For a limited time, Zynga is offering three pieces of added incentive to users who may be willing to purchase City Cash in CityVille. Via a new promotion that appears within the game itself (that's important to note), you'll be able to purchase one of three City Cash bundles, each of which comes with an exclusive decoration as a free bonus prize.
$5 - 40 City Cash and a Sundial (4% added bonus)
$20 - 179 City Cash and a Blue Lighthouse (11% added bonus)
$50 - 465 City Cash and a Bouncy Gator (18% added bonus)
There are a few catches to note with this deal, so meet us behind the break for more. Some things to note with this promotion: You must purchase one of these packages via the in-game advertisement like that above. You'll see a "Free Gift Offer" icon in your game, which will let you know this offer has rolled out to your account, and you will only receive a prize if redeeming via the window above. Game Card redemption does not qualify, nor does any purchase made from the "Add Coins/Cash" tab above the gameplay area. Finally, once you purchase a package, you aren't allowed to purchase the other two, so make your decision as to which bonus item you'd like wisely.
Sure, there are a lot of rules to get around here, but City Cash continues to be one of the cheapest forms of premium currency across all of Zynga's games. Even if you just purchased the $5 bundle, you'd have enough City Cash to purchase a few nice decorations, or even a special business. Just make sure to take advantage of this offer before it goes away, as we don't know if we'll ever see these decorations again.
Will you purchase one of these City Cash packages to receive an exclusive decorative item?
Thứ Năm, 29 tháng 12, 2011
CityVille: Build a Doggie Daycare to pamper man's best friend
A new community building is now available to build in CityVille in the form of a Doggie Daycare. You'll be able to build this building from the game's Build Menu, after purchasing it for 14,000 coins. It adds a boost of 360 citizens to your total population limit, and it's actually a fairly small item, if space is a concern in your city. The building takes up just a 3x3 square area of land.
The frame of the Doggie Daycare takes six whacks to construct (so, six energy in total), and afterwards, you'll need to assemble a crew of staff to work with your loveable pups by recruiting them via individual gift requests. You'll need to have seven staff in total, but remember, Samantha may pop up as two of those positions for you "for free," leaving you to find just the remaining five. You can also fill each position manually by paying 4 City Cash each.
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Will you build a Doggie Daycare in your town in CityVille, or are you more concerned with expanding your city, rather than adding new buildings?
The frame of the Doggie Daycare takes six whacks to construct (so, six energy in total), and afterwards, you'll need to assemble a crew of staff to work with your loveable pups by recruiting them via individual gift requests. You'll need to have seven staff in total, but remember, Samantha may pop up as two of those positions for you "for free," leaving you to find just the remaining five. You can also fill each position manually by paying 4 City Cash each.
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Will you build a Doggie Daycare in your town in CityVille, or are you more concerned with expanding your city, rather than adding new buildings?
Game of the Day: Bouncing Balls
The Game of the Day presents the most popular, simple and addicting game there is. Bouncing Balls: Simple, wonderful and tons of fun. Bouncing Balls is one of the most popular puzzle,action games on the web. Use your mouse to aim and click to shoot your colored ball into groups of three or more of the same color. Clear all of the balls to advance to the next level. That simple, but that amazing. Play for five minutes or play for five hours.
Click --> Play Bouncing Balls
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
Source
Click --> Play Bouncing Balls
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
Source
Mom who played Cafe World while son drowned receives 10 year sentence
Back in January, we brought you the sad story of Shannon Johnson, a mother from Colorado who neglected her 13-month-old baby, leaving him in the tub alone while she played Cafe World and multitasked on Facebook. The baby was found lying sideways with his face under the water and couldn't be saved.
In March, Johnson pleaded guilty to the negligent death of her son. The charge can carry a sentence of up to 12 yeas in prison, but she was sentenced to just 10 years this past Friday. Technically, her crime could have been sentenced in a different manner, allowing her to escape prison time altogether, but according to the Associated Press, authorities turned down this option as to not downplay the serious nature of her crime.
Johnson has also been sentenced to five years of mandatory parole after she is ultimately released.
Do you think Cafe World is to blame for this tragedy? Should the mother have been sentenced to more time?
In March, Johnson pleaded guilty to the negligent death of her son. The charge can carry a sentence of up to 12 yeas in prison, but she was sentenced to just 10 years this past Friday. Technically, her crime could have been sentenced in a different manner, allowing her to escape prison time altogether, but according to the Associated Press, authorities turned down this option as to not downplay the serious nature of her crime.
Johnson has also been sentenced to five years of mandatory parole after she is ultimately released.
Do you think Cafe World is to blame for this tragedy? Should the mother have been sentenced to more time?
Family Village mixes personal genealogy and the Sims in new game coming soon to Facebook
If you've ever wanted to play a game with your great-great-great-great-great grandparents, Family Village, an upcoming city-building game on Facebook, will allow you to do just that. Produced by Funium, Family Village will allow players to actually import their ancestors into a city with gameplay inspired by the Sims.
Your family members will be able to go to work, and interact with each other just like in the real world. As reported by the Salt Lake Tribune, Funium chief executive Jeff Wells says that "the vision of the game is to help people who play it to understand that we are all a part of one great world family."
The game will start players out by building a village, where you can then import your ancestors by creating individual avatars for each family member. Those family members are then allowed to have their own homes, have their own jobs, and buy items based on the timeline in which they lived in the real world. For example, if your great-grandparents are imported into the game, they could be seen driving around the town in a Model T.
As for social mechanics, Family Village will reportedly allowed you to visit other players' villages, and help them build homes or complete other projects together. You'll even be able to exchange real world information and documents about your ancestors, should your friends be interested in learning more about your own family tree. Wells has said that the game accumulates its ancestral information by partnering with various genealogy companies and by using Google.
Wells hopes to have advertising added to the game after its launch this Tuesday, and there will be premium currency available for purchase, such as new clothing or hairstyles for players' avatars. It will be incredibly interesting to see how accurate a game based on the past can ultimately be. With users knowing their own families better than the developer, will these partnering genealogy services be able to accurately represent each player's individual family history? I'll definitely be playing this one, and I'll let you know what I find.
What do you think of Family Village's concept? Would you like to see your ancestors brought to life in a virtual setting on Facebook?
Your family members will be able to go to work, and interact with each other just like in the real world. As reported by the Salt Lake Tribune, Funium chief executive Jeff Wells says that "the vision of the game is to help people who play it to understand that we are all a part of one great world family."
The game will start players out by building a village, where you can then import your ancestors by creating individual avatars for each family member. Those family members are then allowed to have their own homes, have their own jobs, and buy items based on the timeline in which they lived in the real world. For example, if your great-grandparents are imported into the game, they could be seen driving around the town in a Model T.
As for social mechanics, Family Village will reportedly allowed you to visit other players' villages, and help them build homes or complete other projects together. You'll even be able to exchange real world information and documents about your ancestors, should your friends be interested in learning more about your own family tree. Wells has said that the game accumulates its ancestral information by partnering with various genealogy companies and by using Google.
Wells hopes to have advertising added to the game after its launch this Tuesday, and there will be premium currency available for purchase, such as new clothing or hairstyles for players' avatars. It will be incredibly interesting to see how accurate a game based on the past can ultimately be. With users knowing their own families better than the developer, will these partnering genealogy services be able to accurately represent each player's individual family history? I'll definitely be playing this one, and I'll let you know what I find.
What do you think of Family Village's concept? Would you like to see your ancestors brought to life in a virtual setting on Facebook?
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille: Show fewer pop-ups option removes ability to share trees
Last week, Zynga launched the option to allow folks to see less pop-ups in FarmVille. These "show fewer" windows appear after you've repeatedly canceled or "x-ed" out pop-ups to share item to your friends / news feed. While that seems like a perfect system, there's one particular area that has users very concerned due to its execution. The area? Growing Mystery Seedlings into adult trees.
For users such as myself (and the many others who have reported this issue on the FarmVille forums), we received the "show fewer" pop-up while canceling the option to ask for Watering Cans on our feeds. When I'm in a marathon tree-growing session, the last thing I want to do is spam my friends with 30+ news feed posts, all asking for watering cans, especially when I currently have enough of them in my inventory or I wouldn't have started the process in the first place. So, being given the option to skip these pop-ups seems perfect, right? Unfortunately not, as canceling the Watering Can windows also seems to have permanently removed the ability to share any fully grown trees with your friends. Uh oh.
farmville pop ups share trees
For tree collectors, one of the easiest ways (and most fun ways) of expanding your collection is to claim those adult trees grown by your friends. After all, if you chose not to purchase a particular tree from the store for Farm Cash, you can find one, absolutely free, from a friend. But now, these pop-ups have vanished for those users that simply didn't want to spam watering can requests.
As of this writing, Zynga has yet to make an official statement on the matter, but it does raise an interesting question. Have we brought this on ourselves? Or has Zynga's lack of an explanation only made things more confusing and compacted the error? On one hand, we did request to see less pop-ups, but when we allow the show fewer pop-ups stipulation to take hold when dealing with watering cans only, there's nothing logically stating that it should extend to every aspect of the tree growing process. Perhaps Zynga should better layout the ground rules for these "show fewer" windows when they appear, letting us know exactly which windows will vanish, and which we'll still see.
Until then (or until they release a way for us to "undo" our choices), I suppose the best thing would be to avoid these pop-ups when doing anything related to your trees, lest you end up in the same boat as we are - with a group of disappointed friends who can no longer claim your free trees. Yikes!
Have you experienced this issue on your farm, where you wanted to turn off one kind of pop-up, but actually saw the removal of all tree pop-ups?
For users such as myself (and the many others who have reported this issue on the FarmVille forums), we received the "show fewer" pop-up while canceling the option to ask for Watering Cans on our feeds. When I'm in a marathon tree-growing session, the last thing I want to do is spam my friends with 30+ news feed posts, all asking for watering cans, especially when I currently have enough of them in my inventory or I wouldn't have started the process in the first place. So, being given the option to skip these pop-ups seems perfect, right? Unfortunately not, as canceling the Watering Can windows also seems to have permanently removed the ability to share any fully grown trees with your friends. Uh oh.
farmville pop ups share trees
For tree collectors, one of the easiest ways (and most fun ways) of expanding your collection is to claim those adult trees grown by your friends. After all, if you chose not to purchase a particular tree from the store for Farm Cash, you can find one, absolutely free, from a friend. But now, these pop-ups have vanished for those users that simply didn't want to spam watering can requests.
As of this writing, Zynga has yet to make an official statement on the matter, but it does raise an interesting question. Have we brought this on ourselves? Or has Zynga's lack of an explanation only made things more confusing and compacted the error? On one hand, we did request to see less pop-ups, but when we allow the show fewer pop-ups stipulation to take hold when dealing with watering cans only, there's nothing logically stating that it should extend to every aspect of the tree growing process. Perhaps Zynga should better layout the ground rules for these "show fewer" windows when they appear, letting us know exactly which windows will vanish, and which we'll still see.
Until then (or until they release a way for us to "undo" our choices), I suppose the best thing would be to avoid these pop-ups when doing anything related to your trees, lest you end up in the same boat as we are - with a group of disappointed friends who can no longer claim your free trees. Yikes!
Have you experienced this issue on your farm, where you wanted to turn off one kind of pop-up, but actually saw the removal of all tree pop-ups?
CityVille rolling out the red carpet for movie stars and even a movie studio?
Via a sneak peek image posted this afternoon on the official CityVille forums, we've been told that we'll soon be meeting a new, famous face in the game. Movie star Becky Bennett is coming to your town in the near future, and she'll be there to shoot her new movie. We've been told to have our cities ready for their starring roles in Ms. Bennett's new film, but any other details are still scarce.
Could this be as simple as a way to launch a Movie Studio community building in the game? Or, will CityVille truly go Hollywood with quests, decorative items, free gifts and the whole works? Perhaps Zynga will launch a series of sidewalk tiles that resemble the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Or, maybe a CityVille take on Grauman's Chinese Theatre, or even the Hollywood Sign (but with CityVille's letters) are in the works. Of course all of this is pure speculation, but with the wide variety of items already released in the game in the past, we can't put it past the CityVille development team to not make this an experience worth two thumbs up.
What do you think of tonight's Sneak Peek image? Do you think the Hollywood theme will be a small one, with just one or two buildings, or will we be able to decorate our entire towns like Tinsel Town?
Could this be as simple as a way to launch a Movie Studio community building in the game? Or, will CityVille truly go Hollywood with quests, decorative items, free gifts and the whole works? Perhaps Zynga will launch a series of sidewalk tiles that resemble the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Or, maybe a CityVille take on Grauman's Chinese Theatre, or even the Hollywood Sign (but with CityVille's letters) are in the works. Of course all of this is pure speculation, but with the wide variety of items already released in the game in the past, we can't put it past the CityVille development team to not make this an experience worth two thumbs up.
What do you think of tonight's Sneak Peek image? Do you think the Hollywood theme will be a small one, with just one or two buildings, or will we be able to decorate our entire towns like Tinsel Town?
FarmVille American Express Promo: Receive free Instant Grow and send Mystery Gifts to friends
Tonight brought a new cross-promotional activity to FarmVille via Zynga's partnership with American Express. We brought you a sneak peek of this promotion last week, but now that it's launched in full, we can bring you all of the details about how to receive these free goodies for yourself. First, there isn't a farm to visit - you'll simply receive your free blue Windmill when you log into the game. Placing the Windmill on your farm triggers you getting a free use of Instant Grow, which will make all of your crops ready to harvest when you use it. Don't worry - the Instant Grow goes into your Gift Box so you can use it on either farm, at the exact time that you're ready.
