Hello!

This week’s game is Bad Piggies – the follow-up to Angry Birds.

It stars the Bad Piggies you tried to destroy in Angry Birds – they’re back for revenge! This time around, you’re on the side of the pigs as they try to steal the Angry Birds’ eggs. The game was made by Rovio and was released a few days ago. It went to #1 in 37 countries on the day of release.

How does it work?

Pigs can fly! At least, they can if you build a suitable vehicle for them. The aim of the game is to create a vehicle from a range of parts, and guide it past the finish line to complete the level. Levels are short and, just like Angry Birds, you might need a few attempts before completing the tougher ones. You can earn up to three stars for each level you complete – if your vehicle picks up specific items en route, and makes it to the finish line unscathed, you earn more stars.

How does it make money?

You can play Bad Piggies on iOS or Android. The iOS version is a paid download ($0.99 in the US). There are also in-app purchase options available, such as hiring a mechanic to help build your vehicle when you get stuck on a level. The Android version is free but is monetised with ads.

Why is this game particularly interesting?

This game will help to answer a big question: how valuable is Rovio? They made over $100m in revenue last year, of which 30% came from categories other than games (clothes and toys in particular). Rovio is rumoured to be considering a stock market floatation in 2013 at a valuation of $6bn-9bn. But revenues have slipped in the past few months, and Amazing Alex (cf. Game of the Week #1) has not sustained its fast-growing start. So a lot is riding on the success of Bad Piggies.

Try it yourself, and let me know what you think.

Cheers,

Todd

P.S. Dozens of people now receive the Game of the Week emails. Is there anyone else you know who would be interested in reading them?