Deal marks Rovio's first partnership with a Korean developer.

Rovio has partnered with the Korean game developer and publisher NHN Studio629 to create a new game using the "Angry Birds" IP that will initially target players in Korea and other Asian markets.

“Korea is a major market for us, and we recognize the need for partnering with a great local developer,” says Wilhelm Taht, head of games, Rovio. “The minds at NHN Studio629 are a great fit for us, and we share a similar vision for delighting consumers. The studio’s unique reach into other Asian markets also fits well with our strategy to capitalize on growth in mobile games markets across the region.”

Under the deal, Rovio will provide the "Angry Birds" IP and NHN Studio629 will design, develop, publish and service the game’s live operations in Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Japan. The two companies may then decide to take the partnership global at a later stage, in which case Rovio would publish the game in other markets.

“The partnership with Rovio will provide us the opportunity to jump up to be a global leading game company,” says Hyun-Dong Choi, chief executive officer, NHN Studio629. “We are accelerating the game development, scheduling to launch it during 2016. With a brand-new concept that can distinguish itself from existing 'Angry Birds' titles, we are sure that the game will be enjoyed by players of all ages.”