Otherwise, can also sent your friends free themed Mystery Gifts via the game's free gifts page. If you happen to be an American Express Membership Rewards member, you can also use this cross-promotion to receive 50% off Zynga Game Cards by using your reward points to purchase them. Personally, I don't know if that's what I'd spend my hard-earned points on, but the option is there all the same.
What do you think of this American Express cross-promotion in FarmVille? Will you redeem your American Express rewards points for a discount on Zynga Game Cards?
Otherwise, can also sent your friends free themed Mystery Gifts via the game's free gifts page. If you happen to be an American Express Membership Rewards member, you can also use this cross-promotion to receive 50% off Zynga Game Cards by using your reward points to purchase them. Personally, I don't know if that's what I'd spend my hard-earned points on, but the option is there all the same.
What do you think of this American Express cross-promotion in FarmVille? Will you redeem your American Express rewards points for a discount on Zynga Game Cards?
FarmVille Sheep Breeding: Chameleon Ram offered as free gift to Ewe owners
...And the saga of Sheep Breeding in FarmVille continues. Via a blog post on the official FarmVille blog, Zynga confirmed that they have updated the Chameleon "color" on the Chameleon Ewe (which was removed from the market last week because it simply wasn't working the way it should - that is, the color-changing ability wasn't passed on) to work exactly as a pattern does. This means that the inheritance rate of the color-changing ability is now much higher than before.
But, since the Chameleon Ewe wasn't working properly (and the team still doesn't know whether or not they'll re-release it), they've decided to help players that purchased one jump back into the swing of things by offering them a free Chameleon Ram. As the color-changing ability now works as a pattern does, they've released a Ram that has that "pattern" allowing you to (hopefully) start breeding color-changing Lambs, rather than just those that are entirely white. If you didn't purchase a Ewe, the Ram itself can be purchased from the market for 20 Farm Cash, but only for the next two weeks.
Does this ultimately fix all of the problems being seen with Sheep Breeding? No, not really. Until they return the pattern inheritance rate to that of the 80-100% successes we saw at the beginning of the feature's launch, I don't think it will ever really be the same. But, I suppose, at least they're trying.
What do you think of this update to the Chameleon color/pattern? Will you be one of the lucky farmers that receives the free Chameleon Ram?
But, since the Chameleon Ewe wasn't working properly (and the team still doesn't know whether or not they'll re-release it), they've decided to help players that purchased one jump back into the swing of things by offering them a free Chameleon Ram. As the color-changing ability now works as a pattern does, they've released a Ram that has that "pattern" allowing you to (hopefully) start breeding color-changing Lambs, rather than just those that are entirely white. If you didn't purchase a Ewe, the Ram itself can be purchased from the market for 20 Farm Cash, but only for the next two weeks.
Does this ultimately fix all of the problems being seen with Sheep Breeding? No, not really. Until they return the pattern inheritance rate to that of the 80-100% successes we saw at the beginning of the feature's launch, I don't think it will ever really be the same. But, I suppose, at least they're trying.
What do you think of this update to the Chameleon color/pattern? Will you be one of the lucky farmers that receives the free Chameleon Ram?
Grand Theft Auto clone Crime City inspires investors to flash the cash
Yup, crime pays. For years we've watched Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto video game franchise blow up the charts (and rake in the cash), and now we might see its Facebook knock-offs follow the same trajectory. Well, one of them at least. Crime City, a very GTA-like game that has been on Facebook for under a year, has secured 7.5 million monthly players and, according to AppData, that doesn't seem to be dropping off anytime soon.
Now, Crime City creator Funzio has secured a cool $20 million dollars from investors, with plans to grow its crew (headed up by social gaming vets from Zynga and hi5) and to, hopefully, build more games that, much like its mafia-inspired hit, will continue to show that social games don't inherently need to involve farming, pets or other cute and cuddly themes. What can I say -- I like my farming games as must as the next person, but definitely don't mind a little larceny on the side.
Now, Crime City creator Funzio has secured a cool $20 million dollars from investors, with plans to grow its crew (headed up by social gaming vets from Zynga and hi5) and to, hopefully, build more games that, much like its mafia-inspired hit, will continue to show that social games don't inherently need to involve farming, pets or other cute and cuddly themes. What can I say -- I like my farming games as must as the next person, but definitely don't mind a little larceny on the side.
Chủ Nhật, 25 tháng 12, 2011
'Nintendo is not interested' in Facebook, mobile games, president says
Whelp, there goes our dream of a Pokemon game on Facebook. In a lengthy interview with All Things Digital, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said that the company is simply not interested in joining the social or mobile games space. Iwata alluded to the company's disinterest during its GDC 2011 keynote address, but he has effectively buried any possibility of Nintendo entering either market entirely. His argument? Maintaining the perceived value of software.
My point is about how we can keep the public's perception of the software. If we are going to destroy the value of the game software - once we have done so, it's a difficult job to recover from that situation. Yes, it is true. There are great examples of advertising and doing the micro-transactions, and several companies who have come up with that kind of system. But on the other hand, if you ask me, is this the system that can be sustained for the long time? I don't know the answer. And, my point is that I'm not willing to go that direction, as well.
Nintendo's focus has always been focused on selling hardware and games that play to the strengths of it. But increasing pressure from Facebook and mobile megaliths like Zynga and EA has caused the company to vocalize its confidence in its current strategy and denounce the allure of social and smartphone gaming. However, Iwata realizes that Nintendo's competitors are willing (and already have gone) to go in that direction, and that it must create new business models to adapt. The question is, however, how does one compete with "free?"
My point is about how we can keep the public's perception of the software. If we are going to destroy the value of the game software - once we have done so, it's a difficult job to recover from that situation. Yes, it is true. There are great examples of advertising and doing the micro-transactions, and several companies who have come up with that kind of system. But on the other hand, if you ask me, is this the system that can be sustained for the long time? I don't know the answer. And, my point is that I'm not willing to go that direction, as well.
Nintendo's focus has always been focused on selling hardware and games that play to the strengths of it. But increasing pressure from Facebook and mobile megaliths like Zynga and EA has caused the company to vocalize its confidence in its current strategy and denounce the allure of social and smartphone gaming. However, Iwata realizes that Nintendo's competitors are willing (and already have gone) to go in that direction, and that it must create new business models to adapt. The question is, however, how does one compete with "free?"
Zynga's CityVille Hometown on iOS: A small town for small screens
While the lot of us has been hankering for some CityVille on the go, it would be almost a chore to manage a mobile metropolis. And with Zynga's newest mobile game, CityVille Hometown, it's clear that developer Zynga Mobile has achieved telepathy. The company's brand new, bite-sized version of its runaway city-building hit will be available worldwide as early as this week. And here's the clincher: it's the first Zynga Mobile game to launch in five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian and German. But that's far from what might make CityVille Hometown your go-to game on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
The game tightens its focus on a small town, and it's laundry list of characters (most of which you'll have a hand in creating). Players will first be greeted by Bert and his grandmother, Gilda, who will show them the ropes of creating and managing a bustling small town. This includes building new businesses, sprucing up the place and, most importantly, getting to know its citizens. As you continue providing your inhabitants with more places to live, work, shop and hang out, you will learn more about their stories.
Gallery: CityVille Hometown
It sounds like CityVille Hometown plays a lot like its Facebook predecessor, and you'd be right in saying that. However, this game is not like FarmVille for iOS in that it's not an extension of the Facebook game. This is a brand new, stand-alone game--for now, as Zynga Mobile GM Justin Cinicolo hinted at to us today. Though, CityVille Hometown incorporates your existing CityVille friends to exchange resources, Energy and other gifts with. And while the game appears to take place in another locale than the city you're used to overseeing, Cinicolo told us that some CityVille favorites might make some cameos in Hometown in the future.
CityVille Hometown
CityVille Hometown will be a 100 percent free game to download and play, and Zynga will support it the old-fashioned way through micro-transactions like Energy and other items. The game will be available to play on devices that supports iOS 3.2 and above, and it will launch first on the Canadian Apple App Store with a global release to come later. We know you want to play the game now (expect a full preview when the game launches), but let these first images hold you over until then.
The game tightens its focus on a small town, and it's laundry list of characters (most of which you'll have a hand in creating). Players will first be greeted by Bert and his grandmother, Gilda, who will show them the ropes of creating and managing a bustling small town. This includes building new businesses, sprucing up the place and, most importantly, getting to know its citizens. As you continue providing your inhabitants with more places to live, work, shop and hang out, you will learn more about their stories.
Gallery: CityVille Hometown
It sounds like CityVille Hometown plays a lot like its Facebook predecessor, and you'd be right in saying that. However, this game is not like FarmVille for iOS in that it's not an extension of the Facebook game. This is a brand new, stand-alone game--for now, as Zynga Mobile GM Justin Cinicolo hinted at to us today. Though, CityVille Hometown incorporates your existing CityVille friends to exchange resources, Energy and other gifts with. And while the game appears to take place in another locale than the city you're used to overseeing, Cinicolo told us that some CityVille favorites might make some cameos in Hometown in the future.
CityVille Hometown
CityVille Hometown will be a 100 percent free game to download and play, and Zynga will support it the old-fashioned way through micro-transactions like Energy and other items. The game will be available to play on devices that supports iOS 3.2 and above, and it will launch first on the Canadian Apple App Store with a global release to come later. We know you want to play the game now (expect a full preview when the game launches), but let these first images hold you over until then.
CityVille killer? Zynga's Empires & Allies rockets to 23 million players
For all intents and purposes, it's crazy town at Zynga HQ right now. Empires & Allies, the studio's newest Facebook game, has reached over 23 million monthly players in just over two weeks since June 1, according to AppData. Actually, we're getting an overwhelming feeling of déjà vu in the office--oh yeah, CityVille enjoyed the same insane growth in almost exactly the same time frame.
In December of last year, the city-builder soared to 22 million players in less than two weeks. And we all know what happened afterward: The game continued to reign in players until it peaked at 101 million this January. (CityVille now enjoys a healthy chunk of that with over 90 million players.)
With the way Empires & Allies is going, this new strategy combat game could enjoy the same success as CityVille, if not eclipse it considering its potential hardcore appeal. In fact, the game has already accumulated nearly half of its predecessor's daily players with 7.7 million, though it's too early to tell whether that number will sustain over time. It's already clear that Zynga has struck gold yet again, as E&A has eclipsed several of the company's offerings that have been around for some time including FrontierVille, Mafia Wars and Cafe World. E&A could even be the second game to surpass FarmVille. Now isn't that a scary thought?
So, how did Zynga do it? Well, with promotions in FarmVille and CityVille regarding Empires & Allies, it's no surprise that the game has gotten this far. Not to mention that the game already is featured in RewardVille and above every Zynga game out there via the bar that sits above each of them. However, what we think is truly going to hook more gamers is its target demographic--those 90 million plus CityVille fans.
Much of the game is quite similar it is to its predecessor, softening the barrier to entry that the game's combat might present. Either way, with two new mobile games in Hanging with Friends and CityVille Hometown, and now another mega hit Zynga just might be able to afford that vacation to Mars for its staff. Oops, did we ruin the surprise?
In December of last year, the city-builder soared to 22 million players in less than two weeks. And we all know what happened afterward: The game continued to reign in players until it peaked at 101 million this January. (CityVille now enjoys a healthy chunk of that with over 90 million players.)
With the way Empires & Allies is going, this new strategy combat game could enjoy the same success as CityVille, if not eclipse it considering its potential hardcore appeal. In fact, the game has already accumulated nearly half of its predecessor's daily players with 7.7 million, though it's too early to tell whether that number will sustain over time. It's already clear that Zynga has struck gold yet again, as E&A has eclipsed several of the company's offerings that have been around for some time including FrontierVille, Mafia Wars and Cafe World. E&A could even be the second game to surpass FarmVille. Now isn't that a scary thought?
So, how did Zynga do it? Well, with promotions in FarmVille and CityVille regarding Empires & Allies, it's no surprise that the game has gotten this far. Not to mention that the game already is featured in RewardVille and above every Zynga game out there via the bar that sits above each of them. However, what we think is truly going to hook more gamers is its target demographic--those 90 million plus CityVille fans.
Much of the game is quite similar it is to its predecessor, softening the barrier to entry that the game's combat might present. Either way, with two new mobile games in Hanging with Friends and CityVille Hometown, and now another mega hit Zynga just might be able to afford that vacation to Mars for its staff. Oops, did we ruin the surprise?
FarmVille: Changes coming to Craftshop recipes; crafting now easier for all
While being able to craft fuel tanks, building materials and even decorations in FarmVille's Craftshops is a novel (and even appreciated) ability, there are few farmers that would argue against the fact that these recipes simply cost too many bushels to create. Apparently, Zynga has been listening to our cries, as they have announced a set of changes that will be coming to the system in the near future.
Over on the game's forums, FarmVille Community Manager Grimwell has posted that following:
Bricks, Boards, Nails, Lucky Penny, Postcard
Will now require a total of 3 bushels.
The time to craft these items will be reduced to six hours.
Baby Bottles, Love Potions
Bushel requirements for both items will mirror the cost that was required to make Love Potions in the Pub.
Bottle crafting time will be reduced to six hours.
Love Potions crafting time will be reduced to twelve hours.
Fuel Tanks
The time to craft Fuel Tanks will be reduced to six hours.
