Manila, Philippines — Angry Birds wins the Weibo Annual International Classic IP Honor award at the 2026 Weibo Gala – Weibo Cultural Communication Night at The Venetian Arena in Macao, China on April 15.
Weibo Gala celebrated the 27th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. The annual event celebrated the best in global culture like film, television, and music. The theme “Golden echoes gather fleeting years. Gilded light arises with the tides” celebrated the best and timeless icons in the global industry.
Rovio Entertainment attended the event and wins the prestigious Weibo Annual International Classic IP Honor award. Rovio’s Transmedia VP Hanna Valkeapää-Nokkala received the award on stage with the Weibo Committee.
Hanna expressed her thanks to fans for the decade-long love and support for the title, saying it wouldn’t win such award if not because of them.
We want to thank Weibo for this incredible honor. Over the past 17 years, Angry
Birds has been on an amazing journey spanning multiple beloved games, animations,
and even feature films. None of this would have been possible without our global
fanbase, who have been an irreplaceable part of our flock throughout these shared
adventures. We’re excited to bring more Angry Birds experiences to our community
in China as our games return to the market, followed by the release of the Angry
Birds 3 film.
The award highlighted the brand’s unique ability to connect fans across generations and national borders.
Meanwhile, the Weibo Gala Committee recognized the game’s charm to empower cultures and communication:
A little bird has taken the world by storm; a touch of joy crosses mountains and seas. With its classic image and creative core, Angry Birds has become a world-renowned IP, connecting the world through fun and vitality. Recognized at the 2026 Weibo Gala in Macao, Angry Birds empowers cultural tourism and writes a new chapter in international cultural communication with its boundless charm.
The International Classic IP Honor Award
The award recognizes globally influential intellectual properties that have demonstrated enduring cultural impact and the ability to connect audiences across borders.
The recognition of Angry Birds highlights its continued relevance as a cross-generational entertainment brand and its growing role in cultural exchange.
The Perfect Timing
The brand’s return to mainland China was made possible by a strategic partnership with Kingsoft Shiyou, a subsidiary of Kingsoft Corporation Limited.
As the exclusive publisher and operator for the region, Kingsoft Shiyou leads the front in bringing beloved titles back to the dedicated player base. A special version of Angry Birds 2 will be released and a version of the whimsical bubble-popper Angry Birds Dream Blast will arrive in China thanks to this partnership.
A recent collaboration with Xiaomi featured Angry Birds 2 on the new Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. It sparked over 100,000 activations in its first month alone. It is clear that while the games were away for a time, the passion from the fans never wavered.
Since its debut in 2009, Angry Birds has evolved from a mobile game into a globally recognized entertainment franchise spanning games, animation, licensing, and experiential activations. With its universal themes of humor, creativity, and playful competition, the brand continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Rovio remains committed to expanding Angry Birds as a transmedia IP, strengthening its presence in key markets including China, and exploring new opportunities for cultural collaboration and fan engagement.
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