Angry Birds confirm 2016 release 3D for animated film

The makers of Angry Birds have confirmed that a film version of the game will be released in 2016.

Rovio, who started making the smartphone app in December 2009, say that the movie will be a 3D animation.

John Cohen, who has previously worked on Iron Man, Despicable Me and Ice Age, will produce the Angry Birds film.

"I've personally spent countless hours playing the Angry Birds games over the last few years, which I can now happily justify as research for the movie."

Since its launch three years ago, Angry Birds has been downloaded more than one billion times.

Games developer Rovio has since created a number of spin-offs of the game.

Those include Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Space and Angry Birds Rio.

The most recent addition to the franchise is Angry Birds Star Wars, based on the original trilogy with the birds cast as the rebels and the pigs as the Empire.

Merchandise including cuddly toys, clothing lines and soft drinks has also capitalised on the trend.

Fans can also visit the Angry Birds theme park in Finland or watch the animated series.