Pine Fence 1 & 2
Bushel requirements for both fences will be reduced to twelve bushels total.
Crafting time for the fences will be reduced to twelve hours.
Modern Table
Bushel requirements for this decoration will be reduced to twenty bushels total.
As you can see, these changes may have not completely eliminated the issues here (as the Modern Table, for instance, still requires 20 bushels), but one particular change will definitely have many users excited, as we now won't have to wait as long, or spend as many bushels to craft Pine Fencing, required for one of the second round of Craftshop Goals. It will be interesting to see if these changes are enough to pacify users, or if they only make the remaining problems worse. You can be sure we'll let you know either way.
Over on the game's forums, FarmVille Community Manager Grimwell has posted that following:
Bricks, Boards, Nails, Lucky Penny, Postcard
Will now require a total of 3 bushels.
The time to craft these items will be reduced to six hours.
Baby Bottles, Love Potions
Bushel requirements for both items will mirror the cost that was required to make Love Potions in the Pub.
Bottle crafting time will be reduced to six hours.
Love Potions crafting time will be reduced to twelve hours.
Fuel Tanks
The time to craft Fuel Tanks will be reduced to six hours.
Pine Fence 1 & 2
Bushel requirements for both fences will be reduced to twelve bushels total.
Crafting time for the fences will be reduced to twelve hours.
Modern Table
Bushel requirements for this decoration will be reduced to twenty bushels total.
As you can see, these changes may have not completely eliminated the issues here (as the Modern Table, for instance, still requires 20 bushels), but one particular change will definitely have many users excited, as we now won't have to wait as long, or spend as many bushels to craft Pine Fencing, required for one of the second round of Craftshop Goals. It will be interesting to see if these changes are enough to pacify users, or if they only make the remaining problems worse. You can be sure we'll let you know either way.
FarmVille Birthday Gift available for free for one day only
Sure, we've seen limited-time-only free gifts released in FarmVille before, but not usually like this. To help celebrate the game's second birthday, Zynga has launched the Birthday Gift box on the game's free gifts page. This present works just as any other Mystery Box, in that the prize you'll receive will be a complete surprise.
Well, ok, perhaps not a complete surprise, because of course we've gone through the trouble of sending and receiving enough of these gifts to last us until FarmVille's third birthday and can tell you what's inside:
Balloon Sign
Party Duck
Arjuna Tree
Fertilize All
Ossabaw Pig
As of right now, the Balloon Sign is the only brand new item to come from this Birthday Gift, but it seems like the rate of receiving one is fairly high, so you shouldn't be stuck with too many "worthless" items if that's all you want.
If more items are added to this Mystery Birthday Gift, we'll make sure to let you know, but either way, you'll need to be fast in sending them to your friends - they'll only be available for a day.
Well, ok, perhaps not a complete surprise, because of course we've gone through the trouble of sending and receiving enough of these gifts to last us until FarmVille's third birthday and can tell you what's inside:
Balloon Sign
Party Duck
Arjuna Tree
Fertilize All
Ossabaw Pig
As of right now, the Balloon Sign is the only brand new item to come from this Birthday Gift, but it seems like the rate of receiving one is fairly high, so you shouldn't be stuck with too many "worthless" items if that's all you want.
If more items are added to this Mystery Birthday Gift, we'll make sure to let you know, but either way, you'll need to be fast in sending them to your friends - they'll only be available for a day.
Thứ Năm, 22 tháng 12, 2011
Buy FrontierVille Horseshoes, score some sweet gifts for a limited time
Is there really any other way to present virtual goods these days other than with more free virtual goods? Zynga obviously hasn't found that alternative yet, so it presses on with FrontierVille offers for Horseshoes that come with enticing little items.
When players purchase certain amounts of Horseshoes, Zynga will reward their generosity with things like Food, Boosts and even gobs of XP for the heavy-handed folks. Here are all three offers:
40 Horseshoes ($5 value) -- 2 extra Meals
180 Horseshoes ($20 value) -- 30 Animal Ready Boosts and 1 Beef Jerky
1,050 Horseshoes ($100 value) -- Mystery Animal, Boosts and a Book of Experience
In our "expert" opinion, we'd say that the $20 option is the biggest steal. (Well, aside from its price.) Considering Beef Jerky, which costs 27 Horseshoes alone, comes in the bundle and XP can be gained any time, you're best bet is to drop 20 clams. That is, if you're willing to drop any clams, really.
FrontierVille Horseshoes offers
[Source and Image Credit: FrontierVille Info]
Have you taken advantage of this offer yet? What would it take to get you to buy a virtual item or currency?
When players purchase certain amounts of Horseshoes, Zynga will reward their generosity with things like Food, Boosts and even gobs of XP for the heavy-handed folks. Here are all three offers:
40 Horseshoes ($5 value) -- 2 extra Meals
180 Horseshoes ($20 value) -- 30 Animal Ready Boosts and 1 Beef Jerky
1,050 Horseshoes ($100 value) -- Mystery Animal, Boosts and a Book of Experience
In our "expert" opinion, we'd say that the $20 option is the biggest steal. (Well, aside from its price.) Considering Beef Jerky, which costs 27 Horseshoes alone, comes in the bundle and XP can be gained any time, you're best bet is to drop 20 clams. That is, if you're willing to drop any clams, really.
FrontierVille Horseshoes offers
[Source and Image Credit: FrontierVille Info]
Have you taken advantage of this offer yet? What would it take to get you to buy a virtual item or currency?
DeNA enlists Mega Man, Sonic creators to make social games
It looks like Japan is using some American moves in its bout with the US for control of the social gaming market. DeNA has announced, according to Andriasang, its Super Creators program. This new program has enlisted the help of legendary Japanese game designers to create social games for release through the company's Ngmoco-ran platform, Mobage. The news was announced at a press conference covered by Japanese outlet 4gamer.net, and here are all five creators, according to Andriasang's translation:
Keiji Inafune: Comcept. The former Capcom development head is producing an app called J.J. Rockets. The nature of the game hasn't been revealed, but Inafune suggested it will be an action game.
Suda 51: Grasshopper Manufacture. He'll be releasing something based off No More Heroes.
Yuji Naka: Prope. The creator Sonic and Nights said that he hopes to release a game that uses positional information and has growth and adventure elements.
Yoshifumi Hashimoto: Marvelous Entertainment. He'll be releasing a game based off Harvest Moon. The game will link up with weather and seasonal information and will allow for communication with friends.
Noritaka Funamizu: Crafts & Meister. He'll be working on a brand called "Nama-ge."
Some of these names might be familiar with fans of hits hardcore franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog. However, all you need to know is that Japanese companies are beginning to mirror American companies that have attracted traditional veteran designers into social games. (Though, their approach is far more ... forced.) Designers like Ultima creator Richard Garriott with Portalarium, John Romero--one of two men behind Doom--ready to launch a second social game with Loot Drop, and Brian Reynolds, who joined Zynga last year to release FrontierVille.
The power players are turning into dream teams, so I say we settle this on the court--purely because of the humor in middle-aged coders and designers playing professional sports. Whether these games will eventually come to the US has not been announced, but since DeNA aims to expand into the US at some point, it is a possibility.
Do you think DeNA has a competitive advantage now, with five Super Creators on its side? How will this effect the growing rivalry between US and Japanese social game companies?
Keiji Inafune: Comcept. The former Capcom development head is producing an app called J.J. Rockets. The nature of the game hasn't been revealed, but Inafune suggested it will be an action game.
Suda 51: Grasshopper Manufacture. He'll be releasing something based off No More Heroes.
Yuji Naka: Prope. The creator Sonic and Nights said that he hopes to release a game that uses positional information and has growth and adventure elements.
Yoshifumi Hashimoto: Marvelous Entertainment. He'll be releasing a game based off Harvest Moon. The game will link up with weather and seasonal information and will allow for communication with friends.
Noritaka Funamizu: Crafts & Meister. He'll be working on a brand called "Nama-ge."
Some of these names might be familiar with fans of hits hardcore franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog. However, all you need to know is that Japanese companies are beginning to mirror American companies that have attracted traditional veteran designers into social games. (Though, their approach is far more ... forced.) Designers like Ultima creator Richard Garriott with Portalarium, John Romero--one of two men behind Doom--ready to launch a second social game with Loot Drop, and Brian Reynolds, who joined Zynga last year to release FrontierVille.
The power players are turning into dream teams, so I say we settle this on the court--purely because of the humor in middle-aged coders and designers playing professional sports. Whether these games will eventually come to the US has not been announced, but since DeNA aims to expand into the US at some point, it is a possibility.
Do you think DeNA has a competitive advantage now, with five Super Creators on its side? How will this effect the growing rivalry between US and Japanese social game companies?
Zynga plots to change CityVille expansions for better or worse [Rumor]
A nasty rumor, at that. Well, at least for folks who have strong feelings for Expansions in CityVille. According to CityVille Info, Zynga plans on changing the way Expansions are handled in the game. The website seems to quote in-game text that reads, "The Government has passed new laws on expansions. Check it out now!" However, the source of the quote remains unknown, as does its intent.
The provided image seems to be what might appear to players who come across the feature, whenever or if it does release. At the moment, Expansions are items in the Build menu that cost 20,000 Coins and Zoning Permits that players request from friends. So, whatever this change, I guess we can expect at least something in that formula to change. We would recommend buying Expansions beforehand, but what if this new method turns out to be cheaper? Sit tight on this one to see if changes are even made.
[Image Credit: CityVille Info]
Do you think Expansions in CityVille need a change? If so, how do you think Zynga should change them?
The provided image seems to be what might appear to players who come across the feature, whenever or if it does release. At the moment, Expansions are items in the Build menu that cost 20,000 Coins and Zoning Permits that players request from friends. So, whatever this change, I guess we can expect at least something in that formula to change. We would recommend buying Expansions beforehand, but what if this new method turns out to be cheaper? Sit tight on this one to see if changes are even made.
[Image Credit: CityVille Info]
Do you think Expansions in CityVille need a change? If so, how do you think Zynga should change them?
Microsoft shelters new social game developers in Windows Azure
Microsoft wants to be part of the social gaming phenomenon one way or another. (For now, that appears to be without buying a company like CrowdStar.) The ubiquitous tech company has launched the Windows Azure Toolkit for Social Games, a special set of free tools for social game developers to host their games from Windows' cloud storage solution, akin to Amazon's similar service.
And while big companies like Zynga use the latter, Microsoft thinks it can attract new developers with its solution. ITProPortal reports that the company announced its new product at the Casual Connect event in San Francisco recently, and that it will provide tools for developers that other services do not offer.
While Amazon offers simply a place to put your game data, Microsoft wants to help game creators with built-in methods for tracking achievements and scores as well as payment integration over Facebook Credits. And, more importantly, Microsoft claims that its Azure servers can handle an influx of players, which is vitally important in the early days of a game's release.
The free set of tools launched with Tankster, an HTML5-based social game housed on Windows Azure. It was created by Grant Skinner, an established casual and social game designer. With the big "M" in the game, perhaps the time for indie games on Facebook isn't over.
Do you think Microsoft has found its place in the world of social gaming? Will new or indie developers be attracted to this new service?
And while big companies like Zynga use the latter, Microsoft thinks it can attract new developers with its solution. ITProPortal reports that the company announced its new product at the Casual Connect event in San Francisco recently, and that it will provide tools for developers that other services do not offer.
While Amazon offers simply a place to put your game data, Microsoft wants to help game creators with built-in methods for tracking achievements and scores as well as payment integration over Facebook Credits. And, more importantly, Microsoft claims that its Azure servers can handle an influx of players, which is vitally important in the early days of a game's release.
The free set of tools launched with Tankster, an HTML5-based social game housed on Windows Azure. It was created by Grant Skinner, an established casual and social game designer. With the big "M" in the game, perhaps the time for indie games on Facebook isn't over.
Do you think Microsoft has found its place in the world of social gaming? Will new or indie developers be attracted to this new service?
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Ado084's lakeside retreat
Last week we featured two new maze farms here on the FarmVille Pic of the Day. Be sure to check those out here and here if you haven't already. Otherwise we're moving on to bigger and better things, namely, Ado084's impressive lakefront farm.farmville desktop background
I always go on about two types of farm art: abstract and landscape. This scenic FarmVille design certainly falls under the latter. With snow-capped peaks, a quaint town nestled into the mountains, a magnificent lake, an evergreen forest, and floating hot air balloons; this farm is all about beautiful vistas. In fact, Ado084's farm reminds me of an old desktop background I had (pictured at right). You have to admit, it does look strikingly similar.
Also, make sure to note Ado084's extensive mastery sign and gnome collection. Combined with this breathtaking farm, I can say that Ado084 definitely deserves a spot among our FarmVille featured farms.
What do you think of Ado084's lakeside retreat?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
I always go on about two types of farm art: abstract and landscape. This scenic FarmVille design certainly falls under the latter. With snow-capped peaks, a quaint town nestled into the mountains, a magnificent lake, an evergreen forest, and floating hot air balloons; this farm is all about beautiful vistas. In fact, Ado084's farm reminds me of an old desktop background I had (pictured at right). You have to admit, it does look strikingly similar.
Also, make sure to note Ado084's extensive mastery sign and gnome collection. Combined with this breathtaking farm, I can say that Ado084 definitely deserves a spot among our FarmVille featured farms.
