OK guys, we get it, social games are going to make lots of money in the next five years. I'm sorry, did you say $5 billion by 2015? Alright, now you've got me. Market research company Parks Associates predicts that by 2015, social games will be worth a sweet $5 billion thanks to in-game advertising and virtual goods sales. Their forecast is based off the fact the social games already raked in $1 billion in 2010 alone.
"Gaming on social networks has quickly become the most visible category of online games," research analyst at Parks Associates Pietro Macchiarella said. "Right now more than 250 million people play games like Zynga's CityVille and FarmVille on Facebook every month, and both game developers and marketers have taken notice. Big brands such as McDonald's and 7-Eleven have carried out cross-promotions with existing social games."
And by social games, they generally mean Zynga, who has ran promotions with not only McDonald's and 7-Eleven, but even adult-oriented companies like Farmers Insurance. "The abilities to measure the efficacy of different gameplay mechanisms, to tweak game design in near-real time, and to test new models are advantages that traditional gaming companies will never have," Macchiarella said. "Zynga's huge market share is the best proof of the competitive advantage made possible by properly leveraging consumer data."
Social gaming in 2015
And there you have it. As the industry itself grows bigger, so will Zynga and it will become even more difficult for other developers to compete. To the rest of the Facebook game creators, Parks Associates seems to suggest to try playing the Zynga game, but that's an impossible battle from the start. Zynga's notoriety alone will defend it from encroaching competitors. The only way to change the dynamic of this industry--both in the name of profit and play--is to disrupt it with new ideas. Time to get crackin', and there's not much of it left.
[Image Credit: New Line Cinema]
How do you think social games will look in 2015? How close to heart do you think social gaming companies will take this prediction? Who do you predict will disrupt the industry in the future?
Friday, December 30, 2011
NBA Legend on Facebook dunks over 1 million monthly players
No, thank you, March Madness. NBA Legend, which NBA Digital claims is "the first original professional sports league game for Facebook," has quickly surpassed 1 million monthly players, according to AppData. Released by Lionside in February, the game allows players to become an NBA athlete and run a team at the same time.
Confusing, we know, but over 1 million NBA fans were willing to suspend their disbelief of being two people at once, so why can't you? The game features all 30 NBA teams and current rosters thanks to a licensing agreement between Lionside and NBA Digital.
"To reach this significant milestone so quickly after launch is a testament to the power of the social media audience we have built on Facebook," said Bryan Perez, NBA Digital GM and SVP. "NBA Legend takes sports gaming in a whole new direction, beyond Fantasy, into something that is scalable and can be enjoyed year round by fans of all interest levels."
Sure, how fast the game amassed that many fans is impressive. But come back to me after NBA Legend nets as many players as Lebron James has Twitter followers, and then we'll talk.
[Image Credit: NBA]
How do you think NBA Legend will fare from here? What are your thoughts on sports games on Facebook generally?
Confusing, we know, but over 1 million NBA fans were willing to suspend their disbelief of being two people at once, so why can't you? The game features all 30 NBA teams and current rosters thanks to a licensing agreement between Lionside and NBA Digital.
"To reach this significant milestone so quickly after launch is a testament to the power of the social media audience we have built on Facebook," said Bryan Perez, NBA Digital GM and SVP. "NBA Legend takes sports gaming in a whole new direction, beyond Fantasy, into something that is scalable and can be enjoyed year round by fans of all interest levels."
Sure, how fast the game amassed that many fans is impressive. But come back to me after NBA Legend nets as many players as Lebron James has Twitter followers, and then we'll talk.
[Image Credit: NBA]
How do you think NBA Legend will fare from here? What are your thoughts on sports games on Facebook generally?
Zynga updates FarmVille for iOS with 'crash and bug fixes'
Farmville Mobile
Wait a second, Zynga. Which glitches are you talking about exactly? Did you fix the infamous syncing errors or the inability to send gifts to mobile friends with the game crashing? Did you maybe alleviate the loading issues that display nothing but grayed-out circles when visiting larger farms? Nobody knows, but Zynga apparently did update FarmVille for iOS, making this version 2.01 of the malfunctioning mobile farm. It's tough to say even what exactly was fixed if you don't know what to look for. Granted, the 2.0 version update made leaps and bounds to improve the game, but there is much to be done. Let's hope this is one step closer.
Have you experienced any positive changes after the update? What do you think needs to be done to fix FarmVille iOS?
Wait a second, Zynga. Which glitches are you talking about exactly? Did you fix the infamous syncing errors or the inability to send gifts to mobile friends with the game crashing? Did you maybe alleviate the loading issues that display nothing but grayed-out circles when visiting larger farms? Nobody knows, but Zynga apparently did update FarmVille for iOS, making this version 2.01 of the malfunctioning mobile farm. It's tough to say even what exactly was fixed if you don't know what to look for. Granted, the 2.0 version update made leaps and bounds to improve the game, but there is much to be done. Let's hope this is one step closer.
Have you experienced any positive changes after the update? What do you think needs to be done to fix FarmVille iOS?
FarmVille Spring Garden Flowers sprout up as Free Gifts
It looks like Zynga's big springtime celebration is about to begin. (Ugh, pollen) While some might not be as excited as the rest, these new Spring Flowers in FarmVille might provide a sliver of solace from lovely allergies. The Spring Flowers include Day Lilies, Alstroemeria Lilies, Foxglove, Daffodils, and Forget-me-nots. However, consider it bittersweet--these new gifts won't do anything but sit in your Gift Box until the Spring Basket is released as well. But that shouldn't stop you from sharing some flowery love in preparation. That way, you'll have a stuffed basket in no time after it drops. See? I knew I was here for something.
[Via FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Are you excited for the spring events in FarmVille? Have you already started to collect the flowers?
[Via FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Are you excited for the spring events in FarmVille? Have you already started to collect the flowers?
One in nine Facebook users play music games; Guitar Hero finds a new home?
Has Guitar Hero found a new home on Facebook? According to data presented by MXP4, a social game developer based in Paris, it very well could be in the future. Of course, keep in mind that the survey was conducted by folks who have a vested interest in music games on Facebook. MXP4 found that one in nine Facebook users play music games, but more importantly that one in three Facebookers play social games. This is the exact demographic that MPX4 hit with its Pump It series in 2010, and has enjoyed mild success.
Here's what else MXP4 found in its survey:
96 percent would like more opportunities to compete against their friends when playing Facebook games;
49 percent said the they would play games on Facebook for the chance to win exclusive tickets, merchandise or opportunities to meet their favorite artists;
12 percent would pay extra to have access to their favorite artist's latest tarcks on interactive music games.
While it's important to know that most people would want a multiplayer experience on Facebook, it's far more vital to see the possibilities for future Facebook music games.
If this many Facebook users played music games, that's more than enough of a following for companies like Activision and EA to go after. Just think of it, one last triumphant push from the music games genre to reassert is relevance. It's almost cinematic, really. If you think about it, games from these companies would last about as long as their ancestors. And that amounts to about enough money to fly to Mars and back, so, sweet deal.
[Via All Facebook]
Do you like MXP4's game on Facebook? Would you play a Guitar Hero game on Facebook?
Here's what else MXP4 found in its survey:
96 percent would like more opportunities to compete against their friends when playing Facebook games;
49 percent said the they would play games on Facebook for the chance to win exclusive tickets, merchandise or opportunities to meet their favorite artists;
12 percent would pay extra to have access to their favorite artist's latest tarcks on interactive music games.
While it's important to know that most people would want a multiplayer experience on Facebook, it's far more vital to see the possibilities for future Facebook music games.
If this many Facebook users played music games, that's more than enough of a following for companies like Activision and EA to go after. Just think of it, one last triumphant push from the music games genre to reassert is relevance. It's almost cinematic, really. If you think about it, games from these companies would last about as long as their ancestors. And that amounts to about enough money to fly to Mars and back, so, sweet deal.
[Via All Facebook]
Do you like MXP4's game on Facebook? Would you play a Guitar Hero game on Facebook?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
YouRiding Bodyboarding Battle on Facebook: Extreme games require extreme skill
YourRiding Bodyboarding Battle
There is a small group of Facebook gamers, mostly refugees of FarmVille and CityVille, that has been clamoring for a game that requires real skill. While there are plenty out there already, Bodyboarding Battle, by French developer YouRiding, is a worthy addition to that small list. The game doesn't look the best with its plain UI, and it appears that the major focus in its graphical push was toward the look of the waves--so much so that the other elements, such as your rider, lack detail. Regardless, Bodyboarding Battle rises to the challenge in gameplay, although there is a steep learning curve.
Luckily, anyone who has played games like Trials will feel right at home with the general idea of this game. Players, using the arrow keys, must out-board a wave while maintaining a balance between speed and, well, balance. It sounds easy enough, but the game reads extremely subtle key presses, meaning that delicate control is the key to victory in Bodyboarding Battle.
Gallery: YouRiding Bodyboarding Battle
Your rider appears in the distance, approaching the wave in the foreground of the scene. As he nears the crest of the wave, you must hold the "down" key and then the "right" key to take off ahead of the way. However, if you don't quickly establish a balance between speed and footing, you'll wipe out for sure. This is done by, while holding the right arrow key at all times, pressing the "up" and down arrow keys with slight, rhythmic strokes that both keep your boarder afloat and ahead of the wave. While it makes for a brilliant test of skill, the whole scheme takes some time to grasp.
If you're interested, the controls go even deeper to reveal tricks that players can perform while outpacing the wave. You can go into a tubing position while underneath a wave crest or even perform aerial tricks using the "R," "E" and "D" keys at the precise moments for major points.
