Rovio is the maker of Angry Birds. They have NOT been acquired.

Chillingo is the publisher of multiple iOS games. They were acquired.

Rovio is most likely worth much more than $20m at this point.

This title isn't exactly accurate - the publisher was bought, not the development studio. Chillingo has published nearly 100 games on the app store.

What's the difference between a 'maker' and a 'publisher'? Anyone else confused?

On a related note, does anyone have any details on the sort of deals Chillingo works out with developers? E.g. how much do you pay them and what do they actually do?

I know they've published a number of top 50 apps, but I'm curious as to what cost.

Earlier I wondered where a multiplayer game like this (I know Worms, it is quite different) is. It would be fantastic round-based time-stealer. Pass the device around or even play by sms or over the net. It does not even have to be realtime. $$$ idea? :-)

Here is the deal:

Rovio is still independent.

They used Chillingo as a publisher and thus they are obligated to pay Chillingo 50% of the profits for Angry Birds.

EA has purchased Chillingo and thus rights to 50% of Angry Birds's future profits.

If other acquisitions are any indication, there will be only one or two Chillingo people remaining at EA in two years.

angry birds shows the importance of branding.

essentially it's a crash the castle type of game which are a dime a dozen...but by branding themselves they managed to get the success they've got

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Anyone else surprised? I'm not being sarcastic. Hasn't Angry Birds already made > $20 million? If not, isn't it close enough?