Reports are that Rovio Entertainment is partnering with Starbucks. They’re looking to possibly offer virtual goods and feature electronic leader boards in stores.
“It’s tying in the real world with the virtual world,” said Wibe Wagemans, a senior vice president at Rovio. “Retailers get new customers who’ve not been to their stores yet, and repeat customers.”
If there are negotiations, Starbucks isn’t saying. “While we are always looking for great partnerships to better meet the needs of our customers, at this time we have no announcements regarding any work with Rovio Entertainment,” said the Seattle-based company in a statement.
Right now, Angry Birds is available on Google+, but it is believed that a Facebook offering could be coming soon. “I’d definitely predict a big splash,” said Elizabeth Shaw, an analyst at Forrester Research Inc. “It would definitely rev up competition.”
Barnes & Noble has been giving away the $.99 virtual item Might Eagle to all Nook users who come by the store. Tens of thousands have dropped by for the item with 10,000 people spending more than 30 minutes playing at Barnes & Noble locations.
“There are retailers out there who have a lot to gain by increasing the time spent at their location, and increasing the money spent there,” Wagemans said.
Source: Bloomberg