Wipe out!
When you feel confident in your virtual surfing abilities, you can test those skills against opponents. However, the matches are asynchronous exchanges of best times rather than real-time races to the finish. Players perform their best runs, tricks and all, and compare the results to determine the winner. As you win matches and improve your skills, your rating will increase. But the more matches you lose, the more your rating will decrease, creating a sort of balance in the matchmaking system for everyone. In other words, you'll almost always compete with players of your skill level.
Players can buy boosts to their skills through either a credit card or PayPal to temporarily increase their speed and reduce their likelihood of wiping out, though nothing will do you better than practice in such a game. You can battle opponents 10 times a day at no charge, but after that matches will either cost money or require you to request them from friends. Boosts can be requested via friends as well, but focusing on requesting more matches to gain more experience looks to be a sound decision.
YouRiding has struck gold when it comes to skill-centric Facebook gaming, but Bodyboarder Battle could benefit from better visuals. Regardless, if you're looking for a social game that's going to test your abilities rather than your patience or dedication, then this is a fine place to start your search.
Click here to play Bodyboarding Battle on Facebook Now >
Are you more a fan of easier social games or those that require skill? Do you think that skill-based games have a chance at widespread success on Facebook?
There is a small group of Facebook gamers, mostly refugees of FarmVille and CityVille, that has been clamoring for a game that requires real skill. While there are plenty out there already, Bodyboarding Battle, by French developer YouRiding, is a worthy addition to that small list. The game doesn't look the best with its plain UI, and it appears that the major focus in its graphical push was toward the look of the waves--so much so that the other elements, such as your rider, lack detail. Regardless, Bodyboarding Battle rises to the challenge in gameplay, although there is a steep learning curve.
Luckily, anyone who has played games like Trials will feel right at home with the general idea of this game. Players, using the arrow keys, must out-board a wave while maintaining a balance between speed and, well, balance. It sounds easy enough, but the game reads extremely subtle key presses, meaning that delicate control is the key to victory in Bodyboarding Battle.
Gallery: YouRiding Bodyboarding Battle
Your rider appears in the distance, approaching the wave in the foreground of the scene. As he nears the crest of the wave, you must hold the "down" key and then the "right" key to take off ahead of the way. However, if you don't quickly establish a balance between speed and footing, you'll wipe out for sure. This is done by, while holding the right arrow key at all times, pressing the "up" and down arrow keys with slight, rhythmic strokes that both keep your boarder afloat and ahead of the wave. While it makes for a brilliant test of skill, the whole scheme takes some time to grasp.
If you're interested, the controls go even deeper to reveal tricks that players can perform while outpacing the wave. You can go into a tubing position while underneath a wave crest or even perform aerial tricks using the "R," "E" and "D" keys at the precise moments for major points.
Wipe out!
When you feel confident in your virtual surfing abilities, you can test those skills against opponents. However, the matches are asynchronous exchanges of best times rather than real-time races to the finish. Players perform their best runs, tricks and all, and compare the results to determine the winner. As you win matches and improve your skills, your rating will increase. But the more matches you lose, the more your rating will decrease, creating a sort of balance in the matchmaking system for everyone. In other words, you'll almost always compete with players of your skill level.
Players can buy boosts to their skills through either a credit card or PayPal to temporarily increase their speed and reduce their likelihood of wiping out, though nothing will do you better than practice in such a game. You can battle opponents 10 times a day at no charge, but after that matches will either cost money or require you to request them from friends. Boosts can be requested via friends as well, but focusing on requesting more matches to gain more experience looks to be a sound decision.
YouRiding has struck gold when it comes to skill-centric Facebook gaming, but Bodyboarder Battle could benefit from better visuals. Regardless, if you're looking for a social game that's going to test your abilities rather than your patience or dedication, then this is a fine place to start your search.
Click here to play Bodyboarding Battle on Facebook Now >
Are you more a fan of easier social games or those that require skill? Do you think that skill-based games have a chance at widespread success on Facebook?
2011 LOGIN Conference adding Facebook Game Boot Camp
LOGIN Conference
The LOGIN Conference is an annual online game developer event held in Bellevue, Washington. Going on its fifth year, LOGIN has just announced that there will be an entire day-long track devoted solely to the development of Facebook games. The conference is held from May 16 through May 18, 2011, and the Facebook Game Developer Boot Camp will take place on Wednesday, May 18.
The Facebook Game Developer Boot Camp, a day-long track, takes place Wednesday, May 18th. The track will cover topics such as current tools for virality, metrics, monetization and many others which are of significant and growing importance to a wide range of game developers looking to make the move into social games -- or to fine-tune their social game development they already have.
Given that social games are a major portion of online gaming as a whole, this will be a welcome addition to the conference. Developing games for Facebook is quite different than developing other online games, and this boot camp will teach interested game developers how to branch out into making games for this popular platform.
The LOGIN Conference is an annual online game developer event held in Bellevue, Washington. Going on its fifth year, LOGIN has just announced that there will be an entire day-long track devoted solely to the development of Facebook games. The conference is held from May 16 through May 18, 2011, and the Facebook Game Developer Boot Camp will take place on Wednesday, May 18.
The Facebook Game Developer Boot Camp, a day-long track, takes place Wednesday, May 18th. The track will cover topics such as current tools for virality, metrics, monetization and many others which are of significant and growing importance to a wide range of game developers looking to make the move into social games -- or to fine-tune their social game development they already have.
Given that social games are a major portion of online gaming as a whole, this will be a welcome addition to the conference. Developing games for Facebook is quite different than developing other online games, and this boot camp will teach interested game developers how to branch out into making games for this popular platform.
CityVille: SugarVille contest winners show off their sweet tooth
Back in the middle of April, Zynga launched a candy-themed contest in CityVille called the "SugarVille" contest. This contest asked users to create real world buildings entirely out of either packaged or loose candy. The prizes were large - up to 500 City Cash for the first of five winners, but the pride of creating a real structure in the real world is probably just as sweet of a reward (ok, maybe not as great - I sure know MY city could use that type of cash). Now that the contest is over, Zynga has officially announced the winners, and how sweet their entries were!
With all said and done, the five winners definitely deserved their prizes, as you can see from the first place finisher - forums user Queen Betsy who walked away with the 500 Cafe Cash prize. To take a look at the other winners' entries, meet us behind the break.
2nd prize: delcy11
3rd prize: TieTjuh
4th prize: Giggles381
5th prize: Little Isa
Each of the five winners walked away with at least 50 City Cash, and Zynga is asking users what they think about the contest, perhaps in the hopes that they'll be able to offer a similar contest in the future. Either way, it's great to see how creative the CityVille community is, and we can only hope for more opportunities to show off that creativity in the future.
With all said and done, the five winners definitely deserved their prizes, as you can see from the first place finisher - forums user Queen Betsy who walked away with the 500 Cafe Cash prize. To take a look at the other winners' entries, meet us behind the break.
2nd prize: delcy11
3rd prize: TieTjuh
4th prize: Giggles381
5th prize: Little Isa
Each of the five winners walked away with at least 50 City Cash, and Zynga is asking users what they think about the contest, perhaps in the hopes that they'll be able to offer a similar contest in the future. Either way, it's great to see how creative the CityVille community is, and we can only hope for more opportunities to show off that creativity in the future.
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Magnolia Trees coming for Mother's Day?
It looks as though a small Mother's Day theme will be released in FarmVille this year, and with it might come two new trees. Either way, we have a pretty good feeling these trees will be released, it's just a matter of which theme they'll be released in that's up in the air. As it stands, these two trees as the Magnolia Tree and the Purple Magnolia Tree.
For those that like the ultra-pretty trees in the game (I'm right there with ya), these will be two trees you won't want to miss out on. We expect the two trees to launch for anywhere between 5-12 Farm Cash, depending on which pricing method Zynga chooses for the pair. Also, it seems as though the Purple Magnolia Tree will be the level two tree in this pair, so make sure to look out for those appearing in Mystery Seedlings later this week, as they are likely to be made available through Mystery Seedlings before actually launching in the store.
We'll make sure to give you the complete theme and pricing details on these trees when and if they officially launch in the game, so keep checking back.
What do you think of these two trees? Are you a fan of the pretty, extra flowery trees in FarmVille, or do you like more manly trees like the Oak?
For those that like the ultra-pretty trees in the game (I'm right there with ya), these will be two trees you won't want to miss out on. We expect the two trees to launch for anywhere between 5-12 Farm Cash, depending on which pricing method Zynga chooses for the pair. Also, it seems as though the Purple Magnolia Tree will be the level two tree in this pair, so make sure to look out for those appearing in Mystery Seedlings later this week, as they are likely to be made available through Mystery Seedlings before actually launching in the store.
We'll make sure to give you the complete theme and pricing details on these trees when and if they officially launch in the game, so keep checking back.
What do you think of these two trees? Are you a fan of the pretty, extra flowery trees in FarmVille, or do you like more manly trees like the Oak?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Carnation crop and Carnation Crafting Recipes
Apparently, a Carnation Crop will be added to FarmVille in the near future (perhaps as early as this Wednesday), as we've come across images for four different Carnation-themed Crafting recipes. With Mother's Day coming fast, and flowers being one of the typical Mother's Day gifts, it only makes sense we would see a new crop released, with these new (and likely limited time) recipes helping give users some definite incentive to plant them on both farms while they will be available. Why? To get the mastery signs, of course!
