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Rovio links up with Wonderful Pistachios for branded Angry Birds browser game, The Hunt for the Golden Pistachio

Includes real reward element for US residents

Rovio links up with Wonderful Pistachios for branded Angry Birds browser game, The Hunt for the Golden Pistachio
Rovio's previously played around with branding - most notably with the Fox film tie-in Angry Birds Rio - but it's never done a pure advergame. Until now.

Hooking up with Wonderful Pistachios - a company it's already been involved via an advertising deal in the US - the Finnish developer entertainment brand has come up with what is calls a 'custom, fully integrated, branded game'.

Nutty

Developed in conjunction with Wonderful Pistachios' inhouse agency, it's a browser-based game entitled The Hunt for the Golden Pistachio.

The first two levels open for everyone to play, while the remaining three levels are only accessible by entering a 'Get Crackin' code found on specially marked bags of Wonderful Pistachios, or sharing aspects of the game via Facebook and Twitter.

These levels contain hidden in-game Golden Pistachios that may result in real-life rewards, ranging from free pistachios and Angry Birds plush toys to $25,000 cash. These are only available to US residents over the age of 18.

This element will run until 31 December, after which all five levels will be unlocked for players.

Cracked

"The ubiquitous consumer adoption of Angry Birds and pistachios makes this partnership a natural fit," said Marc Seguin, senior director of marketing, North America for Wonderful Pistachios.

"We're excited to give consumers the snacks they crave with pistachios and feed the frenzy for new Angry Birds content with the launch of this game."

"We're delighted to be working with Wonderful Pistachios," added Peter Vesterbacka, Rovio's CMO. "We think our fans will get a kick out of cracking pistachios and playing their favourite game for the opportunity to win great prizes."

You can check out the game at www.getcrackin.com.



Contributing Editor

A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.