’s history began in 2003 when three students from Helsinki University of Technology, Niklas Hed, Jarno Vakevainen, and Kim Dickert, founded Relude. Initially, the team focused on creating mobile games for the Nokia N-Gage platform, exploring various projects as they searched for a niche in the mobile gaming market.
In 2005, the company rebranded as Rovio Mobile. During this time, the team worked on their projects and developed games for major publishers. Over the first few years, they produced 51 games, though none achieved substantial popularity.
In 2009, a pivotal moment arrived. With the launch of the iPhone and the App Store, the development team recognized new opportunities in mobile gaming. That same year, they began creating Angry Birds. After eight months and an investment of over 100,000 euros, the game was released for iOS in December 2009. It quickly gained popularity in Finland and soon expanded to other countries. Its unique gameplay, charming characters, and simple yet engaging mechanics captivated millions of players worldwide.
Angry Birds achieved global success in 2010, becoming the top-ranked app in the App Store in multiple countries. By the end of the year, the app had over 50 million downloads. The company then began actively building the Angry Birds brand, launching products featuring its iconic characters.
In 2011, the organization secured a $42 million investment from Accel Partners and Atomico Ventures. This funding allowed for team expansion and the development of new projects. The same year saw updates for Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds: Seasons.
In 2012, they released Angry Birds Space, introducing a new gravity-based gameplay element. That year, they also launched the animated series Angry Birds Toons and acquired Helsinki-based animation company Kombo to expand their media presence further.
The brand continued to grow in 2013 with the release of new games like Angry Birds Star Wars II and the opening of the first Angry Birds theme park in Finland.
2014 marked a year of diversification for the company. They began releasing games unrelated to the Angry Birds franchise, such as RETRY, and expanded into the entertainment industry by producing content for multiple platforms.
2015, the company faced challenges as revenue declined despite new game releases, leading to restructuring and workforce reductions. However, the company continued developing new projects. In 2016, it released The Angry Birds Movie, a full-length animated film that grossed over $350 million worldwide, strengthening its presence in the entertainment industry.
In 2017, the organization completed its initial public offering (IPO) on the Helsinki Stock Exchange and launched new games, including Angry Birds Evolution and Battle Bay.
In 2018 and 2019, they released The Angry Birds Movie 2 and continued expanding the core franchise while experimenting with new game formats.
In 2020–2021, the company focused on expanding its gaming portfolio, releasing new games and updates for existing titles, and increasing its presence in the ultra-casual gaming market.
In 2022, the firm concentrated on expanding the Angry Birds franchise, launching new mobile game projects, and continuing to support existing games.
By 2023, the company remained focused on growing its gaming portfolio, developing new games, and exploring additional channels for its brand.
From its origins as a small mobile game development studio, the organization has grown into a global entertainment entity. The success of Angry Birds established its worldwide reputation, allowing expansion into consumer products, animation, and theme parks while continuing to create innovative mobile games.
Meaning and History
What is Rovio?
This company started with a simple mobile game, which quickly gained popularity among players worldwide. Its main idea is to create engaging games that appeal to people of all ages. Over time, the project evolved into a full-fledged entertainment universe: characters became fan favorites, and the story expanded beyond mobile devices. Now, the company produces animated films, creates merchandise, develops attractions, and explores new gaming genres. Its games remain accessible and fun, and its characters are beloved heroes for millions of people.
2003 – 2005
The Relude logo combines minimalism and a bright visual accent. Relude symbolizes a new stage and the beginning of the company’s creative path, later known as Rovio.
Blue was the main color associated with innovation and fresh ideas. The Trebuchet MS Regular font emphasizes modernity and ease of perception. The smooth lines of the letters create a concise, technological image.
The letter “R,” inscribed in two triangles, accentuates the graphic element. Geometric fragments convey a sense of moving forward, reflecting progress, and striving for new heights. Clean lines and angles add energy and dynamics to the design.
The word “elude” placed next to the graphic symbol is executed in the same blue color, forming a whole.
The Relude emblem demonstrates how a simple yet expressive design can convey confidence, innovation, and a desire for development.
2005 – 2011
The logo combines minimalism and expressiveness, conveying the company’s character, which has changed its name and style. The word “Rovio,” which means “Bonfire” in Finnish, became the basis of the image, symbolizing energy and development.
At the center of the design is an abstract red shape resembling flames. Sharp and dynamic lines create a sense of movement, emphasizing the activity and boldness with which Rovio Mobile has established itself in the gaming market. The visual image conveys the energy inherent in the company’s projects.
The text is in DIN 1451 font in two versions. The top inscription, “ROVIO,” is typed in Mittelschrift, emphasizing confidence and professionalism. The bottom line, “MOBILE,” is made by a narrow Engschrift, adding lightness and contrast. The simplicity of the font harmonizes with the graphics, creating a balance between dynamics and stability.
The colors are rich red and deep black. Red conveys power, passion, and ambition, while black emphasizes rigor and a serious approach.
The company’s logo and name change from Relude to Rovio Mobile in 2005 was an important milestone in its history. The new design reflects its aspirations and development, maintaining a connection with the projects and their meaning.
2011 – 2016
The Rovio emblem marked a new stage in the company’s development. It has expanded from a mobile game developer to a multimedia company, and the corporate identity update reflected these changes.
The visual appearance remains based on a graphic sign, such as a flame bend or a waving ribbon. The red color conveys energy and dynamics, emphasizing the company’s active development in digital entertainment. He has accompanied the brand throughout its history, maintaining an association with the name “Rovio,” which means “Bonfire” in Finnish.
The text is in DIN 1451 Mittelschrift. The font’s clear lines and geometric precision give the impression of reliability and clarity. The black text visually balances the red symbol. Removing the word “Mobile” emphasizes that the company has expanded its scope to include multimedia projects.
The updated visual identity became a symbol of Rovio’s growth. Its return in 2022 for Rovio Classics: Angry Birds underscores respect for the company’s origins and heritage.
2016 – today
The updated Rovio logo, introduced in 2016, received smooth and modern features. The central symbol, a red uniform resembling flames, has become softer and smoother. The flames convey energy and movement and maintain a connection with the company’s name, translated from Finnish as “fire.” The red color emphasizes strength, passion, and activity.
The font has changed. The new version of the DIN 1451 Mittelschrift is characterized by its rounded shape and proportionality. The red color of the text is organically combined with the graphic symbol, forming a bright and harmonious image.
The logo has become part of Rovio’s visual style across platforms. It was first seen on the icons of the Angry Birds app in 2013 and in the movie Angry Birds in the Movie in 2016. The full transition to the new logo took place on July 1, 2016, along with the update of the Angry Birds games and other company products.
In 2023, Rovio became part of Sega, acquiring the company for €706 million.