The four recipes look to be the Carnation Vinegar, the Candied Carnation, Carnation Perfume, and Carnation Tea. Likely, we'll see the Perfume being available in the Spa, the Vinegar in the Winery, the Candied Carnation in the Bakery and the Tea in the Pub in the English Countryside, but of course, Zynga could be tricky and switch a few of those around before their actual release.
Either way, it's best to complete any crafting missions or crop mastery now while you can, before these Carnations take over the game. Sure, you could ignore them when/if they do launch, but then you'd miss out on what's sure to be a lovely (and exclusive) mastery sign. The choice will be up to you. Me? I'm mastering it, that's for sure. I just hope I have enough fuel to get me through!
What do you think of these Carnation Crafting Recipes? Do you wish you had the other crafting buildings so you could create all of these items?
The four recipes look to be the Carnation Vinegar, the Candied Carnation, Carnation Perfume, and Carnation Tea. Likely, we'll see the Perfume being available in the Spa, the Vinegar in the Winery, the Candied Carnation in the Bakery and the Tea in the Pub in the English Countryside, but of course, Zynga could be tricky and switch a few of those around before their actual release.
Either way, it's best to complete any crafting missions or crop mastery now while you can, before these Carnations take over the game. Sure, you could ignore them when/if they do launch, but then you'd miss out on what's sure to be a lovely (and exclusive) mastery sign. The choice will be up to you. Me? I'm mastering it, that's for sure. I just hope I have enough fuel to get me through!
What do you think of these Carnation Crafting Recipes? Do you wish you had the other crafting buildings so you could create all of these items?
Sunday, December 25, 2011
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Cupcake Trees finally decide the Cupcake Wars
FarmVille Cupcake Tree
So, can we stop creating cupcake-battling reality shows now? Unless someone builds a legit cupcake tree, Zynga officially takes the cake (can never resist those). The studio may soon release Cupcake Trees to FarmVille. In honor of the game's second birthday on June 19, several items are expected to be released, and these seriously sweet trees should be part of the celebration. FarmVille Feed estimates that the trees will appear in the Market for between 5 and 7 Farm Cash a piece. Though, there's no glaring reason why these items wouldn't sprout from Mystery Seedlings first, so prepare your Orchards for that as well. If only these trees were real--birthday parties would be that much easier.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Second Birthday coverage right here.
Have you seen these Trees appear in Mystery Seedlings yet? What do you think of FarmVille's second birthday celebrations thus far?
So, can we stop creating cupcake-battling reality shows now? Unless someone builds a legit cupcake tree, Zynga officially takes the cake (can never resist those). The studio may soon release Cupcake Trees to FarmVille. In honor of the game's second birthday on June 19, several items are expected to be released, and these seriously sweet trees should be part of the celebration. FarmVille Feed estimates that the trees will appear in the Market for between 5 and 7 Farm Cash a piece. Though, there's no glaring reason why these items wouldn't sprout from Mystery Seedlings first, so prepare your Orchards for that as well. If only these trees were real--birthday parties would be that much easier.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Second Birthday coverage right here.
Have you seen these Trees appear in Mystery Seedlings yet? What do you think of FarmVille's second birthday celebrations thus far?
CityVille Movie Poster Contest: Make CityVille go Hollywood for City Cash
Everyone has had that thought when walking the poster-laden walls of their local cinema, "I could do that." Thanks to Zygna and CityVille, now you pretty much can. The CityVille Movie Poster Contest has kicked off, challenging fans to throw their favorite characters from the city-builder into their very own film poster. And here's the best part: You could get paid for it! (Well, in City Cash at least.) You can use computer software or even draw up a poster, take a picture and include it in the contest forum thread to qualify.
However, the poster must meet certain criteria to qualify, and then it will be graded by the CityVille community team before it decides on 10 posters for the game community to vote on through a survey. First, the poster must mention the word "CityVille" somewhere in the faux movie's title, and the Zynga logo must be found on the poster as well. All entries must be included in this thread by June 23.
After that date, the CityVille team will decide on their 10 favorite posters using this 15-point system:
Originality – 5 Points
Thematically Appropriate – 5 Points
Creativity – 5 Points
Once the team decides on their favorites, the floor will be opened up to you, the players, in a survey. (Zynga's favorite form of engagement, apparently.) If you do make it to the Top 10, you'll be in the running for 300, 200 and 100 City Cash for first, second and third place, respectively. If only these posters would lead to CityVille flicks.
However, the poster must meet certain criteria to qualify, and then it will be graded by the CityVille community team before it decides on 10 posters for the game community to vote on through a survey. First, the poster must mention the word "CityVille" somewhere in the faux movie's title, and the Zynga logo must be found on the poster as well. All entries must be included in this thread by June 23.
After that date, the CityVille team will decide on their 10 favorite posters using this 15-point system:
Originality – 5 Points
Thematically Appropriate – 5 Points
Creativity – 5 Points
Once the team decides on their favorites, the floor will be opened up to you, the players, in a survey. (Zynga's favorite form of engagement, apparently.) If you do make it to the Top 10, you'll be in the running for 300, 200 and 100 City Cash for first, second and third place, respectively. If only these posters would lead to CityVille flicks.
Blackberry-pusher RIM digs social gaming with Scoreloop purchase
Alright, it's official: Everyone wants in on social games. RIM, or Research in Motion (the Canada-based creator of the Blackberry), has snapped up Scoreloop for an undisclosed amount, paidContent reports. Based in Munich, Germany, Scoreloop is known for its cross-platform social gaming developer tool kit that allows mobile game developers to add social elements to their products. In other words, it's a lot like OpenFeint, but without the backing of a gargantuan Japanese company. In other ... other words, Blackberry devices will get serious about mobile social gaming in the near future. But Scoreloop works across several mobile platforms, so what happens to Android, iPhone and Windows Phone?
"We'll continue our cross-platform approach," Scoreloop CEO Marc Gumpinger wrote in an announcement encased in a Blackberry PlayBook tablet. "But you'll see that our BlackBerry solution will be unparalleled."
Blackberry devices, and even the recent PlayBook, were never known to be gaming powerhouses. But according to RIM's VP of global alliances and developer relations Tyler Lessard, that's about to change. "We look forward to working with the team at Scoreloop to provide tools that will further enable our developer community to take gaming to a new level of social integration on the BlackBerry platform," Lessard wrote in an announcement blog post. The word "fun" is rarely associated with business-heavy Blackberry phones, but this is likely the first of many steps toward achieving that inflated three-letter word.
[Image Credit: BusinessWeek]
Do you think this acquisition will help Blackberry devices appeal to mobile gamers? Would you ever play games on a Blackberry or buy one for that purpose?
"We'll continue our cross-platform approach," Scoreloop CEO Marc Gumpinger wrote in an announcement encased in a Blackberry PlayBook tablet. "But you'll see that our BlackBerry solution will be unparalleled."
Blackberry devices, and even the recent PlayBook, were never known to be gaming powerhouses. But according to RIM's VP of global alliances and developer relations Tyler Lessard, that's about to change. "We look forward to working with the team at Scoreloop to provide tools that will further enable our developer community to take gaming to a new level of social integration on the BlackBerry platform," Lessard wrote in an announcement blog post. The word "fun" is rarely associated with business-heavy Blackberry phones, but this is likely the first of many steps toward achieving that inflated three-letter word.
[Image Credit: BusinessWeek]
Do you think this acquisition will help Blackberry devices appeal to mobile gamers? Would you ever play games on a Blackberry or buy one for that purpose?
E3 2011: Prime World mixes free-to-play MMO with Facebook friend interaction
Nival's Prime World is an upcoming free-to-play PC game that allows players a chance to enter a never-ending battle between two warring factions. Prime, the game's currency, is a source of power, magic and overall life on this war torn planet, and your ultimate goal will be to gather as much Prime as possible, to strengthen your own skills and abilities. As there are two different armies in this war, each has their own moral code and way of life. One, a scientific culture, focuses on logic and uses Prime to create new mechanical objects; the other is more spiritual, artistic and free-flowing, using Prime to enhance their magical abilities.
Prime World's gameplay seems two-fold. For one, you can exit the safety of your castle/kingdom and battle members of the opposite army, destroying towers, defeating monsters, and claiming new land for your own (the land physically changes from dry and barren to lush and downright beautiful as you claim it). You'll earn Prime for most actions, and can then spend that prime on new abilities, whether for use in defense, self-growth or offense. The other element shown at our E3 demo was that of city-building, as you create new buildings inside your castle's walls. The major elements of free-to-play MMOs all seem to be present, but where the game becomes a bit different is in its inclusion of Facebook. You'll be able to invite your Facebook friends to play the game with you (as Nival says, to introduce players who may not be as hardcore to the fun), via a castle-building mini game. There's even a Zuma-inspired marble game for those that would prefer to match marbles than enter combat (at least temporarily). Gender based bonuses are available as well, so if a male and female play in the same group, they might receive a bonus that protects them from damage if they stay close together. As strategy and teamwork play a huge role in PvP sessions (of course, two or more units attacking the same enemy will greatly increase the odds for survival), you'll want to invite as many Facebook friends into the game as possible to take advantage of those bonuses.
Gallery: Prime World E3 2011
In my hands-on time with the game, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. The graphics include a mixture of both western and eastern influences, and are very, very pleasing to the eyes. Enemy towers stand high on the landscape, but you might find yourself distracted by their complexity when you should be clicking to destroy it. Gameplay seems fluid, with customizable hot keys, and we overall look forward to seeing what else the game has in store when it launches in beta later this year.
