Angry Birds team up with LEGO for new construction toys

Rovio, designers of the popular Angry Birds games, are teaming up with Lego to create a perfect storm of movie, toy, video-game cross-over.

It has partnered with The LEGO Group to develop a line of construction toys. LEGO Angry Birds are to be available in spring 2016 to coincide with the release of The Angry Birds Movie.

Today we see a poster for the upcoming Lego sets featuring Red bird holding an egg, stood on a pile of the iconic studded Lego bricks. While this doesn't give a huge amount away it does indicate a willingness on Lego's part to stray from the usual mini-figure design.

Lego have long proved that bringing in big name franchises to their brick sets has been popular. Star Wars, Scooby Doo, The Simpsons and Jurassic World are this year pushing a lot of plastic bricks at retail.

Lego Angry Birds should also do well provided both Lego and Rovio can get the brands balanced well. The toys need to look like Angry Birds characters to fans of the video-game while also not veering too far from traditional Lego. There is also the third consideration of including themes from the movie.

Talking about the partnership, Pekka Rantala, Chief Executive Officer of Rovio said, "The LEGO brand has an unparalleled ability to connect with people through products that spark creativity and imagination. We're really excited to build experiences together with this amazing best-in-class partner."

Jill Wilfert, Vice President, licensing & entertainment at The LEGO Group added, "We are excited to bring Angry Birds to life in LEGO form, given the popularity of the game and its characters with fans of all ages, which will only be amplified by the forthcoming film.

"We seek partnership with globally relevant properties that offer a unique and rewarding play experience to our fans, and our designers are having fun developing building sets that leverage the engaging play and deconstruction found in the Angry Birds game."

Lego Angry Birds sets are planned for release in 2016.