What do you think of Ado084's lakeside retreat?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Unicorn Parade on Facebook: Magical adventures vs monotonous farming
Today, Facebook games need to be more than your run-of-the-mill FarmVille to succeed. You can't just put out a game about farmers and expect to make it big, but you can still include the option. In fact, almost every game out there does, including Unicorn Parade by Ohai. Created long before reportedly being bought by video game giant EA, Unicorn Parade goes a route much similar to games like Ravenwood Fair and Glitch, but with far more lighthearted vibes and elements from both games.
While planting and harvesting cacti that produce money is a bore no matter how you slice it, it's the game's adventure elements that are so compelling.That's because curating your own island space serves one purpose, theoretically: To keep your animals happy and energized enough to go on adventures.
Unicorn Parade thrusts players into a land where ordinary animals must find the last remaining Unicorns across Forestland. However, you must keep them fed by planting trees and crops that produce Energy-bearing foods--and the types of food that grow off the trees in Forestland are expectantly insane like the Bacon Tree.
Gallery: Unicorn Parade on Facebook
Players must decorate the space to keep their growing colony of animals happy. The amount of animals you can buy and raise increases as you unlock more areas to explore, but more on that later. Each animal has a set of base statistics--Speed, Luck and Strength--that influence their performance during adventures. Players can increase those stats through performing specific tasks on adventures, like searching to increase Luck. And one important thing to remember is that the only limitation on your play time it seems is how much Energy each of your animals has. (Players don't have an overarching Energy meter.) This means that the more animals you have, the more exploring you can do daily.
There are quests both at home and abroad, but out in the wild is where this game becomes more than just another kooky farming game. Players choose an animal and click on the field to make it move across the map. Each area can be explored based on a percentage, and you must explore at least 60 percent of a territory to move on. To see what needs to be done in order to successfully explore an area, the game provides a number of goals such as "Search 8 Rocks." Each time a player searches something to either to fulfill an exploration requirement or a quest from a fellow forest animal, it consumes one Energy.
Unicorn Parade in Action
It's hard to explain why turning over rocks and interacting mildly with other characters is fun. Perhaps it's the relaxing, unobtrusive background tunes. Or maybe it's the glaring, chuckle-worthy humor dripping from every quest. The adorable, seemingly hand-drawn visuals don't hurt, either. The game adds a level of personalization in allowing players to name their own animals, but also keeps true to genre tropes like item collections for in-game rewards and items that cost Facebook Credits. (Players can also visit their friends' islands--about as far as social features seem to go.) In other words, there is no reason why you shouldn't try Unicorn Parade on Facebook--just stick around for a few levels after the tutorial.
Click here to play Unicorn Parade on Facebook >
Have you tried Unicorn Parade yet? Do you think the game does enough to escape the farming simulator trap? Should Facebook games focus even more on adventure?
While planting and harvesting cacti that produce money is a bore no matter how you slice it, it's the game's adventure elements that are so compelling.That's because curating your own island space serves one purpose, theoretically: To keep your animals happy and energized enough to go on adventures.
Unicorn Parade thrusts players into a land where ordinary animals must find the last remaining Unicorns across Forestland. However, you must keep them fed by planting trees and crops that produce Energy-bearing foods--and the types of food that grow off the trees in Forestland are expectantly insane like the Bacon Tree.
Gallery: Unicorn Parade on Facebook
Players must decorate the space to keep their growing colony of animals happy. The amount of animals you can buy and raise increases as you unlock more areas to explore, but more on that later. Each animal has a set of base statistics--Speed, Luck and Strength--that influence their performance during adventures. Players can increase those stats through performing specific tasks on adventures, like searching to increase Luck. And one important thing to remember is that the only limitation on your play time it seems is how much Energy each of your animals has. (Players don't have an overarching Energy meter.) This means that the more animals you have, the more exploring you can do daily.
There are quests both at home and abroad, but out in the wild is where this game becomes more than just another kooky farming game. Players choose an animal and click on the field to make it move across the map. Each area can be explored based on a percentage, and you must explore at least 60 percent of a territory to move on. To see what needs to be done in order to successfully explore an area, the game provides a number of goals such as "Search 8 Rocks." Each time a player searches something to either to fulfill an exploration requirement or a quest from a fellow forest animal, it consumes one Energy.
Unicorn Parade in Action
It's hard to explain why turning over rocks and interacting mildly with other characters is fun. Perhaps it's the relaxing, unobtrusive background tunes. Or maybe it's the glaring, chuckle-worthy humor dripping from every quest. The adorable, seemingly hand-drawn visuals don't hurt, either. The game adds a level of personalization in allowing players to name their own animals, but also keeps true to genre tropes like item collections for in-game rewards and items that cost Facebook Credits. (Players can also visit their friends' islands--about as far as social features seem to go.) In other words, there is no reason why you shouldn't try Unicorn Parade on Facebook--just stick around for a few levels after the tutorial.
Click here to play Unicorn Parade on Facebook >
Have you tried Unicorn Parade yet? Do you think the game does enough to escape the farming simulator trap? Should Facebook games focus even more on adventure?
Thứ Sáu, 16 tháng 12, 2011
Capital One gets in Zynga's wallet with FarmVille, CityVille, Pioneer Trail
Capital One asks Zynga once again, "What's in your wallet?" To which the developer replies, "Why, FarmVille, CityVille and Pioneer Trail, of course!" Mashable reports that the national financial services firm has teamed up with Zynga again for three brand new in-game branding promotions involving Capital One's infamous goat character. Well, two outta three, at least.
Granted, keep in mind that these promotions are slowly rolling out to players, as I've yet to see most of them in my games. Starting with none other than FarmVille, Capital One returns (remember the Visigoths?) with its beloved goat to the game as a breedable animal, which comes just in time for the slew of Breeding Pens in the game.
CityVille, on the other hand, simply features a Capital One-branded Bank for players to use, and opening it offers players a bonus decoration as well as additional Coins, Energy and other resources. Pioneer Trail has its very own set of Goals to help the goat-on-arrival find his lost band mates, which ultimately reward players with a Capital One goat of their own.
This is the second time Capital One has worked with Zynga this year in a branding promotion, and it comes hot off of the heels of a Best Buy promotion conducted through CityVille. And this will be far from the last branded promotion to be featured in a Zynga game. (If anything, the work of Ecko|Code speaks to its popularity.)
The San Francisco-based (but global) developer is joining forces with Lucasfilm to bring Indiana Jones into Adventure World, Zynga Boston's debut Facebook game. Considering the game has been retitled, "Adventure World: An Indiana Jones Game," it could be the first Zynga game built entirely around a brand. So yes, branded Facebook games are here to stay.
Are you psyched for these upcoming in-game promotions across the company's three most recognizable Facebook games? What do you think of the movement toward branding in Facebook games overall?
Granted, keep in mind that these promotions are slowly rolling out to players, as I've yet to see most of them in my games. Starting with none other than FarmVille, Capital One returns (remember the Visigoths?) with its beloved goat to the game as a breedable animal, which comes just in time for the slew of Breeding Pens in the game.
CityVille, on the other hand, simply features a Capital One-branded Bank for players to use, and opening it offers players a bonus decoration as well as additional Coins, Energy and other resources. Pioneer Trail has its very own set of Goals to help the goat-on-arrival find his lost band mates, which ultimately reward players with a Capital One goat of their own.
This is the second time Capital One has worked with Zynga this year in a branding promotion, and it comes hot off of the heels of a Best Buy promotion conducted through CityVille. And this will be far from the last branded promotion to be featured in a Zynga game. (If anything, the work of Ecko|Code speaks to its popularity.)
The San Francisco-based (but global) developer is joining forces with Lucasfilm to bring Indiana Jones into Adventure World, Zynga Boston's debut Facebook game. Considering the game has been retitled, "Adventure World: An Indiana Jones Game," it could be the first Zynga game built entirely around a brand. So yes, branded Facebook games are here to stay.
Are you psyched for these upcoming in-game promotions across the company's three most recognizable Facebook games? What do you think of the movement toward branding in Facebook games overall?
MapleStory Adventures hits over 3M players, new classes coming soon
You'd think an astronomical divorce rate would scare players away, but nay. Nexon announced today that its first crack at Facebook games, MapleStory Adventures, has touched the chibi-loving hearts of over 3.2 million monthly players. While this number pales in comparison to the 100 million players that have jumped into the original game, it's impressive considering.
But not necessarily surprising. First of all, have you ever met a MapleStory fan ... or should I say fanatic? Second, the "click things and cute things happen" approach could certainly keep players hooked. Now that the Facebook version has roped in a few million, we imagine the Korean studio looks to bring its 414,000 daily players, according to AppData, up closer to six digits.
And what do you know, the company just announced that new classes are coming to MapleStory Adventures to give players more variety to work with than merely "Magician" and "Warrior." (Admittedly, classes are a bit lean at the moment.) While Nexon didn't reveal any specifics, we hope the new classes somehow involve adorable dragons ... somehow.
In addition to the recently-introduced Sky Scraper area, Nexon plans to add multi-character slots, personal spaces that players can customize and to localize MapleStory Adventures in Spanish, French, German, Chinese and more. In short, this is Nexon's way of saying: Stay tuned, because there is plenty more to come. We guess some 400,000 of you have no issue with that.
Have you been playing MapleStory Adventures on Facebook? What do you think of the game so far, and what classes do you hope Nexon adds to the game?
But not necessarily surprising. First of all, have you ever met a MapleStory fan ... or should I say fanatic? Second, the "click things and cute things happen" approach could certainly keep players hooked. Now that the Facebook version has roped in a few million, we imagine the Korean studio looks to bring its 414,000 daily players, according to AppData, up closer to six digits.
And what do you know, the company just announced that new classes are coming to MapleStory Adventures to give players more variety to work with than merely "Magician" and "Warrior." (Admittedly, classes are a bit lean at the moment.) While Nexon didn't reveal any specifics, we hope the new classes somehow involve adorable dragons ... somehow.
In addition to the recently-introduced Sky Scraper area, Nexon plans to add multi-character slots, personal spaces that players can customize and to localize MapleStory Adventures in Spanish, French, German, Chinese and more. In short, this is Nexon's way of saying: Stay tuned, because there is plenty more to come. We guess some 400,000 of you have no issue with that.
Have you been playing MapleStory Adventures on Facebook? What do you think of the game so far, and what classes do you hope Nexon adds to the game?
New study finds Facebook games might do the economy good
The Facebook Economy
The success of Facebook gaming goes beyond Facebook. Based on an economic impact study released today (courtesy of the University of Maryland), Facebook games, applications, and social plugins (e.g. "Like" buttons, fan pages, Facebook Connect, etc.) are responsible for adding somewhere from 182,744 to 235,644 full-time jobs, and $12.19 billion to $15.71 billion into the US economy.
Seeing that the Facebook platform has only been around since May 2007, the growth has been tremendous. The study cites Zynga as an example as the most successful venture on the Facebook platform, primarily thanks to hits like FarmVille, Mafia Wars, and Words With Friends. Zynga itself has 2,000 employees with the company valued at $15 to $20 billion. Whereas, Playfish was bought by EA for $300 million, and Playdom was bought by Disney for $763.2 million.
The study, created by professors of the Center for Digital Innovation, Technology, and Strategy at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, moves on from counting the numbers of direct employment to uncovering jobs indirectly created by Facebook apps. It then estimates the economic value of all those jobs, which means analyzing salaries and benefits. Still skeptical? They're calling it the "Facebook App Economy" and you can read all about it here.
[Image Credit: Visual Economics]
[Via SFGate]
Do you still think that Facebook games are a waste of money? Do you know anyone who's been able to make a living thanks to Facebook games?
The success of Facebook gaming goes beyond Facebook. Based on an economic impact study released today (courtesy of the University of Maryland), Facebook games, applications, and social plugins (e.g. "Like" buttons, fan pages, Facebook Connect, etc.) are responsible for adding somewhere from 182,744 to 235,644 full-time jobs, and $12.19 billion to $15.71 billion into the US economy.
Seeing that the Facebook platform has only been around since May 2007, the growth has been tremendous. The study cites Zynga as an example as the most successful venture on the Facebook platform, primarily thanks to hits like FarmVille, Mafia Wars, and Words With Friends. Zynga itself has 2,000 employees with the company valued at $15 to $20 billion. Whereas, Playfish was bought by EA for $300 million, and Playdom was bought by Disney for $763.2 million.
The study, created by professors of the Center for Digital Innovation, Technology, and Strategy at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, moves on from counting the numbers of direct employment to uncovering jobs indirectly created by Facebook apps. It then estimates the economic value of all those jobs, which means analyzing salaries and benefits. Still skeptical? They're calling it the "Facebook App Economy" and you can read all about it here.
[Image Credit: Visual Economics]
[Via SFGate]
Do you still think that Facebook games are a waste of money? Do you know anyone who's been able to make a living thanks to Facebook games?
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Take a bite out of Deanna2u's BLT burger farm
Is it farm art or food art? Is it a burger or a BLT sandwich? Either way, it looks delicious! Today, we put aside landscapes and abstract pieces to go for still-life with hay bales, because I can't remember a time where a FarmVille farm managed to induce as much drooling as Deanna2u's simple, perfect creation.
Deanna2u chose bold bright colors on a black outline and a blue field, layering the bun's insides with what looks like cheese, ham (or an ultra rare cooked patty), lettuce and tomatoes. Is it just me or do the tomatoes actually look like they're smiling?