Would you like to play MMOs with your Facebook friends? Does Prime World seem like something you'd enjoy
Prime World's gameplay seems two-fold. For one, you can exit the safety of your castle/kingdom and battle members of the opposite army, destroying towers, defeating monsters, and claiming new land for your own (the land physically changes from dry and barren to lush and downright beautiful as you claim it). You'll earn Prime for most actions, and can then spend that prime on new abilities, whether for use in defense, self-growth or offense. The other element shown at our E3 demo was that of city-building, as you create new buildings inside your castle's walls. The major elements of free-to-play MMOs all seem to be present, but where the game becomes a bit different is in its inclusion of Facebook. You'll be able to invite your Facebook friends to play the game with you (as Nival says, to introduce players who may not be as hardcore to the fun), via a castle-building mini game. There's even a Zuma-inspired marble game for those that would prefer to match marbles than enter combat (at least temporarily). Gender based bonuses are available as well, so if a male and female play in the same group, they might receive a bonus that protects them from damage if they stay close together. As strategy and teamwork play a huge role in PvP sessions (of course, two or more units attacking the same enemy will greatly increase the odds for survival), you'll want to invite as many Facebook friends into the game as possible to take advantage of those bonuses.
Gallery: Prime World E3 2011
In my hands-on time with the game, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. The graphics include a mixture of both western and eastern influences, and are very, very pleasing to the eyes. Enemy towers stand high on the landscape, but you might find yourself distracted by their complexity when you should be clicking to destroy it. Gameplay seems fluid, with customizable hot keys, and we overall look forward to seeing what else the game has in store when it launches in beta later this year.
Would you like to play MMOs with your Facebook friends? Does Prime World seem like something you'd enjoy
E3 2011: Yoostar Playground puts you in the movies on Facebook
If you're a console gamer, you might have heard of a little game called Yoostar 2: In the Movies for Xbox 360 and PS3. The game's name is a play on "you star" and it does just that - makes you the star in 80 scenes taken straight from some of the most iconic or popular TV shows and movies. Whether using the Xbox 360 Kinect or the PlayStation Eye, the object of the game is to view and then reenact these scenes, quoting a particular character's lines, and then being judges on your performance based on how well you recited the lines, and how you copied the character's body position while playing.
While this might be fun enough in parties or other social settings (like right here at E3 2011), the real fun can begin when you take your experience online to the Yoostar Playground. The Yoostar Playground is a Facebook application that serves as a social utility of sorts, allowing you to do all things from simply upload your favorite acting clips (that is, those of you performing) to Twitter, Facebook or Youtube, but also edit those clips into full movies or just something more entertaining for your friends to watch.
Each of your actions on the Yoostar Playground, whether it be simply watching and rating other players' videos or uploading your own, earns you points in an overall experience level. You can track your experience versus other players on both weekly and life-to-date boards. We were told that a Facebook-friends or Yoostar-friends only leaderboard is soon on the way as well.
With Yoostar Playground, you're really given the opportunity for your 15 minutes of fame, as the company routinely holds contests over the best videos uploaded to the service. For instance, a current eight-week contest will see eight players walk away with $1,000 with the final prize being a whopping $50,000! To enter, you'll need to upload a video and then promote that via every social channel you can think of, including your Facebook wall. The top 20 videos of the week go on to be judged by an outside service to decide the winner.
While of course owning a copy of Yoostar 2 on a home console will help you further flesh our your experience, you can still view videos and interact with the Yoostar Playground without actually owning the game. For instance, you can become a fan of different users and then mark them as your idols, similar to subscribing to someone's channel on YouTube. From there, their activity will be more prominently displayed each time you're on the Playground, allowing you to keep track of their actions. You can even earn a series of Badges based on connecting your different social networks to the Playground or completing various other (increasingly time consuming) activities on the service.
Yoostar Playground is currently available on Facebook, so why not take your shot at winning 50k?
Try Yoostar Playground on Facebook -->
Have you tried Yoostar Playground, or do you stick to the console versions of the game only?
While this might be fun enough in parties or other social settings (like right here at E3 2011), the real fun can begin when you take your experience online to the Yoostar Playground. The Yoostar Playground is a Facebook application that serves as a social utility of sorts, allowing you to do all things from simply upload your favorite acting clips (that is, those of you performing) to Twitter, Facebook or Youtube, but also edit those clips into full movies or just something more entertaining for your friends to watch.
Each of your actions on the Yoostar Playground, whether it be simply watching and rating other players' videos or uploading your own, earns you points in an overall experience level. You can track your experience versus other players on both weekly and life-to-date boards. We were told that a Facebook-friends or Yoostar-friends only leaderboard is soon on the way as well.
With Yoostar Playground, you're really given the opportunity for your 15 minutes of fame, as the company routinely holds contests over the best videos uploaded to the service. For instance, a current eight-week contest will see eight players walk away with $1,000 with the final prize being a whopping $50,000! To enter, you'll need to upload a video and then promote that via every social channel you can think of, including your Facebook wall. The top 20 videos of the week go on to be judged by an outside service to decide the winner.
While of course owning a copy of Yoostar 2 on a home console will help you further flesh our your experience, you can still view videos and interact with the Yoostar Playground without actually owning the game. For instance, you can become a fan of different users and then mark them as your idols, similar to subscribing to someone's channel on YouTube. From there, their activity will be more prominently displayed each time you're on the Playground, allowing you to keep track of their actions. You can even earn a series of Badges based on connecting your different social networks to the Playground or completing various other (increasingly time consuming) activities on the service.
Yoostar Playground is currently available on Facebook, so why not take your shot at winning 50k?
Try Yoostar Playground on Facebook -->
Have you tried Yoostar Playground, or do you stick to the console versions of the game only?
Friday, December 23, 2011
FarmVille Parisian Items: Fleur De Les Tree, French Mini Horse and more
Tonight's FarmVille update comes as a bit of a surprise. As last night's update already included items in the Parisian theme, it wasn't expected that another set (a larger set) of items would be released so soon, but we're not complaining. If you're keeping track, there are new items in the trees, animals, buildings and decorations categories, though some are re-releases from previous events. Here's a rundown so you can get straight to shopping.
Trees:
Fleur De Les Tree - 5 Farm Cash
Giant Fleur De Les Tree - 10 Farm Cash
Animals:
French Mini Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Buildings:
Parisian Cafe - 25 Farm Cash
Eiffel Tower - 150 Farm Cash
The Eiffel Tower has been seen - for free - in the past. If you don't have one, now is not the time to purchase one. If you can stand it, I'd suggest waiting until we see this again as a free item collection prize (perhaps around Valentine's Day).
Decorations:
Parisian Garden - 10 Farm Cash
Provencal Fence - 700 coins per piece
Bike with Basket - 2,000 coins
Provencal Pot - 2,200 coins
Romantic Fountain - 12 Farm Cash
Paris Patio - 7 Farm Cash
Keep a special eye on these items, farmers. Like the Eiffel Tower above, some of these items are re-releases, as the Provencal Pot, Bike with Basket and Provencal Fence items have been around this way before. Make sure to check your storage for these items if you've forgotten whether or not you purchased them. Sure, they're all cheap, but there's no reason to duplicate if you can help it.
Interestingly, these items will be available for the next 16-17 days, which is up from the normal solid two week time limit. This is presumably due to their skewed release date, as users may have not been expected another update until Sunday. Still, make sure you take advantage of this time while you have it. You wouldn't want to forget these items are available only to come back too late.
Are you excited about this set of Parisian-themed items? Do you already have an Eiffel Tower from a previous event or release? Would you ever pay 150 Farm Cash for something that others could have had for free, even if it does have limited availability?
Trees:
Fleur De Les Tree - 5 Farm Cash
Giant Fleur De Les Tree - 10 Farm Cash
Animals:
French Mini Horse - 26 Farm Cash
Buildings:
Parisian Cafe - 25 Farm Cash
Eiffel Tower - 150 Farm Cash
The Eiffel Tower has been seen - for free - in the past. If you don't have one, now is not the time to purchase one. If you can stand it, I'd suggest waiting until we see this again as a free item collection prize (perhaps around Valentine's Day).
Decorations:
Parisian Garden - 10 Farm Cash
Provencal Fence - 700 coins per piece
Bike with Basket - 2,000 coins
Provencal Pot - 2,200 coins
Romantic Fountain - 12 Farm Cash
Paris Patio - 7 Farm Cash
Keep a special eye on these items, farmers. Like the Eiffel Tower above, some of these items are re-releases, as the Provencal Pot, Bike with Basket and Provencal Fence items have been around this way before. Make sure to check your storage for these items if you've forgotten whether or not you purchased them. Sure, they're all cheap, but there's no reason to duplicate if you can help it.
Interestingly, these items will be available for the next 16-17 days, which is up from the normal solid two week time limit. This is presumably due to their skewed release date, as users may have not been expected another update until Sunday. Still, make sure you take advantage of this time while you have it. You wouldn't want to forget these items are available only to come back too late.
Are you excited about this set of Parisian-themed items? Do you already have an Eiffel Tower from a previous event or release? Would you ever pay 150 Farm Cash for something that others could have had for free, even if it does have limited availability?
FarmVille Mystery Game (07/14/11): Rainbow items show off their colors
While it may not be Sunday, a new round of the Mystery Game has launched in FarmVille this evening, bringing with it six rainbow-themed items. To be clear, most of these items have a base color of white, with rainbow accents in their coloring, rather than being an actual rainbow that you'd see in the sky. One final item is a decorative animal that breaks this rule.
