A popular puzzle video game called Angry Birds, which has been downloaded millions of times as an iPhone application, is causing a flap in more ways than one in Singapore.
The distinctive cartoon birds from a game originally developed in Finland have now winged their way off the screen to become huggable soft toys coveted by fans all over the world. They are officially due to arrive in Singapore only next month at the big toy stores and are being brought in by Megcorp and Co, the licensed distributor of Angry Birds plush toys in Singapore.
However, some of the coveted soft toy birdies have flown in under the radar already.
The early birds popped up at a SingTel booth at the IT Show 2011 at Suntec Convention Centre recently to the delight of fans. They were obtained from the game's developer, Finnish-based Rovio Mobile, through a supplier in the United States, according to a SingTel spokesman. SingTel was using the soft toys in promotions.
Angry Birds plush toys have also been spotted in several locker consignment shops around the island. It is not known if these Angry Birds from unofficial suppliers are the real deal from Rovio, like SingTel's were, or knock-offs.
They are for sale at Toy Outpost outlets in VivoCity and Jurong Point, as well as at Magic Cube & Novelties in Shaw Towers, retailing from $15.90 to $49.90, which at the higher end is less than the Rovio price on the Internet.
The managers of all three stores declined to reveal their sources under agreement obligations.
A Megcorp spokesman said: 'Of course the company would be concerned about our sales being affected by the plush toys already available, but ultimately it is the customers' choice. They can be assured that Megcorp toys have gone through several rounds of safety tests.'
The birds in the computer game are launched at pigs by players with 'slingshots' using strategic angles with the intention of killing all the pigs. The toys have been sold over the Internet by Rovio since last December at prices ranging from US$11.99 (S$15) to US$59.99, excluding shipping fees. International sales have already crossed the two million mark.
At the SingTel booth at the IT Show, the birdies' knitted brows and piercing gazes caused a stir. The toys produce a sound similar to the squawks made by their screen versions.
Fans of the SingTel Facebook page had the chance to win an Angry Bird toy by trying their hand at the booth's UFO catcher machine.
The first 200 customers daily to purchase an Android phone with a SingTel 3G Flexi plan at the four-day IT Show also received an Angry Bird toy.
On the potential flap over the toy Angry Birds' early arrival, some fans are ruffled while others are just happy the eagle has landed.
Safety assurances and quality are the top concerns of Ms Shirlyn Su, a 30-year-old care coordinator who has a son, one, and daughter, five. She says: 'I don't mind buying cheaper soft toys if they are of reasonable quality, even if they're made in China. Otherwise, I am willing to pay a higher price for safety assurance.'
However, there are already satisfied customers, such as Mr Patrick Choy, a 35-year-old technical consultant. The father of two daughters aged eight and six was spotted by LifeStyle leaving Toy Outpost in VivoCity carrying two Angry Birds plush toys.
'My girls love to play the Angry Birds game on my iPhone,' he says, adding that he plans to give the toys as a birthday present to one of them soon.
Still, there is nothing like the real deal for some fans. Mr Sim Shi Xian, 21, spent around $50 on two plush toys ordered from Rovio.
Mr Sim, a student, says: 'I got them as a Valentine's Day gift for my girlfriend, who also likes the iPhone application a lot. She was really happy with the plush toys.'
evelee@sph.com.sg
By Evelyn Lee
Mar 27, 2011
Lifestyle The Sunday Times
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