What other objects would look delicious on a farm? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Deanna2u chose bold bright colors on a black outline and a blue field, layering the bun's insides with what looks like cheese, ham (or an ultra rare cooked patty), lettuce and tomatoes. Is it just me or do the tomatoes actually look like they're smiling?
What other objects would look delicious on a farm? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Adventure World Cheats and Tips: A Tool Upgrades Guide
There may not be another Zynga game in which Energy is more important than in Adventure World. Every switch thrown, every puzzle solved and beastie whacked costs you the Facebook game juice. Players often find themselves without Energy minutes into an Expedition. But this isn't the time for whining--it's time to show you the value of upgrading your Tools and how to do it.
Tools: The Game Changer
If you noticed, each piece of debris and monster has a life bar, and normally take multiple hits with your Whip or Machete to whittle down. This, of course, quickly becomes a waste in later Expeditions purely due to the amount of obstacles in your path. But increasing the amount of damage your various Tools inflict against said baddies could considerably reduce the Energy spend in-game.
For instance, say a Snake has three hit points and is Level 5. Since monsters can hit back in this game, it could take three to five Energy before an enemy goes down. Now, imagine if you had upgraded your Whip to Level 2. Offing that Snake would take just two to four Energy with a beefier Whip. The same situation applies to Tools like the Machete.
Adventure World Tool Shop inside
And Now For Your How-To
Adventure World Tool Shop outsideUpgrading your Tools in Adventure World is simple. All you need to do is head back to Base Camp from an Expedition, and look for a makeshift hut that should already be in place in your headquarters. When you click on the Tool Shop, a window will appear featuring all the Tools you've found thus far on your journeys. Click on the Tool you wish to upgrade.
Once you click on a Tool to upgrade, you'll notice that each Tool costs Coins to upgrade. That's it--no asking friends to help you out with materials or farming certain crops for special items. Just the goods you find during your travels in search of El Dorado. However, Coins are actually quite rare in this game, so you'll need to save and spend wisely.
When you have enough Coins for an upgrade, just click on the appropriate icon to pay up. Tool upgrades are also level-locked, meaning you must reach a certain level for most Tools before being able to upgrade them using Coins. If you're feeling impatient, you could always unlock access to those higher level Tools early using Adventure Cash.
Just One Small Catch...
However, some Tool upgrades do require an extra boost: your Tool Shop. Yes, the building itself can be upgraded, too. And this time, you will need items from your friends. (Just think of how things work in CityVille.) Luckily, you only have to do this about twice to unlock access to all of the game's Tools. Then, it's back onto leveling up to access new upgrades for Coins.
Adventure World Tool Shop Upgrade
Upgraded Tools are hands-down the way to go, if you want to save precious Energy for the good stuff, that is. You know, exploring ... uncovering the secrets of El Dorado? That kind of stuff. Your wallet might thank us later.
Click here to find all of our Adventure World Tips in one spot >
[Source: Zynga]
Have you upgraded your Tools in Adventure World yet? What other Energy-saving tips might you have for your fellow adventurers?
Tools: The Game Changer
If you noticed, each piece of debris and monster has a life bar, and normally take multiple hits with your Whip or Machete to whittle down. This, of course, quickly becomes a waste in later Expeditions purely due to the amount of obstacles in your path. But increasing the amount of damage your various Tools inflict against said baddies could considerably reduce the Energy spend in-game.
For instance, say a Snake has three hit points and is Level 5. Since monsters can hit back in this game, it could take three to five Energy before an enemy goes down. Now, imagine if you had upgraded your Whip to Level 2. Offing that Snake would take just two to four Energy with a beefier Whip. The same situation applies to Tools like the Machete.
Adventure World Tool Shop inside
And Now For Your How-To
Adventure World Tool Shop outsideUpgrading your Tools in Adventure World is simple. All you need to do is head back to Base Camp from an Expedition, and look for a makeshift hut that should already be in place in your headquarters. When you click on the Tool Shop, a window will appear featuring all the Tools you've found thus far on your journeys. Click on the Tool you wish to upgrade.
Once you click on a Tool to upgrade, you'll notice that each Tool costs Coins to upgrade. That's it--no asking friends to help you out with materials or farming certain crops for special items. Just the goods you find during your travels in search of El Dorado. However, Coins are actually quite rare in this game, so you'll need to save and spend wisely.
When you have enough Coins for an upgrade, just click on the appropriate icon to pay up. Tool upgrades are also level-locked, meaning you must reach a certain level for most Tools before being able to upgrade them using Coins. If you're feeling impatient, you could always unlock access to those higher level Tools early using Adventure Cash.
Just One Small Catch...
However, some Tool upgrades do require an extra boost: your Tool Shop. Yes, the building itself can be upgraded, too. And this time, you will need items from your friends. (Just think of how things work in CityVille.) Luckily, you only have to do this about twice to unlock access to all of the game's Tools. Then, it's back onto leveling up to access new upgrades for Coins.
Adventure World Tool Shop Upgrade
Upgraded Tools are hands-down the way to go, if you want to save precious Energy for the good stuff, that is. You know, exploring ... uncovering the secrets of El Dorado? That kind of stuff. Your wallet might thank us later.
Click here to find all of our Adventure World Tips in one spot >
[Source: Zynga]
Have you upgraded your Tools in Adventure World yet? What other Energy-saving tips might you have for your fellow adventurers?
Thứ Tư, 14 tháng 12, 2011
Zynga gets real, aims for third place among EA, Activision Blizzard
Zynga sure talked a big game earlier this summer with an estimated valuation of anywhere between $11.5 and $20 billion, but perhaps it spoke too soon. According to its most recent S-1 filing with the US Security and Exchanges Commission (SEC), Zynga now expects to value at between $5.9 and $7 billion when it goes public on the Nasdaq as early as Dec. 12. However, the company looks to initially raise a bit more than it previously expected: $1.15 billion when it debuts under the ticker "ZNGA".
The company still expects to price its shares between $8.50 and $10, with 699.4 million total shares. While the company does plan to raise more than previously reported, this brings the FarmVille maker back down to reality somewhat. The four-year-old company originally expected to be worth more than even Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard's $14 billion and EA's $7 billion. But with a projected valuation--the expected total worth of a company based on several factors--starting at $5.9 billion, neither will happen.
Zynga lowered the valuation due to poor market conditions, according to Inside Social Games. It appears that the company's IPO roadshow is already underway, as Zynga has posted a 30-minute video detailing the entire presentation. Within the presentation, Zynga focused on its growth in the mobile arena, with 11.1 million daily players across iOS and Android, among other things. Check it out right here.
The company still expects to price its shares between $8.50 and $10, with 699.4 million total shares. While the company does plan to raise more than previously reported, this brings the FarmVille maker back down to reality somewhat. The four-year-old company originally expected to be worth more than even Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard's $14 billion and EA's $7 billion. But with a projected valuation--the expected total worth of a company based on several factors--starting at $5.9 billion, neither will happen.
Zynga lowered the valuation due to poor market conditions, according to Inside Social Games. It appears that the company's IPO roadshow is already underway, as Zynga has posted a 30-minute video detailing the entire presentation. Within the presentation, Zynga focused on its growth in the mobile arena, with 11.1 million daily players across iOS and Android, among other things. Check it out right here.
Final Fantasy Brigade arrives on mobile (in Japan) this month
Back in October, Square Enix and DeNA announced that a social Final Fantasy game was in the works, but revealed few details. At a press conference in Tokyo today, the duo announced that the game, called Final Fantasy Brigade, will go into closed beta in mid-December and will launch to the public in late December on the Mobage social gaming platform in Japan.
In Final Fantasy Brigade, each player will take command of an airship and explore "the Final Fantasy universe," by joining up with friends to complete quests and earn experience points. The game will be very Final Fantasy in nature, and will include things like magic crystals, monsters and special abilities. You will also be able to go head-to-head against friends, and see who has the one airship posse to rule them all.
Final Fantasy Brigade: Will it be a hit or a flop? Sound off in the comments below.
In Final Fantasy Brigade, each player will take command of an airship and explore "the Final Fantasy universe," by joining up with friends to complete quests and earn experience points. The game will be very Final Fantasy in nature, and will include things like magic crystals, monsters and special abilities. You will also be able to go head-to-head against friends, and see who has the one airship posse to rule them all.
Final Fantasy Brigade: Will it be a hit or a flop? Sound off in the comments below.
Bug Village is the third game on Google+ that isn't on Facebook
And if you even try to say Sudoku Puzzles counts, we're no longer friends. Glu Mobile has announced that its iOS and Android village-builder Bug Village has hit Google+, and it's the first of many to hit Google's social games platform in the coming months. Bug Village is essentially CityVille, but with insects rather than humans: Players decorate and manage a colony of bugs.
And that's about all you need to know, as upon first attempt at loading Bug Village, this writer's entire computer choked up. It looks like Glu Mobile and developer Mandreel have some ... bugs to work out. (Hey, you lob 'em, and we'll go for the fences.) Regardless, the publisher appears bullish on Google+ as a viable social games platform.
"Glu is committed to Google and connecting with gamers around the world in new ways. Google+ has already demonstrated momentum as an intuitive social platform," Glu Mobile CEO Niccolo de Masi said in a release. "We are excited to offer Bug Village on Google+ and look forward to introducing additional titles."
When the game finally does load, you'll likely be impressed by its 3D graphics and fun animations. (Though, we're not sure system-locking load sessions are worth that.) And the above screen is what you'll be looking at for the next hour, if you don't want to pay up. A gut reaction, sure, but having to wait an hour before for something to finish immediately upon starting the game is not the best first-time player experience.
Bug Village in action
Google+ seems to have had trouble gaining steam with its games platform, but has recently garnered support from successful social game developers including Digital Chocolate, Vostu and Spry Fox. However, it's going to take a lot more than simply more games, if Google wants to compete on Facebook's level in the games space.
Click here to play Bug Village on Google+ Now (if you want) >
Have you tried Bug Village on your mobile devices before? What do you think Google+ needs to really compete with Facebook in games?
And that's about all you need to know, as upon first attempt at loading Bug Village, this writer's entire computer choked up. It looks like Glu Mobile and developer Mandreel have some ... bugs to work out. (Hey, you lob 'em, and we'll go for the fences.) Regardless, the publisher appears bullish on Google+ as a viable social games platform.
"Glu is committed to Google and connecting with gamers around the world in new ways. Google+ has already demonstrated momentum as an intuitive social platform," Glu Mobile CEO Niccolo de Masi said in a release. "We are excited to offer Bug Village on Google+ and look forward to introducing additional titles."
When the game finally does load, you'll likely be impressed by its 3D graphics and fun animations. (Though, we're not sure system-locking load sessions are worth that.) And the above screen is what you'll be looking at for the next hour, if you don't want to pay up. A gut reaction, sure, but having to wait an hour before for something to finish immediately upon starting the game is not the best first-time player experience.
Bug Village in action
Google+ seems to have had trouble gaining steam with its games platform, but has recently garnered support from successful social game developers including Digital Chocolate, Vostu and Spry Fox. However, it's going to take a lot more than simply more games, if Google wants to compete on Facebook's level in the games space.
Click here to play Bug Village on Google+ Now (if you want) >
Have you tried Bug Village on your mobile devices before? What do you think Google+ needs to really compete with Facebook in games?
Zynga has more people working on new games than existing ones
So, that's what happened to Mafia Wars 2, eh? Let's not jump ahead of ourselves, but that's what Zynga COO John Schappert is telling potential investors as the company begins its IPO (initial public offering) road show. The company posted a video of the same presentation it is putting on for investors across the country--all 30 minutes of 51 mind-numbingly boring slides.
But there are some juicy bits to the talk provided by Zynga CEO Mark Pincus, Schappert and CFO David Wehner. (The video, which you can find here, is worth watching to see Mark Pincus talking to a teleprompter alone.) For one, five of the FarmVille maker's top executives come from second place competitor EA. And that doesn't even include former EA CCO Bing Gordon, who now serves on the social game giant's board.
After Pincus talked up his company's top games, Schappert took the stage and revealed that Zynga's games are only about one-quarter finished before they launch. This may be common knowledge to some players (ahem, FarmVille's beta period), but to hear that releasing technically unfinished games is part of the developer's core strategy is nevertheless surprising.
Later, Schappert dropped this bomb: The company has more people working on new games than existing ones. In other words, the developer has more staff focusing on games like CastleVille and upcoming games like Zynga Casino and Hidden Chronicles than, say, FarmVille and Mafia Wars and Zynga Poker.
Zynga execs
Granted, the company has nearly 3,000 employees, but it's odd to hear that the company is more worried about its new games than it is the games that have historically made it the most money--$1.5 billion in revenue in the past four years, to be exact. With games like Pioneer Trail and Mafia Wars 2 in decline, it makes one wonder exactly where the line between "new game" and "existing game" is drawn within Zynga.
Do you think this is where Zynga should be focusing the majority of its attention? Could this be the reason why games like Pioneer Trail are suffering?
But there are some juicy bits to the talk provided by Zynga CEO Mark Pincus, Schappert and CFO David Wehner. (The video, which you can find here, is worth watching to see Mark Pincus talking to a teleprompter alone.) For one, five of the FarmVille maker's top executives come from second place competitor EA. And that doesn't even include former EA CCO Bing Gordon, who now serves on the social game giant's board.
After Pincus talked up his company's top games, Schappert took the stage and revealed that Zynga's games are only about one-quarter finished before they launch. This may be common knowledge to some players (ahem, FarmVille's beta period), but to hear that releasing technically unfinished games is part of the developer's core strategy is nevertheless surprising.