This week's game costs 20 Farm Cash to play (which is higher than the "normal" 16 Farm Cash price), but comes with three different horse breeds, so if you're a collector, you have a lot to be excited about here. Here's what's available:
Rainbow Lorikeet
Rainbow Mini Horse
Rainbow Panda
Rainbow Pony
Rainbow Rabbit
Rainbow Stallion
The Rainbow Lorikeet is the odd-man-out here as the decorative bird looks normal, and doesn't scream of "rainbows." Still, it's a cute bird, for what it is. Also breaking with tradition this week is the game's expiration date, as you'll have ten days, rather than seven, to try your luck at throwing darts at the board. Presumably, this will all see us returning to a "normal" release schedule, but either way, we'll continue to stay on top of things and let you know what next week's game contains.
Which of these items are you hoping to receive from the Mystery Game? Which of the three horses/ponies do you think is cutest?
This week's game costs 20 Farm Cash to play (which is higher than the "normal" 16 Farm Cash price), but comes with three different horse breeds, so if you're a collector, you have a lot to be excited about here. Here's what's available:
Rainbow Lorikeet
Rainbow Mini Horse
Rainbow Panda
Rainbow Pony
Rainbow Rabbit
Rainbow Stallion
The Rainbow Lorikeet is the odd-man-out here as the decorative bird looks normal, and doesn't scream of "rainbows." Still, it's a cute bird, for what it is. Also breaking with tradition this week is the game's expiration date, as you'll have ten days, rather than seven, to try your luck at throwing darts at the board. Presumably, this will all see us returning to a "normal" release schedule, but either way, we'll continue to stay on top of things and let you know what next week's game contains.
Which of these items are you hoping to receive from the Mystery Game? Which of the three horses/ponies do you think is cutest?
FrontierVille Packin' Bags and Pickin' Banjos Event: Everything you need to know
As if you weren't prepared enough for the Pioneer Trail in FrontierVille, creating a nearly endless amount of Golden Hammers. Zynga has released yet another series of Goals in preparation for what better be the biggest, baddest expansion we've ever seen in an overarching event: Packin' Bags and Pickin' Banjos.
The event is broken up into a series of three Goals, but each Goal contributes to the event, which will only be around until August 15. (Perhaps this is the cut-off date for the Billion Hammers event, but I wouldn't hold your breath.)
Within the Goals, players must collect Fingerpicks to unlock three brand new items, and the faces of one crazy banjo player. While these items aren't connected to the Pioneer Trail, you might want to do at least the first Goal to see a new music video that Zynga threw together with some telling imagery about the upcoming expansion. Let's get to pickin'.
FrontierVille Packin' Bags and Pickin' Banjos 2
1. Pickin' Banjos
Collect 9 Fingerpicks
Watch the Bluegrass Music Video for Pioneer Trail
Collect 15 Bluegrass Songbooks
The nine Fingerpicks can be found by tending to Horses, Oxen, Cows and Mules, though the drop rate for the item appears to be random. Then, you'll be treated to a pretty hilarious music video teasing more features in the upcoming expansion--though, it's a requirement, so your tolerance for blue grass will be tested. The 15 Bluegrass Songbooks must be requested from your friends. Your reward for completing this Goal is a measly 750 Coins and 750 XP, but turning in those Fingerpicks to the event window earns you a Bundle of Sunflowers, a Pile 'o' Cooking Gear and a Hoe-Down Bear.
Pickin' Banjos
2. Packin' Bags
Buy 2 Dinners from the Market
Tend 50 Cows on your Homestead
Request 20 Pieces of Cookin' Gear
The two Dinners from the Market will cost you a total of 640 Food. Each Cow can be tended to every 10 hours, so this is going to take a little while unless you shell out the whopping 38,250 Coins for all 50 Cows. The 20 Pieces of Cookin' Gear must be requested from friends, unfortunately. For completing this Goal, 1,000 Coins, 1,000 XP and a Toy Wagon are all yours.
Get Ready to Get Down
3. Gettin' Down
Visit 20 Neighbor Homesteads
Fulfill 5 Friend's Wish List Requests
Collect 15 Hoedown Banjos
To visit your Neighbor's just click on their portraits on your Friend Bar, and select "Visit"--it's really that simple. But before you do, just hover over their portrait for a second longer to cause their Wish List to appear. If you have an item that they need, you will see the option to send them said item. All the while, ask your friends (again) for 15 Hoedown Banjos. Finish these three simple tasks, and you'll earn another 1,000 Coins, 1,000 XP and a White Rabbit. Now are you ready for the expansion? We thought so.
[Sources and Image Credits: Zynga, FrontierVille Info]
Have you started these timed Goals yet, or are you too busy collecting one billion Golden Hammers? Do you plan on completing these Goals at some point?
The event is broken up into a series of three Goals, but each Goal contributes to the event, which will only be around until August 15. (Perhaps this is the cut-off date for the Billion Hammers event, but I wouldn't hold your breath.)
Within the Goals, players must collect Fingerpicks to unlock three brand new items, and the faces of one crazy banjo player. While these items aren't connected to the Pioneer Trail, you might want to do at least the first Goal to see a new music video that Zynga threw together with some telling imagery about the upcoming expansion. Let's get to pickin'.
FrontierVille Packin' Bags and Pickin' Banjos 2
1. Pickin' Banjos
Collect 9 Fingerpicks
Watch the Bluegrass Music Video for Pioneer Trail
Collect 15 Bluegrass Songbooks
The nine Fingerpicks can be found by tending to Horses, Oxen, Cows and Mules, though the drop rate for the item appears to be random. Then, you'll be treated to a pretty hilarious music video teasing more features in the upcoming expansion--though, it's a requirement, so your tolerance for blue grass will be tested. The 15 Bluegrass Songbooks must be requested from your friends. Your reward for completing this Goal is a measly 750 Coins and 750 XP, but turning in those Fingerpicks to the event window earns you a Bundle of Sunflowers, a Pile 'o' Cooking Gear and a Hoe-Down Bear.
Pickin' Banjos
2. Packin' Bags
Buy 2 Dinners from the Market
Tend 50 Cows on your Homestead
Request 20 Pieces of Cookin' Gear
The two Dinners from the Market will cost you a total of 640 Food. Each Cow can be tended to every 10 hours, so this is going to take a little while unless you shell out the whopping 38,250 Coins for all 50 Cows. The 20 Pieces of Cookin' Gear must be requested from friends, unfortunately. For completing this Goal, 1,000 Coins, 1,000 XP and a Toy Wagon are all yours.
Get Ready to Get Down
3. Gettin' Down
Visit 20 Neighbor Homesteads
Fulfill 5 Friend's Wish List Requests
Collect 15 Hoedown Banjos
To visit your Neighbor's just click on their portraits on your Friend Bar, and select "Visit"--it's really that simple. But before you do, just hover over their portrait for a second longer to cause their Wish List to appear. If you have an item that they need, you will see the option to send them said item. All the while, ask your friends (again) for 15 Hoedown Banjos. Finish these three simple tasks, and you'll earn another 1,000 Coins, 1,000 XP and a White Rabbit. Now are you ready for the expansion? We thought so.
[Sources and Image Credits: Zynga, FrontierVille Info]
Have you started these timed Goals yet, or are you too busy collecting one billion Golden Hammers? Do you plan on completing these Goals at some point?
CityVille Race Invaders Timed Goal: Everything you need to know
It looks like CityVille will soon take a cue from its sister Zynga game, Cafe World, with this upcoming Timed Goal, Race Invaders. Unlike Timed Goals in games like FrontierVille, this unreleased Goal will reward you with better rewards the faster you complete it.
Thankfully, the Goal doesn't appear to be too difficult, and you might want to partake for the Gold level reward alone, a new Business called the Fitness House. However, I would strongly recommend putting the Goal off until you know you can sit down and hash it out within the 24 hour time limit. Now that we're through with disclaimers, here's how to complete this new Goal:
Race Invaders:
Send 40 Tour Buses to Neighbor Business
Ask friends for 12 Gel Packs
Harvest 50 Watermelons
Alright, so this Goal might take a while, but here's a way to make it happen fast. First, you'll need at least eight friends to send those Tour Buses to, but you should have at least 20 active friends regardless to complete this and other Goals. Now that you have the resources, accept the Goal and plant those 50 Watermelons. This will cost a total of 1,800 Coins and take at least four hours to harvest--make space if you have to in order to plant them all at once.
Then, request the 12 Gel Packs from friends, and overshoot if you have to. Once you've requested the Gel Packs, go and visit your friends to send those 40 Tour Buses. Then, hopefully you will have your 12 Gel Packs, and all you need to do is wait for those Watermelons to ripen. Here are the rewards for finishing this Goal, broken down by time limit:
CityVille Karen CityVille Fitness House
Gold (completed within 24 hours):
Fitness House
2200 Coins
Silver (completed in 24-48 hours):
1500 Goods
2200 Coins
Bronze (completed in 48-72 hours):
2200 Coins
[Source and Image Credit: CityVille Wiki, CityVille Info]
Do you think that you'll be able to complete this Goal in the allotted time to get that new Business? What do you think of Timed Goals in CityVille?
