HELSINKI: Finnish mobile game and animation maker Rovio Entertainment Ltd. said on Wednesday it made a profit in the first half of the year and was planning a sequel to its successful Angry Birds Movie.
Rovio’s adjusted operating profit in the first six months of 2016 was 5.7 million euros ($6.4 million) compared with a loss of 10 million a year earlier. Revenue rose 16 percent to 76.4 million euros on the back of higher game sales.
The figures do not include profits from its 3D Angry birds movie which has earned more than $347 million at the box office worldwide since its release in May, Rovio said.
“We currently have several exciting new games and other projects in development, including new IP, and we have started planning the sequel to The Angry Birds Movie,” Chief Executive Kati Levoranta said in a statement.
Privately-held Rovio financed the first film from its own pocket in a bold bet to revive the ageing Angry Birds brand.
Last year, Rovio cut a third of its staff, hived off non-core businesses, changed CEO and booked an annual loss of 13 million euros.
Angry Birds maker plans movie sequel
Angry Birds maker plans movie sequel
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that probides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