Later, Schappert dropped this bomb: The company has more people working on new games than existing ones. In other words, the developer has more staff focusing on games like CastleVille and upcoming games like Zynga Casino and Hidden Chronicles than, say, FarmVille and Mafia Wars and Zynga Poker.
Zynga execs
Granted, the company has nearly 3,000 employees, but it's odd to hear that the company is more worried about its new games than it is the games that have historically made it the most money--$1.5 billion in revenue in the past four years, to be exact. With games like Pioneer Trail and Mafia Wars 2 in decline, it makes one wonder exactly where the line between "new game" and "existing game" is drawn within Zynga.
Do you think this is where Zynga should be focusing the majority of its attention? Could this be the reason why games like Pioneer Trail are suffering?
Sims Medieval for iPhone: Now available for the low price of free
It's time get Medieval, Sims-style, and, today, you can do it for free. The Sims Medieval for iPhone lets you create a virtual hero and then take on a series of medieval era quests, like dueling or... wizardry! The game normally costs $4.99 and until midnight (EST) tonight, you can snag it for free. As in nada, zilch, zip.
This deal is the first of many EA Mobile's new Daily Deals program, which kicks off today through January 2, and iOS and Android games will be offered for free or at a steep discount. Deals change daily and run from 9 a.m. PST 12 p.m. EST, and you can check EA's Daily Deals site, well, daily to see what other deep discounts await.
In addition to this Sims game aimed at renaissance fair regulars, the driving game Shift 2 Unleashed for iPhone and iPad are also free today. Battlefield Bad Company 2 for iPad is 50% off and NBA Jam for iPad is 60% off. It's not a bad way to build your mobile phone gaming library without breaking the bank.
This deal is the first of many EA Mobile's new Daily Deals program, which kicks off today through January 2, and iOS and Android games will be offered for free or at a steep discount. Deals change daily and run from 9 a.m. PST 12 p.m. EST, and you can check EA's Daily Deals site, well, daily to see what other deep discounts await.
In addition to this Sims game aimed at renaissance fair regulars, the driving game Shift 2 Unleashed for iPhone and iPad are also free today. Battlefield Bad Company 2 for iPad is 50% off and NBA Jam for iPad is 60% off. It's not a bad way to build your mobile phone gaming library without breaking the bank.
Watch your back, Nintendo: GREE doesn't want just a piece of your pie
The Japan-based mobile social games company wants all of it. That's essentially what the company's founder and CEO, Yoshikazu Tanaka, told TechCrunch during its Disrupt event in Tokyo recently. The GREE chief told TechCrunch that most of the company's revenue comes from its Japanese audience, but that it hopes to follow Nintendo's example in creating a massive global audience.
But Tanaka isn't happy with just following Nintendo, he looks to displace the veteran games maker. He told the news outlet that he wouldn't surprised to see GREE's revenue in the West jump to four to five times of what it is in Asian within the next five years. "We definitely feel positive, and our goal is to make sure our brand is just as successful, if not better than Nintendo."
Nintendo is infamous for its unwillingness to enter the mobile games market through iOS or Android. While the company does plan to release an iOS version of its eShop (the downloadable games store on the 3DS), it simply refuses to create games for mobile phones. This is despite numerous studies suggesting otherwise and even investors clamoring for Nintendo games on iPhone.
Nintendo did, however, manage to sell more 3DS consoles in its first eight months on the market than the original DS system sold in one year. Perhaps there's still interest in a handheld device dedicated to gaming, but you could also chalk these immense sales up to the devices' price cut over the summer and a terribly strong Black Friday. Regardless, the mobile gaming world is after Nintendo, which leaves us wondering whether its stern strategy can withstand the onslaught.
But Tanaka isn't happy with just following Nintendo, he looks to displace the veteran games maker. He told the news outlet that he wouldn't surprised to see GREE's revenue in the West jump to four to five times of what it is in Asian within the next five years. "We definitely feel positive, and our goal is to make sure our brand is just as successful, if not better than Nintendo."
Nintendo is infamous for its unwillingness to enter the mobile games market through iOS or Android. While the company does plan to release an iOS version of its eShop (the downloadable games store on the 3DS), it simply refuses to create games for mobile phones. This is despite numerous studies suggesting otherwise and even investors clamoring for Nintendo games on iPhone.
Nintendo did, however, manage to sell more 3DS consoles in its first eight months on the market than the original DS system sold in one year. Perhaps there's still interest in a handheld device dedicated to gaming, but you could also chalk these immense sales up to the devices' price cut over the summer and a terribly strong Black Friday. Regardless, the mobile gaming world is after Nintendo, which leaves us wondering whether its stern strategy can withstand the onslaught.
Facebook gaming's fat cats will only get fatter, unfortunately
Companies like Zynga and EA (with the help of Playfish and PopCap) have long dominated the Facebook game scene. Sadly, it looks like that's not going to change anytime soon, according to a report released by Lazard Capital Markets. Basically, the report comes to the conclusion that, because they've already achieved critical mass, Zynga and EA will continue to rule Facebook games.
The report is based on meetings with six privately-held social game makers, including CrowdStar, Digital Chocolate, Funzio, HeyZap, IGG, and Tapjoy, according to All Facebook. "We acknowledge that toughening competition on Facebook could constrain margins and is generally negative for the space; however," the report reads, "we believe that rising user acquisition costs could be relatively positive for companies like Zynga and Electronic Arts that have already built large user bases on Facebook and disproportionately benefit from network effect and, therefore, may have an advantage over the newer companies in the space."
In other words, Zynga and EA will always competitive advantage over even relatively large companies like CrowdStar simply due to the fact that these companies already have created massive internal networks of players. This is exactly why no other company could release a game that amasses 5 million players in six days like CastleVille. The smaller developers' response?
Look elsewhere, basically. But when the majority of social gamers hang out on Facebook, where else is there to look? It's quite the predicament that the industry faces, especially considering the implications it could have as far as creativity is concerned on the platform. Developers will continue to create games that attempt to emulate Zynga and EA's wild success, and the copycat syndrome will persist. If the indie's time on Facebook is over, then all the hope we have for successful games that test the limits of the genre is for the players to grow tired of 'Ville after 'Ville.
The report is based on meetings with six privately-held social game makers, including CrowdStar, Digital Chocolate, Funzio, HeyZap, IGG, and Tapjoy, according to All Facebook. "We acknowledge that toughening competition on Facebook could constrain margins and is generally negative for the space; however," the report reads, "we believe that rising user acquisition costs could be relatively positive for companies like Zynga and Electronic Arts that have already built large user bases on Facebook and disproportionately benefit from network effect and, therefore, may have an advantage over the newer companies in the space."
In other words, Zynga and EA will always competitive advantage over even relatively large companies like CrowdStar simply due to the fact that these companies already have created massive internal networks of players. This is exactly why no other company could release a game that amasses 5 million players in six days like CastleVille. The smaller developers' response?
Look elsewhere, basically. But when the majority of social gamers hang out on Facebook, where else is there to look? It's quite the predicament that the industry faces, especially considering the implications it could have as far as creativity is concerned on the platform. Developers will continue to create games that attempt to emulate Zynga and EA's wild success, and the copycat syndrome will persist. If the indie's time on Facebook is over, then all the hope we have for successful games that test the limits of the genre is for the players to grow tired of 'Ville after 'Ville.
Microsoft wants the Xbox 360 to be the only box underneath your TV
If you have an Xbox 360 in the house--and based on Black Friday, chances are you do--Microsoft wants that light shining a green glow for a long as possible. The imminent update to the Xbox 360 Dashboard (coming Dec. 6) will add more social and more entertainment options than you can shake a stick at, and no, we're not just talking faster ways to get to the shooting or stabbing.
We're talking more reasons to keep the system on even when the Call of Duty fan in the house needs a break. Sometime in December, the Xbox 360 will get a YouTube app that allows users to view all the cat videos they can take in one sitting. The console will also, soon after the update, gain access to content available on Comcast's Xfinity On Demand and 26 live cable channels through Verizon FiOS TV, though we imagine they're for subscribers only. (Prove us wrong, folks?)
Xbox 360 Verizon FiOS TV
"We think you're going to use one device for movies, music and games in the future," GM of Xbox Live entertainment and advertising Ross Honey told VentureBeat. "We want to make the content accessible and enhance the actual experience. We think you will will want to watch it on Xbox as it is more social and more personal."
According to Microsoft, Xbox 360 users are watching two hours worth of video content daily on the console, and the company wants that figure to increase. In addition to an updated Hulu Plus, the Xbox 360 will allows users to watch ESPN and Epix on their consoles starting tomorrow. Later on in December, users will score access to Crackle, Dailymotion, iHeartRadio, MSNBC.com, UFC , TMZ and more. And that's on top of social features like Beacons. Better put that family Xbox somewhere with lots--and we mean lots--of air flow.
Will you end up using your family's Xbox 360 more when these entertainment features hit? Could you ever unplug from cable providers and rely on something like the Xbox for all entertainment?
We're talking more reasons to keep the system on even when the Call of Duty fan in the house needs a break. Sometime in December, the Xbox 360 will get a YouTube app that allows users to view all the cat videos they can take in one sitting. The console will also, soon after the update, gain access to content available on Comcast's Xfinity On Demand and 26 live cable channels through Verizon FiOS TV, though we imagine they're for subscribers only. (Prove us wrong, folks?)
Xbox 360 Verizon FiOS TV
"We think you're going to use one device for movies, music and games in the future," GM of Xbox Live entertainment and advertising Ross Honey told VentureBeat. "We want to make the content accessible and enhance the actual experience. We think you will will want to watch it on Xbox as it is more social and more personal."
According to Microsoft, Xbox 360 users are watching two hours worth of video content daily on the console, and the company wants that figure to increase. In addition to an updated Hulu Plus, the Xbox 360 will allows users to watch ESPN and Epix on their consoles starting tomorrow. Later on in December, users will score access to Crackle, Dailymotion, iHeartRadio, MSNBC.com, UFC , TMZ and more. And that's on top of social features like Beacons. Better put that family Xbox somewhere with lots--and we mean lots--of air flow.
Will you end up using your family's Xbox 360 more when these entertainment features hit? Could you ever unplug from cable providers and rely on something like the Xbox for all entertainment?
Zynga meets an IPO challenger, MapleStory maker to raise $1.2 billion
It looks like Japan is about to get its own Zynga. MapleStory Adventures maker Nexon has adjusted the price for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) from $1.3 billion to $1.2 billion, likely in response to Zynga's recent adjustment. The San Francisco-based FarmVille creator recently upped its asking price to $1.15 billion, but brought down its expected valuation to $7 billion at most.
Nexon plans to sell half of its shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and half overseas, because of its huge presence in the US and abroad, at 1,300 yen, or $16.60 USD starting Dec. 14. "There are not that many Japanese companies with overseas growth stories. That makes it attractive," Stats Investment Management chief investment officer Toru Hashizume told Reuters.
This pricing will give Nexon a valuation, the projected total worth of a company based on several factors, of 560 billion yen, or $7.1 billion USD. And what do you know, that's worth just as much as Zynga expects out of its IPO. And rightfully so, Nexon is credited with popularizing the free-to-play game model in the US with games like MapleStory for PC. And now, the company enjoys success on Facebook, thanks to MapleStory Adventures and recently Zombie Misfits.
Zynga begins to make the rounds in its IPO roadshow this week. The question is, however, will investors be more interested in a company that's made as much in less than half the time as Nexon (it's been around since 1994), or a pioneer with a far longer track record of success? Ready ... Fight!
Do you think Zynga or Nexon will do better with its debut on the market? Which do you think is more worthy of the billions?
Nexon plans to sell half of its shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and half overseas, because of its huge presence in the US and abroad, at 1,300 yen, or $16.60 USD starting Dec. 14. "There are not that many Japanese companies with overseas growth stories. That makes it attractive," Stats Investment Management chief investment officer Toru Hashizume told Reuters.
This pricing will give Nexon a valuation, the projected total worth of a company based on several factors, of 560 billion yen, or $7.1 billion USD. And what do you know, that's worth just as much as Zynga expects out of its IPO. And rightfully so, Nexon is credited with popularizing the free-to-play game model in the US with games like MapleStory for PC. And now, the company enjoys success on Facebook, thanks to MapleStory Adventures and recently Zombie Misfits.
Zynga begins to make the rounds in its IPO roadshow this week. The question is, however, will investors be more interested in a company that's made as much in less than half the time as Nexon (it's been around since 1994), or a pioneer with a far longer track record of success? Ready ... Fight!
Do you think Zynga or Nexon will do better with its debut on the market? Which do you think is more worthy of the billions?
Halfbrick will open a whole new studio just for the Fruit Ninja sequel
In this case, it's 100 percent OK to let out a ninja cry like this dude. Those around you will understand once you tell them it's because you found out that Fruit Ninja creator Halfbrick plans to open a whole new studio just for the sequel to the iconic mobile game. The Brisbane, Australia-based game maker announced that, after a $3 million funding injection into the industry by state officials, it will open a new studio in Sydney and hire a new team to make the long-awaited second Fruit Ninja game.
"The new Sydney team will develop the next evolution of the Fruit Ninja games franchise," New South Wales deputy prime minister Andrew Stoner told Develop. "It will involve players launching a series of fruit to knock ninjas off their towers in a 3D world, with each fruit having special powers." In short, it will be remarkably different from the first game.