Thankfully, the Goal doesn't appear to be too difficult, and you might want to partake for the Gold level reward alone, a new Business called the Fitness House. However, I would strongly recommend putting the Goal off until you know you can sit down and hash it out within the 24 hour time limit. Now that we're through with disclaimers, here's how to complete this new Goal:
Race Invaders:
Send 40 Tour Buses to Neighbor Business
Ask friends for 12 Gel Packs
Harvest 50 Watermelons
Alright, so this Goal might take a while, but here's a way to make it happen fast. First, you'll need at least eight friends to send those Tour Buses to, but you should have at least 20 active friends regardless to complete this and other Goals. Now that you have the resources, accept the Goal and plant those 50 Watermelons. This will cost a total of 1,800 Coins and take at least four hours to harvest--make space if you have to in order to plant them all at once.
Then, request the 12 Gel Packs from friends, and overshoot if you have to. Once you've requested the Gel Packs, go and visit your friends to send those 40 Tour Buses. Then, hopefully you will have your 12 Gel Packs, and all you need to do is wait for those Watermelons to ripen. Here are the rewards for finishing this Goal, broken down by time limit:
CityVille Karen CityVille Fitness House
Gold (completed within 24 hours):
Fitness House
2200 Coins
Silver (completed in 24-48 hours):
1500 Goods
2200 Coins
Bronze (completed in 48-72 hours):
2200 Coins
[Source and Image Credit: CityVille Wiki, CityVille Info]
Do you think that you'll be able to complete this Goal in the allotted time to get that new Business? What do you think of Timed Goals in CityVille?
Hardcore PC games become Facebook games in a cinch with Overwolf
Well, sans the Neighbor Bars and arguably incessant gift sharing. Overwolf, an Israeli start up company and service, adds a social layer to existing hardcore PC games like World of Warcraft and Call of Duty. It does this through a free download that allows gamers to post their achievements and milestones in-game to social services like Facebook, Twitter and Skype without having to leave the game.
While GamePro notes that existing services like Steam and Raptr allow players to communicate in-game, Overwolf seemingly turns every hardcore game into, well, a social game. (Not to mention it has support for in-game email and web browsing as well.) But hardcore gamers have hardcore social tastes, so players can record video clips and post them to Facebook and other social channels, again, without leaving the game.
"Publishers are looking for ways to ignite the viral potential of online games, but integration has been difficult, especially with all of the demands of operating live titles," said Overwolf CEO Uri Marchand. "We're offering a way to add this functionality with zero effort required on the publisher's side. We've been getting amazing feedback from gamers telling us they love Overwolf, and it's a great way to engage friends and share their gaming life with their real lives, which has the effect of bringing more users into online games."
With major companies like Activision releasing social networks for their own games like Call of Duty Elite--and Xbox 360 having cross-game social features since its launch--the desire to share is certainly there. And as publishers and start ups alike begin to notice, the lines between Facebook game and hardcore game continue to blur. Services like Overwolf are only the beginning, so it might not be long before the word "social game" becomes moot.
[Image and Video Credit: Overwolf]
Is Overwolf an intriguing piece of software to you? Do you think services like this will make terms like "social game" irrelevant?
While GamePro notes that existing services like Steam and Raptr allow players to communicate in-game, Overwolf seemingly turns every hardcore game into, well, a social game. (Not to mention it has support for in-game email and web browsing as well.) But hardcore gamers have hardcore social tastes, so players can record video clips and post them to Facebook and other social channels, again, without leaving the game.
"Publishers are looking for ways to ignite the viral potential of online games, but integration has been difficult, especially with all of the demands of operating live titles," said Overwolf CEO Uri Marchand. "We're offering a way to add this functionality with zero effort required on the publisher's side. We've been getting amazing feedback from gamers telling us they love Overwolf, and it's a great way to engage friends and share their gaming life with their real lives, which has the effect of bringing more users into online games."
With major companies like Activision releasing social networks for their own games like Call of Duty Elite--and Xbox 360 having cross-game social features since its launch--the desire to share is certainly there. And as publishers and start ups alike begin to notice, the lines between Facebook game and hardcore game continue to blur. Services like Overwolf are only the beginning, so it might not be long before the word "social game" becomes moot.
[Image and Video Credit: Overwolf]
Is Overwolf an intriguing piece of software to you? Do you think services like this will make terms like "social game" irrelevant?
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
FarmVille Aviary Mystery Box offers re-released birds for your new habitat
If the re-released birds that have hit the FarmVille marketplace tonight aren't enough to stock your new Aviary habitat to capacity, why not take a look at the new Aviary Mystery Box that's also launched in the game? The Aviary Mystery Box contains re-released birds, with some of these birds having originally launched in the game back in March and April of this year. Needless to say, we haven't seen some of them for quite a while, so you'll want to keep them in mind when deciding whether or not to purchase a box.
Each Aviary Mystery Box costs 16 Farm Cash. You unfortunately have no guarantee that you won't end up with duplicates as you go for the complete set of six, but you can thankfully stop at any time should you decide the risk is too great. Here's a list of the six available birds:
Chrome Duck
White Stork
Gray Heron
Golfer Duck
Gallic Rooster
Tufted Duck
Again, these animals can all be stored inside your new Aviary habitat, but if you'd rather leave them outside to show off to your visiting neighbors, feel free to do that as well. Just make sure to purchase this box fast if you want any of the birds inside, as it will only be available for a week.
Will you purchase any of these Aviary Mystery Boxes? If you go for the full set of six, how many duplicates did you receive first? Which of these birds is your favorite?
Each Aviary Mystery Box costs 16 Farm Cash. You unfortunately have no guarantee that you won't end up with duplicates as you go for the complete set of six, but you can thankfully stop at any time should you decide the risk is too great. Here's a list of the six available birds:
Chrome Duck
White Stork
Gray Heron
Golfer Duck
Gallic Rooster
Tufted Duck
Again, these animals can all be stored inside your new Aviary habitat, but if you'd rather leave them outside to show off to your visiting neighbors, feel free to do that as well. Just make sure to purchase this box fast if you want any of the birds inside, as it will only be available for a week.
Will you purchase any of these Aviary Mystery Boxes? If you go for the full set of six, how many duplicates did you receive first? Which of these birds is your favorite?
Kingdoms & Quests looks like Zynga's next big game, a social RPG?
Update: Zynga has since taken down the support pages detailing Kingdoms & Quests. However, the "restricted" app still has a presence on Facebook.
And its worst-kept secret at that. Even before Adventure World has hit Facebook, it looks as if we already know a great deal about Zynga's next major social game. It's called Kingdoms & Quests, and at the moment is available only in Australia, according to brand new support pages for the game.
This is the first we're hearing of this new game, but a detailed guide for beginners reveals quite a lot about the unannounced Kingdoms & Quests. (You can try to access the game via Facebook, though you'll simply come to a screen that reads, "Use of app 'Kingdoms & Quests' is restricted.")
First of all, we know that this game is a fantasy RPG (roleplaying game) in which players gain experience and resources like wood, coins and food through battling monsters as they clear the fog surrounding their kingdom. So, there will be a property management and expansion aspect to Kingdoms & Quests, but the support page drives home that combat is the focus in this game.
Like Empires & Allies before it, players will create a kingdom and populate it with combat units to do battle against monsters in turn-based bouts, though we doubt this game will focus on strategy like E&A does. That's namely because Zynga doesn't at all mention PvP (player vs player) combat nor does it mention large-scale encounters or having to defend your territory. In fact, it looks like you'll only be able to have four units in battle at a time.
Kingdoms & Quests art
Zynga uses language that implies that players will explore the land around them on quests, killing individual groups of monsters with supporting warriors. Furthermore, it looks like players will be able to micromanage their units through equipment either crafted or found during battle. It sounds as if each and every unit will be outfitted with unique weapons.
While PvP doesn't seem to be a part of Kingdoms & Quests, social interaction will, of course, be a major focus ... perhaps more so than in any Zynga game before it. "If a player has an element icon next to their name, rather than the home kingdom icon, you can visit them on their map and play Kingdoms & Quests with them in real-time," the support page reads. Surely, Kingdoms & Quests will be a first for Zynga on many levels. To see what this game will be about in detail, check out its support page right here.
[Via Mafia Wars Maniac]
[Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited for yet another new Zynga game? How do you think or hope Kingdoms & Quests will play?
And its worst-kept secret at that. Even before Adventure World has hit Facebook, it looks as if we already know a great deal about Zynga's next major social game. It's called Kingdoms & Quests, and at the moment is available only in Australia, according to brand new support pages for the game.
This is the first we're hearing of this new game, but a detailed guide for beginners reveals quite a lot about the unannounced Kingdoms & Quests. (You can try to access the game via Facebook, though you'll simply come to a screen that reads, "Use of app 'Kingdoms & Quests' is restricted.")
First of all, we know that this game is a fantasy RPG (roleplaying game) in which players gain experience and resources like wood, coins and food through battling monsters as they clear the fog surrounding their kingdom. So, there will be a property management and expansion aspect to Kingdoms & Quests, but the support page drives home that combat is the focus in this game.
Like Empires & Allies before it, players will create a kingdom and populate it with combat units to do battle against monsters in turn-based bouts, though we doubt this game will focus on strategy like E&A does. That's namely because Zynga doesn't at all mention PvP (player vs player) combat nor does it mention large-scale encounters or having to defend your territory. In fact, it looks like you'll only be able to have four units in battle at a time.
Kingdoms & Quests art
Zynga uses language that implies that players will explore the land around them on quests, killing individual groups of monsters with supporting warriors. Furthermore, it looks like players will be able to micromanage their units through equipment either crafted or found during battle. It sounds as if each and every unit will be outfitted with unique weapons.
