The initial version of the game was released on iOS in December 2009. In the game, players use a slingshot to launch birds at pigs stationed on or within various structures, with the intent of destroying all the pigs on the playing field. As players advance through the game, new types of birds become available, some with special abilities that can be activated by the player. Rovio Mobile has supported Angry Birds with numerous free updates that add additional game content, and the company has also released stand-alone holiday and promotional versions of the game. There have been free upgrades released by Rovio:
- "Poached Eggs
- "Mighty Hoax"
- "Danger Above"
- "The Big Setup"
- "Ham 'Em High"
- "Mine and Dine"
- "Birdday Party"
- "Bad Piggies"
- "Surf and Turf"
- "Golden Eggs"