That's a relief, considering Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots did enough to flesh out the classic fruit-flaying gameplay to be worthy of the word "sequel". According to Stoner, the game is due out in 2012 for iOS devices initially. Though, we're sure Halfbrick will go platform crazy with this version as well, slapping the game onto Android, Facebook and even Xbox 360 Kinect. This news almost gets us excited enough to act like this guy ... almost (NSFW):
[Via Pocket Gamer]
Are you psyched to hear that a new Fruit Ninja game is in the works? What do you think of the premise so far?
"The new Sydney team will develop the next evolution of the Fruit Ninja games franchise," New South Wales deputy prime minister Andrew Stoner told Develop. "It will involve players launching a series of fruit to knock ninjas off their towers in a 3D world, with each fruit having special powers." In short, it will be remarkably different from the first game.
That's a relief, considering Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots did enough to flesh out the classic fruit-flaying gameplay to be worthy of the word "sequel". According to Stoner, the game is due out in 2012 for iOS devices initially. Though, we're sure Halfbrick will go platform crazy with this version as well, slapping the game onto Android, Facebook and even Xbox 360 Kinect. This news almost gets us excited enough to act like this guy ... almost (NSFW):
[Via Pocket Gamer]
Are you psyched to hear that a new Fruit Ninja game is in the works? What do you think of the premise so far?
If Pawn Stars works on Facebook, Storage Wars will feel right at home
What the hey, let's throw Parking Wars on their too while we're at it--oh, never mind. It's official, folks: Now that Storage Wars has made it to Facebook after just a single season on A&E, reality TV has staked its claim in social gaming. The game based on the popular--though, we can't understand why--TV show hits Facebook today as the second season premieres tonight on A&E. (With Pawn Stars still kicking, this is A&E's second Facebook game.)
In Storage Wars on Facebook, players join animated versions of characters from the show in high-stakes bidding wars on things in folks' storage units. Players travel around the world in-game to bid on various relics with virtual cash in order to earn more digital bucks to bid on more things. It sounds like a boring vicious cycle, but ultimately players will go all-in for Wanted Treasures that come with huge profits.
"Storage Wars fans have shown that they are eager to get in on the bidding action themselves and our new game for Facebook lets them do just that," said A+E Networks SVP of Games Kris Soumas in a release. "We've put the same emphasis on developing a fun and addictive game experience that A&E brings to its program development."
Gallery: Storage Wars on Facebook
Based on these first screen shots, the game looks to pack numerous storage units with items to bid for inside. More importantly, however, players are guided through the game with none other than quests, or folks craving for Wanted Treasures. But what about our Wanted Treasure, Mario Kart on Facebook?
In Storage Wars on Facebook, players join animated versions of characters from the show in high-stakes bidding wars on things in folks' storage units. Players travel around the world in-game to bid on various relics with virtual cash in order to earn more digital bucks to bid on more things. It sounds like a boring vicious cycle, but ultimately players will go all-in for Wanted Treasures that come with huge profits.
"Storage Wars fans have shown that they are eager to get in on the bidding action themselves and our new game for Facebook lets them do just that," said A+E Networks SVP of Games Kris Soumas in a release. "We've put the same emphasis on developing a fun and addictive game experience that A&E brings to its program development."
Gallery: Storage Wars on Facebook
Based on these first screen shots, the game looks to pack numerous storage units with items to bid for inside. More importantly, however, players are guided through the game with none other than quests, or folks craving for Wanted Treasures. But what about our Wanted Treasure, Mario Kart on Facebook?
Chủ Nhật, 11 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Halloween Pirate Goals: Everything you need to know
I hope you finished the last batch of goals in FarmVille's Lighthouse Cove, because a new set of three is about to be launched in the game! You still have a short time to complete the last set - the Ghost goals - so check out our guide to see what you'll need to do. According to FVNation, this newest trio will feature Pirates and Halloween as their major theme, so here's a guide to completing them (and walking away with some pretty fantastic prizes).
Treasure Hunt
Get 3 Map Pieces
Harvest Lighthouse Cove
Harvest 70 Candy Corn
Candy Corn will still be available in the game for the next 17 days, as of this writing, so don't worry about it expiring before you can get to this particular goal. As for the map pieces - you guessed it - you'll need to ask your friends for them. Finish this first goal and you'll earn 100 XP, a Halloween Tree and 2,500 coins.
Hang the Haunts
Get 3 Jack O Lanterns
Harvest 70 Cove Cranberries
Buy 1 Cat-O'-Lantern
The Cat-O'-Lantern costs 40,000 coins, and the Cove Cranberries take a full day to grow. After asking your friends for the three Jack O Lanterns, you'll finish this goal, giving you 200 XP, a Great Dane dog and 2,500 coins.
The Mystery of Pirate Pete
Get 6 Clues
Harvest 70 Butter & Sugar Corn
Make Fruit Cider Twice
For this goal, it looks like someone will wind up kidnapped by a ghost! You'll need to gather clues to figure out exactly what has happened, with these clues coming from friends. Butter & Sugar Corn, meanwhile, takes 12 hours to grow, giving you plenty ot time to gather those clues while you wait. Finally, Fruit Cider is crafted inside your Restaurant, with a single batch requiring two Cove Cranberry, three Red Currant and three Lady Slipper Bushels. For finishing this third goal, you'll receive 300 XP, a Ghost Sheep and 2,500 coins.
Remember, there will also likely be three bonus goals available with this particular set, and we'll bring you a complete rundown of what to expect from those harder goals as soon as we can.
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of these newest Halloween / Lighthouse Cove goals? Have you already completed this week's set, or will you need to rush to finish everything in time
Treasure Hunt
Get 3 Map Pieces
Harvest Lighthouse Cove
Harvest 70 Candy Corn
Candy Corn will still be available in the game for the next 17 days, as of this writing, so don't worry about it expiring before you can get to this particular goal. As for the map pieces - you guessed it - you'll need to ask your friends for them. Finish this first goal and you'll earn 100 XP, a Halloween Tree and 2,500 coins.
Hang the Haunts
Get 3 Jack O Lanterns
Harvest 70 Cove Cranberries
Buy 1 Cat-O'-Lantern
The Cat-O'-Lantern costs 40,000 coins, and the Cove Cranberries take a full day to grow. After asking your friends for the three Jack O Lanterns, you'll finish this goal, giving you 200 XP, a Great Dane dog and 2,500 coins.
The Mystery of Pirate Pete
Get 6 Clues
Harvest 70 Butter & Sugar Corn
Make Fruit Cider Twice
For this goal, it looks like someone will wind up kidnapped by a ghost! You'll need to gather clues to figure out exactly what has happened, with these clues coming from friends. Butter & Sugar Corn, meanwhile, takes 12 hours to grow, giving you plenty ot time to gather those clues while you wait. Finally, Fruit Cider is crafted inside your Restaurant, with a single batch requiring two Cove Cranberry, three Red Currant and three Lady Slipper Bushels. For finishing this third goal, you'll receive 300 XP, a Ghost Sheep and 2,500 coins.
Remember, there will also likely be three bonus goals available with this particular set, and we'll bring you a complete rundown of what to expect from those harder goals as soon as we can.
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of these newest Halloween / Lighthouse Cove goals? Have you already completed this week's set, or will you need to rush to finish everything in time
FarmVille Halloween Items: Black Cat Fence, Pumpkin Fountain and more
With tonight's FarmVille update, we see additional Halloween items being released in the game's store. Some of these items are re-releases from previous Halloween events in the game, while other are brand new. As usual, we're here to bring you a complete look at the new items in the store, but just a word of warning: there aren't very many coin items here, so I hope you've been saving some of that Farm Cash!
Trees
Honeycrisp Apple Tree - 8 Farm Cash
Big Honeycrisp Apple Tree - 14 Farm Cash
Sugar Skull Tree - 8 Farm Cash
Giant Sugar Skull Tree - 14 Farm Cash
If the Honeycrisp Apple Tree looks familiar, that's because it's been given away as a goal reward in the past. If you already have one on your farm, there's no reason to purchase another, and for that matter, there's no reason to purchase the Giant version either, as it will come for free from Mystery Seedlings. As for the Sugar Skull Trees however, if you're a collector, you'll want to at least invest in the "normally" sized version.
Animals
Brown Boston Terrier - 1 million coins
Mini Bat Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Mini Blue Gypsy Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Skeleton Pig - 20 Farm Cash
Take special note of the Skeleton Pig. If you're into animals wearing costumes, this isn't one. Rather, it's a pig with the coloring of a skeleton designed in its fur. As for the Boston Terrier, remember that this is strictly an animal, and not a puppy that you can grow into an adult and train.
Buildings
Sugar Skull House - 15 Farm Cash
With this house and the Sugar Skull Trees, it almost seems as though we're seeing a slight "Day of the Dead" theme joining in with the Halloween festivities. These items aren't labeled as such, but they are more than a bit reminiscent of the designs you'd see in that particular Mexican holiday. We'll just save a discussion on how these holidays are significantly different for another time.
Decorations
Pumpkin Fountain - 24 Farm Cash
Pirate Pumpkin - 10,000 coins
Ghost Gnome - 12 Farm Cash
Black Cat Fence - 8,000 coins
Here, the Ghost Gnome and Pumpkin Fountain are re-releases, so make sure to check your storage to make sure you didn't purchase these before. After all, there's no reason to waste Farm Cash, right?
Avatar Costume
Robot - 8 Farm Cash
All of these items will be available in the game's store for the next two weeks. Make sure to keep checking back with us, as we'll bring you a complete look at any additional Halloween items just as soon as they launch.
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of these newest Halloween items?
Trees
Honeycrisp Apple Tree - 8 Farm Cash
Big Honeycrisp Apple Tree - 14 Farm Cash
Sugar Skull Tree - 8 Farm Cash
Giant Sugar Skull Tree - 14 Farm Cash
If the Honeycrisp Apple Tree looks familiar, that's because it's been given away as a goal reward in the past. If you already have one on your farm, there's no reason to purchase another, and for that matter, there's no reason to purchase the Giant version either, as it will come for free from Mystery Seedlings. As for the Sugar Skull Trees however, if you're a collector, you'll want to at least invest in the "normally" sized version.
Animals
Brown Boston Terrier - 1 million coins
Mini Bat Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Mini Blue Gypsy Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Skeleton Pig - 20 Farm Cash
Take special note of the Skeleton Pig. If you're into animals wearing costumes, this isn't one. Rather, it's a pig with the coloring of a skeleton designed in its fur. As for the Boston Terrier, remember that this is strictly an animal, and not a puppy that you can grow into an adult and train.
Buildings
Sugar Skull House - 15 Farm Cash
With this house and the Sugar Skull Trees, it almost seems as though we're seeing a slight "Day of the Dead" theme joining in with the Halloween festivities. These items aren't labeled as such, but they are more than a bit reminiscent of the designs you'd see in that particular Mexican holiday. We'll just save a discussion on how these holidays are significantly different for another time.
Decorations
Pumpkin Fountain - 24 Farm Cash
Pirate Pumpkin - 10,000 coins
Ghost Gnome - 12 Farm Cash
Black Cat Fence - 8,000 coins
Here, the Ghost Gnome and Pumpkin Fountain are re-releases, so make sure to check your storage to make sure you didn't purchase these before. After all, there's no reason to waste Farm Cash, right?
Avatar Costume
Robot - 8 Farm Cash
All of these items will be available in the game's store for the next two weeks. Make sure to keep checking back with us, as we'll bring you a complete look at any additional Halloween items just as soon as they launch.
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of these newest Halloween items?
FarmVille Raffle Booth (10/23/11): Flower Ram and Bed & Breakfast up for grabs
It's time once again farmers, to turn in your Raffle Tickets to the FarmVille Raffle Booth in the hopes of walking away with the Buckskin Mini Horse and Giant Pot Fountain from last week's game. Did you win? Congrats! Or, if not - why not try again this week? This week's prizes may not be as neat as a miniature horse, but if you're a building collector, or even just a Sheep Breeder, you might be plenty interested.
As usual, we're here to give you a complete rundown of the available items, along with their odds. Check them out below.
10 Special Delivery Boxes - 1:5
3 Farmhands - 1:20
Love Potions - 1:50
Flower Ram (Green Flowers, Navy Blue Body) - 1:200
Bed & Breakfast - 1:500
While the odds have been getting better since the first launch of the Raffle Booth in the game, I've still yet to walk away with either of the top two prizes... ever. Am I the only one? Perhaps I'm just not collecting enough Raffle Tickets! If you want to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to you, make sure to ask your friends for tickets throughout the week, as they can send them to you for free. You'll receive a single ticket for free from the game itself, but we all know more is better (or, at least it couldn't hurt). Whether or not you want to go so far as to actually purchase Raffle Tickets, however, will be up to you. Good luck!
Did you win the big prizes in last week's Raffle Booth? Would you rather win the Bed & Breakfast here, or the Ram?
As usual, we're here to give you a complete rundown of the available items, along with their odds. Check them out below.
10 Special Delivery Boxes - 1:5
3 Farmhands - 1:20
Love Potions - 1:50
Flower Ram (Green Flowers, Navy Blue Body) - 1:200
Bed & Breakfast - 1:500
While the odds have been getting better since the first launch of the Raffle Booth in the game, I've still yet to walk away with either of the top two prizes... ever. Am I the only one? Perhaps I'm just not collecting enough Raffle Tickets! If you want to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to you, make sure to ask your friends for tickets throughout the week, as they can send them to you for free. You'll receive a single ticket for free from the game itself, but we all know more is better (or, at least it couldn't hurt). Whether or not you want to go so far as to actually purchase Raffle Tickets, however, will be up to you. Good luck!
