Angry Birds comes to Facebook on Valentine's Day

Computerworld - Looking for an interesting Valentine's Day gift? Big fan of Angry Birds?

If so, you're in luck.

In a move that will help Facebook stay on top of its competition with Google+, the social network is adding Angry Birds to its site starting on Feb. 14, according to a blog post from Rovio, the maker of Angry Birds. The move means that one of the world's most popular mobile video games is joining forces with the world's largest social network.

"Nothing says 'Happy Valentine's Day' like competitive pig-popping among friends!" Rovio noted in its blog post.

Facebook is far from new to the world of gaming. The social networking site has gained popularity in the gaming world by offering users popular games like Farmville, YoVille and Mafia Wars.

Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research, said games are inherently social. People like to play with their friends and they like to be able to share their results. Putting games together with social networks is just a natural combination, he said.

"There's always been a social aspect to gaming, and games as a part of social networks," said Gottheil. "Of course, the vendors of both types of products like to capitalize on the synergies. So when a popular game lands on a popular site, that's good for both the game and the site."

Google+ added games to its site in August. Angry Birds was one of the first games made available on Google's social networking site.

In August, Facebook also upped its gaming factor by unveiling a bigger gaming screen and giving players a separate stream to show their high scores,as well as their friends' gaming activity.

Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at @sgaudin, on Google+ or subscribe to Sharon's RSS feed . Her e-mail address is sgaudin@computerworld.com.

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