While PvP doesn't seem to be a part of Kingdoms & Quests, social interaction will, of course, be a major focus ... perhaps more so than in any Zynga game before it. "If a player has an element icon next to their name, rather than the home kingdom icon, you can visit them on their map and play Kingdoms & Quests with them in real-time," the support page reads. Surely, Kingdoms & Quests will be a first for Zynga on many levels. To see what this game will be about in detail, check out its support page right here.
[Via Mafia Wars Maniac]
[Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited for yet another new Zynga game? How do you think or hope Kingdoms & Quests will play?
Plants vs Zombies for iPhone update unearths nine new mini games
Look, Plants vs Zombies might be PopCap's most entertaining game to date (next to Peggle), but even flinging seeds at ravenous zombies gets stale after awhile. Luckily, PopCap thinks so too, and has updated PvZ for iPhone, bringing with it a whopping nine new mini games that players can buy using coins in Crazy Dave's Shop. Well, at least these mini games are new to the iPhone--they're all from the PC and Mac version of PvZ.
Each of the nine new games comes in a pack of three for 50,000 coins, which players can collect through just playing the Adventure Mode or tending to their Zen Gardens (released in the previous update). Of course, you can expedite the process by purchasing bundles of 100,000 coins for $.99 apiece. Here's a sneak peek at all nine mini games, courtesy of PopCap:
Game Pack #3
Walnut Bowling 2: Knock 'em dead in this killer twist to an old favorite sport.
Seeing Stars: Unravel the mystery of the star-shaped pattern.
Bobsled Bonanza: Melt the ice and defeat bobsledders and Zombonis in this frosty battle.
Game Pack #4
Invisi-Ghoul: Test your prowess to take on invisible zombies.
Last Stand: Not your average day at the pool!
ZomBotany 2: Hybrid zombies sport plant heads and abilities to up the challenge ante.
Game Pack #5
Beghouled Twist: An homage to Bejeweled Twist, this mash-up requires match-3 skill.
Pogo Party: Crash the pogo party of your roof!
Zombie Nimble Zombie Quick: Get ready to move faster than ever!
PvZ mini games
All nine mini games sound like fun, but we're most interested in this homage to Bejeweled Twist, and Walnut Bowling has always been a blast when it comes up in Adventure Mode. This update also introduces more Achievements to brag about share on Apple Game Center, most notable of which is Peking Express.
This is a micro game of sorts in which you're timed on how quickly you scroll all the way down the Achievements page to visit China and its zombies. I made it in just over 10 seconds--can you beat my time? If you're game, then click on the link below and get to diggin'. If anything, this should hold you over until Peggle and PvZ hit Facebook ... maybe.
Click here to download the new Plants vs Zombies update for iPhone >
Have you unlocked any of the new features in this PvZ update? Which of the new mini games are you most excited about?
Each of the nine new games comes in a pack of three for 50,000 coins, which players can collect through just playing the Adventure Mode or tending to their Zen Gardens (released in the previous update). Of course, you can expedite the process by purchasing bundles of 100,000 coins for $.99 apiece. Here's a sneak peek at all nine mini games, courtesy of PopCap:
Game Pack #3
Walnut Bowling 2: Knock 'em dead in this killer twist to an old favorite sport.
Seeing Stars: Unravel the mystery of the star-shaped pattern.
Bobsled Bonanza: Melt the ice and defeat bobsledders and Zombonis in this frosty battle.
Game Pack #4
Invisi-Ghoul: Test your prowess to take on invisible zombies.
Last Stand: Not your average day at the pool!
ZomBotany 2: Hybrid zombies sport plant heads and abilities to up the challenge ante.
Game Pack #5
Beghouled Twist: An homage to Bejeweled Twist, this mash-up requires match-3 skill.
Pogo Party: Crash the pogo party of your roof!
Zombie Nimble Zombie Quick: Get ready to move faster than ever!
PvZ mini games
All nine mini games sound like fun, but we're most interested in this homage to Bejeweled Twist, and Walnut Bowling has always been a blast when it comes up in Adventure Mode. This update also introduces more Achievements to brag about share on Apple Game Center, most notable of which is Peking Express.
This is a micro game of sorts in which you're timed on how quickly you scroll all the way down the Achievements page to visit China and its zombies. I made it in just over 10 seconds--can you beat my time? If you're game, then click on the link below and get to diggin'. If anything, this should hold you over until Peggle and PvZ hit Facebook ... maybe.
Click here to download the new Plants vs Zombies update for iPhone >
Have you unlocked any of the new features in this PvZ update? Which of the new mini games are you most excited about?
Car Town Japan drifts onto Mobage, Cie Games opens Tokyo office
If The Fast and the Furious has taught us anything about the "real" world, it's that Tokyo is a haven for gear-heads. Car Town creator Cie Games looks to bring Japanese social gamers just what they've been looking for in a social game with Car Town Japan. Inside Social Games (ISG) reports that the Facebook racer with over 5.8 million monthly players will expand to Mobage, DeNA's mobile social games network, before the end of this week as the company opens its Tokyo office.
"When we launch future titles, you'll see us deployed internationally much more quickly on multiple platforms," Cie Games CEO Justin Choi told ISG. "We are planning on opening additional offices. We are going to use Japan as a hub to expand into other markets in Asia."
According to ISG, this Japanese version of Car Town on Mobage is different from what sounds like a dedicated version of Car Town for iOS and Android devices that's in the works, which will be released "soon." Car Town Japan features a decidedly Japanese look and feel, though folks will still race, build, decorate and upgrade cars based on real-life brands like Toyota, Honda and Ford.
For you lucky folks going to the Tokyo Game Show next week, Cie Games will have a playable version of Car Town Japan there, too. For the rest of us back in the states and elsewhere, we'll just have to wait patiently until the game speeds onto our iPhones and various Android devices. So pump your brakes, and go play Car Town on Facebook some more.
[Image Credit: Inside Social Games]
Do you think this is a sign of Cie Games rise to social game notoriety among the elites like Zynga and EA? Are you excited to soon have a mobile version of Car Town to take around?
"When we launch future titles, you'll see us deployed internationally much more quickly on multiple platforms," Cie Games CEO Justin Choi told ISG. "We are planning on opening additional offices. We are going to use Japan as a hub to expand into other markets in Asia."
According to ISG, this Japanese version of Car Town on Mobage is different from what sounds like a dedicated version of Car Town for iOS and Android devices that's in the works, which will be released "soon." Car Town Japan features a decidedly Japanese look and feel, though folks will still race, build, decorate and upgrade cars based on real-life brands like Toyota, Honda and Ford.
For you lucky folks going to the Tokyo Game Show next week, Cie Games will have a playable version of Car Town Japan there, too. For the rest of us back in the states and elsewhere, we'll just have to wait patiently until the game speeds onto our iPhones and various Android devices. So pump your brakes, and go play Car Town on Facebook some more.
[Image Credit: Inside Social Games]
Do you think this is a sign of Cie Games rise to social game notoriety among the elites like Zynga and EA? Are you excited to soon have a mobile version of Car Town to take around?
Tell your best FarmVille story to win early access to Lighthouse Cove
The hype surrounding Lighthouse Cove, the upcoming second expansion to FarmVille, is officially at a fever pitch. Zynga has teased us long enough about our future trip to the coastline, so it's about time it opens up the gates to Lighthouse Cove. Well, Zynga plans on doing just that ... for 25 people. Oh yes, if you want to be one of the first to step digital foot onto this new expansion, you'll have to work for it. It's time to put your writing chops to the test in a new FarmVille Story Challenge.
What you need to do is pen your brightest, most vivid FarmVille story in just 20 sentences or less, and accompany your tale with no more than seven unedited images of your farm. The game's team will then review all of the submissions posted in this forum thread and decide on 25 skilled FarmVille fabulists on Sept. 9 after 3 p.m. PST, when the contest ends.
If you're chosen as one of FarmVille's great storytellers, you will be asked to send your Facebook ID to FarmVille community manager TerriHelper through a forum private message. The winners, in addition to getting into Lighthouse Cove before everyone else (nyah, nyah!), will score exclusive items as well as a quest line just for them with "handsome rewards." If that didn't get your fingers typing yet, then nothing will. Check out the full contest rules here, and open that word processor already, will ya?
Have you started writing your epic FarmVille fable yet? What do you think of how Zynga is handling early access to Lighthouse Cove, and what are you excited for most with this new expansion?
What you need to do is pen your brightest, most vivid FarmVille story in just 20 sentences or less, and accompany your tale with no more than seven unedited images of your farm. The game's team will then review all of the submissions posted in this forum thread and decide on 25 skilled FarmVille fabulists on Sept. 9 after 3 p.m. PST, when the contest ends.
If you're chosen as one of FarmVille's great storytellers, you will be asked to send your Facebook ID to FarmVille community manager TerriHelper through a forum private message. The winners, in addition to getting into Lighthouse Cove before everyone else (nyah, nyah!), will score exclusive items as well as a quest line just for them with "handsome rewards." If that didn't get your fingers typing yet, then nothing will. Check out the full contest rules here, and open that word processor already, will ya?
Have you started writing your epic FarmVille fable yet? What do you think of how Zynga is handling early access to Lighthouse Cove, and what are you excited for most with this new expansion?
CityVille Tonga Tower Goals: Everything you need to know
The Eiffel Tower in CityVille has been but a light at the end of a tunnel for many players, a distant one. Now, Zynga has released the second step in unlocking the first Wonder to hit the game, the Tonga Tower.
