• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, June 1, 2011

Roku, which allows users to connect the Internet to TVs, is bringing the 'Angry Birds' phenomenon to TV. The company will allow users to play the videogame, as well as watch animated shorts and shop for merchandise.

In addition to the original, 'Angry Birds Seasons' and 'Angry Birds Rio' will also be available for playing in a deal between Roku and game developer Rovio.

The move marks Roku's first initiative in the booming casual games arena, and the company said it plans to make more announcements about casual games being available soon.

"'Angry Birds' is the most popular and fastest-growing casual game, yet is has been trapped on mobile devices," stated Roku CEO Anthony Wood. "We believe there's a huge market for games like these on the TV. Just as we were the first to enable Netflix to stream instantly to the TV, we intend to be the catalyst for transforming the way people play casual games -- starting with 'Angry Birds' -- on the biggest screen in the home."

Rovio CMO Peter Vesterbacka stated the company is "growing 'Angry Birds' into a lasting global entertainment franchise," noting the Roku deal offers a new platform.

'Angry Birds' launched two years ago and has been downloaded 200 million-plus times on a variety of devices.