Did you win the big prizes in last week's Raffle Booth? Would you rather win the Bed & Breakfast here, or the Ram?
Thứ Sáu, 9 tháng 12, 2011
Top 25 Facebook Games - December 2011: FarmVille Strikes Back
I guess in Facebook game years, FarmVille is kind of like Obi Wan Kenobi. And boy, did Zynga's farming game come back stronger than we could possibly imagine, or what? As The Sims Social falls from its cushy number two spot after losing 7.9 million monthly players, FarmVille swoops in with a 2.8 million gain this month. CityVille lost a few million, but still clings to the top.
EA and Playfish's slugger dipped even further on December's daily players chart to fifth place with a loss of 1.1 million players. (This is what we chalk all that up to.) Of course, CastleVille--Zynga's fastest-growing game ever--makes a grand entrance into both top 25 charts. The kingdom-builder shot up to fifth place in monthly players with 20.8 million, and an impressive second place in daily players with 7.3 million. That should be the shot in the arm the company needs for its imminent public offering, no?
Not so fast, considering Mafia Wars 2 didn't even make the charts in daily players, the best measure of a game's dedicated (and paying) audience. Zynga launched Mafia Wars 2 in October. The game does, however, have 11.3 million monthly players, which ties it with Wooga's Diamond Dash. That puzzle game is nine months old.
Top 25 Facebook Games by MAU
An interesting newcomer to this lineup is Nordeus's Top Eleven, which creeps up in 25th place on the daily players charts with 950,000. Unfortunately, the rest of these charts look like business as usual, aside from Zynga's major losses including Adventure World, which hemorrhaged 4.3 million monthly players. Though, it's refreshing to see some more developers continue to thrive in the top 25 charts, like King.com with Bubble Witch Saga and 6waves Lolapps with Ravenskye City.
[Source and Image Credit: Inside Social Games]
How can The Sims Social reclaim its second place spot? What other games do you think deserve to be on this list?
EA and Playfish's slugger dipped even further on December's daily players chart to fifth place with a loss of 1.1 million players. (This is what we chalk all that up to.) Of course, CastleVille--Zynga's fastest-growing game ever--makes a grand entrance into both top 25 charts. The kingdom-builder shot up to fifth place in monthly players with 20.8 million, and an impressive second place in daily players with 7.3 million. That should be the shot in the arm the company needs for its imminent public offering, no?
Not so fast, considering Mafia Wars 2 didn't even make the charts in daily players, the best measure of a game's dedicated (and paying) audience. Zynga launched Mafia Wars 2 in October. The game does, however, have 11.3 million monthly players, which ties it with Wooga's Diamond Dash. That puzzle game is nine months old.
Top 25 Facebook Games by MAU
An interesting newcomer to this lineup is Nordeus's Top Eleven, which creeps up in 25th place on the daily players charts with 950,000. Unfortunately, the rest of these charts look like business as usual, aside from Zynga's major losses including Adventure World, which hemorrhaged 4.3 million monthly players. Though, it's refreshing to see some more developers continue to thrive in the top 25 charts, like King.com with Bubble Witch Saga and 6waves Lolapps with Ravenskye City.
[Source and Image Credit: Inside Social Games]
How can The Sims Social reclaim its second place spot? What other games do you think deserve to be on this list?
Zynga gets real, aims for third place among EA, Activision Blizzard
Zynga sure talked a big game earlier this summer with an estimated valuation of anywhere between $11.5 and $20 billion, but perhaps it spoke too soon. According to its most recent S-1 filing with the US Security and Exchanges Commission (SEC), Zynga now expects to value at between $5.9 and $7 billion when it goes public on the Nasdaq as early as Dec. 12. However, the company looks to initially raise a bit more than it previously expected: $1.15 billion when it debuts under the ticker "ZNGA".
The company still expects to price its shares between $8.50 and $10, with 699.4 million total shares. While the company does plan to raise more than previously reported, this brings the FarmVille maker back down to reality somewhat. The four-year-old company originally expected to be worth more than even Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard's $14 billion and EA's $7 billion. But with a projected valuation--the expected total worth of a company based on several factors--starting at $5.9 billion, neither will happen.
Zynga lowered the valuation due to poor market conditions, according to Inside Social Games. It appears that the company's IPO roadshow is already underway, as Zynga has posted a 30-minute video detailing the entire presentation. Within the presentation, Zynga focused on its growth in the mobile arena, with 11.1 million daily players across iOS and Android, among other things. Check it out right here.
[Via Inside Social Games]
[Image Credit: Fiscal Times]
Do you think Zynga can at least tie with EA when it goes public? Would you ever invest?
The company still expects to price its shares between $8.50 and $10, with 699.4 million total shares. While the company does plan to raise more than previously reported, this brings the FarmVille maker back down to reality somewhat. The four-year-old company originally expected to be worth more than even Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard's $14 billion and EA's $7 billion. But with a projected valuation--the expected total worth of a company based on several factors--starting at $5.9 billion, neither will happen.
Zynga lowered the valuation due to poor market conditions, according to Inside Social Games. It appears that the company's IPO roadshow is already underway, as Zynga has posted a 30-minute video detailing the entire presentation. Within the presentation, Zynga focused on its growth in the mobile arena, with 11.1 million daily players across iOS and Android, among other things. Check it out right here.
[Via Inside Social Games]
[Image Credit: Fiscal Times]
Do you think Zynga can at least tie with EA when it goes public? Would you ever invest?
Final Fantasy Brigade arrives on mobile (in Japan) this month
Back in October, Square Enix and DeNA announced that a social Final Fantasy game was in the works, but revealed few details. At a press conference in Tokyo today, the duo announced that the game, called Final Fantasy Brigade, will go into closed beta in mid-December and will launch to the public in late December on the Mobage social gaming platform in Japan.
In Final Fantasy Brigade, each player will take command of an airship and explore "the Final Fantasy universe," by joining up with friends to complete quests and earn experience points. The game will be very Final Fantasy in nature, and will include things like magic crystals, monsters and special abilities. You will also be able to go head-to-head against friends, and see who has the one airship posse to rule them all.
Final Fantasy Brigade: Will it be a hit or a flop? Sound off in the comments below.
In Final Fantasy Brigade, each player will take command of an airship and explore "the Final Fantasy universe," by joining up with friends to complete quests and earn experience points. The game will be very Final Fantasy in nature, and will include things like magic crystals, monsters and special abilities. You will also be able to go head-to-head against friends, and see who has the one airship posse to rule them all.
Final Fantasy Brigade: Will it be a hit or a flop? Sound off in the comments below.
Bug Village is the third game on Google+ that isn't on Facebook
And if you even try to say Sudoku Puzzles counts, we're no longer friends. Glu Mobile has announced that its iOS and Android village-builder Bug Village has hit Google+, and it's the first of many to hit Google's social games platform in the coming months. Bug Village is essentially CityVille, but with insects rather than humans: Players decorate and manage a colony of bugs.
And that's about all you need to know, as upon first attempt at loading Bug Village, this writer's entire computer choked up. It looks like Glu Mobile and developer Mandreel have some ... bugs to work out. (Hey, you lob 'em, and we'll go for the fences.) Regardless, the publisher appears bullish on Google+ as a viable social games platform.
"Glu is committed to Google and connecting with gamers around the world in new ways. Google+ has already demonstrated momentum as an intuitive social platform," Glu Mobile CEO Niccolo de Masi said in a release. "We are excited to offer Bug Village on Google+ and look forward to introducing additional titles."
When the game finally does load, you'll likely be impressed by its 3D graphics and fun animations. (Though, we're not sure system-locking load sessions are worth that.) And the above screen is what you'll be looking at for the next hour, if you don't want to pay up. A gut reaction, sure, but having to wait an hour before for something to finish immediately upon starting the game is not the best first-time player experience.
Bug Village in action
Google+ seems to have had trouble gaining steam with its games platform, but has recently garnered support from successful social game developers including Digital Chocolate, Vostu and Spry Fox. However, it's going to take a lot more than simply more games, if Google wants to compete on Facebook's level in the games space.
Click here to play Bug Village on Google+ Now (if you want) >
Have you tried Bug Village on your mobile devices before? What do you think Google+ needs to really compete with Facebook in games?
And that's about all you need to know, as upon first attempt at loading Bug Village, this writer's entire computer choked up. It looks like Glu Mobile and developer Mandreel have some ... bugs to work out. (Hey, you lob 'em, and we'll go for the fences.) Regardless, the publisher appears bullish on Google+ as a viable social games platform.
"Glu is committed to Google and connecting with gamers around the world in new ways. Google+ has already demonstrated momentum as an intuitive social platform," Glu Mobile CEO Niccolo de Masi said in a release. "We are excited to offer Bug Village on Google+ and look forward to introducing additional titles."
When the game finally does load, you'll likely be impressed by its 3D graphics and fun animations. (Though, we're not sure system-locking load sessions are worth that.) And the above screen is what you'll be looking at for the next hour, if you don't want to pay up. A gut reaction, sure, but having to wait an hour before for something to finish immediately upon starting the game is not the best first-time player experience.
Bug Village in action
Google+ seems to have had trouble gaining steam with its games platform, but has recently garnered support from successful social game developers including Digital Chocolate, Vostu and Spry Fox. However, it's going to take a lot more than simply more games, if Google wants to compete on Facebook's level in the games space.
Click here to play Bug Village on Google+ Now (if you want) >
Have you tried Bug Village on your mobile devices before? What do you think Google+ needs to really compete with Facebook in games?
Game of the Day: Mine 60
Your ship has suffered a critical flaw and you have only 60 seconds left before it explodes! But others will be caught in the blast... how far can you fly away, and how many lives can you save?
Mine 60 is simplicity itself. Just use the arrow keys to guide your ship down the path. But though it's not as complex as some of our other featured games, it's still fun for a quick play. See if you can beat my record of 10,054. Think you're up for the challenge?
Click here to play Mine 60!
mine 60 game of the day mine 60 game of the day
How far were you able to get in Mine 60?
Mine 60 is simplicity itself. Just use the arrow keys to guide your ship down the path. But though it's not as complex as some of our other featured games, it's still fun for a quick play. See if you can beat my record of 10,054. Think you're up for the challenge?
Click here to play Mine 60!
mine 60 game of the day mine 60 game of the day
How far were you able to get in Mine 60?
Zynga has more people working on new games than existing ones
So, that's what happened to Mafia Wars 2, eh? Let's not jump ahead of ourselves, but that's what Zynga COO John Schappert is telling potential investors as the company begins its IPO (initial public offering) road show. The company posted a video of the same presentation it is putting on for investors across the country--all 30 minutes of 51 mind-numbingly boring slides.
But there are some juicy bits to the talk provided by Zynga CEO Mark Pincus, Schappert and CFO David Wehner. (The video, which you can find here, is worth watching to see Mark Pincus talking to a teleprompter alone.) For one, five of the FarmVille maker's top executives come from second place competitor EA. And that doesn't even include former EA CCO Bing Gordon, who now serves on the social game giant's board.
After Pincus talked up his company's top games, Schappert took the stage and revealed that Zynga's games are only about one-quarter finished before they launch. This may be common knowledge to some players (ahem, FarmVille's beta period), but to hear that releasing technically unfinished games is part of the developer's core strategy is nevertheless surprising.
Later, Schappert dropped this bomb: The company has more people working on new games than existing ones. In other words, the developer has more staff focusing on games like CastleVille and upcoming games like Zynga Casino and Hidden Chronicles than, say, FarmVille and Mafia Wars and Zynga Poker.
Zynga execs
Granted, the company has nearly 3,000 employees, but it's odd to hear that the company is more worried about its new games than it is the games that have historically made it the most money--$1.5 billion in revenue in the past four years, to be exact. With games like Pioneer Trail and Mafia Wars 2 in decline, it makes one wonder exactly where the line between "new game" and "existing game" is drawn within Zynga.
Do you think this is where Zynga should be focusing the majority of its attention? Could this be the reason why games like Pioneer Trail are suffering?
But there are some juicy bits to the talk provided by Zynga CEO Mark Pincus, Schappert and CFO David Wehner. (The video, which you can find here, is worth watching to see Mark Pincus talking to a teleprompter alone.) For one, five of the FarmVille maker's top executives come from second place competitor EA. And that doesn't even include former EA CCO Bing Gordon, who now serves on the social game giant's board.
After Pincus talked up his company's top games, Schappert took the stage and revealed that Zynga's games are only about one-quarter finished before they launch. This may be common knowledge to some players (ahem, FarmVille's beta period), but to hear that releasing technically unfinished games is part of the developer's core strategy is nevertheless surprising.
Later, Schappert dropped this bomb: The company has more people working on new games than existing ones. In other words, the developer has more staff focusing on games like CastleVille and upcoming games like Zynga Casino and Hidden Chronicles than, say, FarmVille and Mafia Wars and Zynga Poker.
Zynga execs
Granted, the company has nearly 3,000 employees, but it's odd to hear that the company is more worried about its new games than it is the games that have historically made it the most money--$1.5 billion in revenue in the past four years, to be exact. With games like Pioneer Trail and Mafia Wars 2 in decline, it makes one wonder exactly where the line between "new game" and "existing game" is drawn within Zynga.
Do you think this is where Zynga should be focusing the majority of its attention? Could this be the reason why games like Pioneer Trail are suffering?
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