This brand new Business is a tiki-themed restaurant that will eventually function as the previous Hotels released to the game. Of course, there are some daunting Goals tied directly to its construction. So, without further ado, here' everything you need to know about the Tonga Tower:
First things first, you must be at least Level 30 to access the Tonga Tower and the Goals attached to it. And while you do not have to build the Sailboat Hotel before the Tonga Tower, both are required to access the Eiffel Tower when it finally releases. If you're Level 30 and log into the game, Edgar will appear with a task for you.
Tonga Tower!
Place the Tonga Tower
This woefully simple Goal will introduce you to the Tonga Tower. Just click on the Place button in the Goal's window to throw it onto your city. And ... that's it--enjoy the 2 XP that is your reward. (I mean, all you did was place a building, after all.) Placing the Tonga Tower will cause it to appear nearly finished complete with scaffolding. Click on it for your next and final Goal.
CityVille Unlock Tonga Tower
CityVille Tonga Tower completeUnlock the Tonga Tower
Gather parts to Unlock Tonga Tower
Upgrade one Tiki Business to Level 3
Master one Tiki Crop to Level 3
Clicking on the Tonga Tower again after receiving this Goal will open the familiar window when constructing buildings. As per usual, you must ask your friends to send you items, which this time include seven of each these: Drink Umbrellas, Open Coconuts, Ukuleles, Table Mats and Welcome Treats.
The upgraded Businesses that will count toward this Goal are the Song Bird Pet Shop, the Ku Drive-in and the Tonga Room. We suggest you go with the Song Bird Pet Shop, as it's the cheapest option at 150,000 coins and will be ready for collection more often than the others as it holds just 320 Goods. Upgrading a Business is a completely different ball game these days, so check out this post for an idea of how to upgrade Businesses in the new system.
Crop Mastery is as simple as harvesting a given crop a certain amount of times, and you must harvest either the Pineapple or Sugar Cane crop to fulfill this Goal. We recommend going with the Sugar Cane, as it only costs 47 coins per plot, which amounts to 14,100 coins total for Level 3 Mastery. Your reward for this Goal is simple: a finished Tonga Tower, which will function like a normal Hotel once completed.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you started on your Tonga Tower yet? What tips might you have for completing it even more quickly?
This brand new Business is a tiki-themed restaurant that will eventually function as the previous Hotels released to the game. Of course, there are some daunting Goals tied directly to its construction. So, without further ado, here' everything you need to know about the Tonga Tower:
First things first, you must be at least Level 30 to access the Tonga Tower and the Goals attached to it. And while you do not have to build the Sailboat Hotel before the Tonga Tower, both are required to access the Eiffel Tower when it finally releases. If you're Level 30 and log into the game, Edgar will appear with a task for you.
Tonga Tower!
Place the Tonga Tower
This woefully simple Goal will introduce you to the Tonga Tower. Just click on the Place button in the Goal's window to throw it onto your city. And ... that's it--enjoy the 2 XP that is your reward. (I mean, all you did was place a building, after all.) Placing the Tonga Tower will cause it to appear nearly finished complete with scaffolding. Click on it for your next and final Goal.
CityVille Unlock Tonga Tower
CityVille Tonga Tower completeUnlock the Tonga Tower
Gather parts to Unlock Tonga Tower
Upgrade one Tiki Business to Level 3
Master one Tiki Crop to Level 3
Clicking on the Tonga Tower again after receiving this Goal will open the familiar window when constructing buildings. As per usual, you must ask your friends to send you items, which this time include seven of each these: Drink Umbrellas, Open Coconuts, Ukuleles, Table Mats and Welcome Treats.
The upgraded Businesses that will count toward this Goal are the Song Bird Pet Shop, the Ku Drive-in and the Tonga Room. We suggest you go with the Song Bird Pet Shop, as it's the cheapest option at 150,000 coins and will be ready for collection more often than the others as it holds just 320 Goods. Upgrading a Business is a completely different ball game these days, so check out this post for an idea of how to upgrade Businesses in the new system.
Crop Mastery is as simple as harvesting a given crop a certain amount of times, and you must harvest either the Pineapple or Sugar Cane crop to fulfill this Goal. We recommend going with the Sugar Cane, as it only costs 47 coins per plot, which amounts to 14,100 coins total for Level 3 Mastery. Your reward for this Goal is simple: a finished Tonga Tower, which will function like a normal Hotel once completed.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you started on your Tonga Tower yet? What tips might you have for completing it even more quickly?
Ubisoft CEO: Smurfs & Co. gained 4.2 million players with no marketing
And now, The Smurfs & Co. is sitting pretty with over 9 million monthly players since its launch just over a month ago. During an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot revealed, "Smurfs went from zero to 4.2 million without marketing in two weeks."
While these might not be The Sims Social numbers, it speaks volumes to the power social games with strong brands behind them have on Facebook. This is especially considering Ubisoft conducted zero advertising (the main method of growth for Facebook games these days) for The Smurfs & Co. in that time period. That's the power of The Smurfs for ya, I guess.
Guillemont continued," So it's amazing how fast, when the content is adapted, those products can grow. So it really shows that people are very interested by new content in games. So we will continue to develop and make sure the quality of the game experience is adapted to what people are looking for."
In other words, the best way to for a Facebook game to grow is the keep it current, according to Guillemont. (So, that's why Zynga updates its games incessantly!) The Ubisoft boss went on to reveal to GamesIndustry.biz just why it's in on the rapidly growing free-to-play and social games movement: "In the long term there's no reason why the casual would not overcome the hardcore business because there are more people that are interested in buying casual."
So, if you ask Guillemont, casual (and free-to-play) are the way to go, which already accounted for 40 percent of the company's revenue in 2010. And Ubisoft is certainly not alone--EA has already spent over $1 billion on Facebook and mobile games, which is looking to already be paying off. Other traditional companies are slowly dipping their feet, while a legion of originally hardcore game designers have Facebook Credits twinkling in their eyes.
Does this mean no more Assassin's Creed or Ghost Recon for the hardcore crowd? Of course not, but I'm willing to bet that it does mean far more blue creatures in white hats in a not-so-little place called Facebook.
Do you agree that casual games could overtake hardcore games in the future? What do you think of The Smurfs & Co. so far, what brands do you hope Ubisoft brings to Facebook next?
While these might not be The Sims Social numbers, it speaks volumes to the power social games with strong brands behind them have on Facebook. This is especially considering Ubisoft conducted zero advertising (the main method of growth for Facebook games these days) for The Smurfs & Co. in that time period. That's the power of The Smurfs for ya, I guess.
Guillemont continued," So it's amazing how fast, when the content is adapted, those products can grow. So it really shows that people are very interested by new content in games. So we will continue to develop and make sure the quality of the game experience is adapted to what people are looking for."
In other words, the best way to for a Facebook game to grow is the keep it current, according to Guillemont. (So, that's why Zynga updates its games incessantly!) The Ubisoft boss went on to reveal to GamesIndustry.biz just why it's in on the rapidly growing free-to-play and social games movement: "In the long term there's no reason why the casual would not overcome the hardcore business because there are more people that are interested in buying casual."
So, if you ask Guillemont, casual (and free-to-play) are the way to go, which already accounted for 40 percent of the company's revenue in 2010. And Ubisoft is certainly not alone--EA has already spent over $1 billion on Facebook and mobile games, which is looking to already be paying off. Other traditional companies are slowly dipping their feet, while a legion of originally hardcore game designers have Facebook Credits twinkling in their eyes.
Does this mean no more Assassin's Creed or Ghost Recon for the hardcore crowd? Of course not, but I'm willing to bet that it does mean far more blue creatures in white hats in a not-so-little place called Facebook.
Do you agree that casual games could overtake hardcore games in the future? What do you think of The Smurfs & Co. so far, what brands do you hope Ubisoft brings to Facebook next?
Game Developers Choice Online Awards Audience Award: Vote for your fave Facebook game
We know, you're miffed that your favorite Facebook game didn't make the cut in the second annual Game Developers Choice Online Awards nominations. Luckily for you, the Audience Award category has finally opened up for voting from the public starting today, Sept. 8, through Sept. 22. All you need to do is head on over to the Audience Award voting page, type in what game--any online game--you think should win, and provide an email address to confirm your vote.
The second annual GDC Online, an Austin, Texas-based online game-centric offshoot of the annual GDC event that takes place annually in San Francisco, is little more than a month away, running Oct. 10-13. The GDC Online Awards will be held on the evening of Oct. 12 in the Austin Convention Center. Now that you know all of the logistics regarding the GDC Online Awards, let's talk a bit about that Audience Award.
Frankly, it can be a little daunting, that blank white box, just waiting for your answer. If you need some help framing your answer deciding on a sound candidate, take a look at the nominees that were already decided upon. If that doesn't help, take a look at this month's Top 25 Facebook Games to see what's hot.
Or, you know, just vote for what game you enjoy best--just make sure it's a Facebook game, kay? League of Legends won the Audience Award last year, and while it's a blast, we can't have that this year ... or we'll miss out on the Facebook royalty checks again. (Before the flaming starts: Jokes, people, just jokes.)
Do you plan on casting a vote for the GDC Online Awards Audience Award? Which game do you think should win the honor?
The second annual GDC Online, an Austin, Texas-based online game-centric offshoot of the annual GDC event that takes place annually in San Francisco, is little more than a month away, running Oct. 10-13. The GDC Online Awards will be held on the evening of Oct. 12 in the Austin Convention Center. Now that you know all of the logistics regarding the GDC Online Awards, let's talk a bit about that Audience Award.
Frankly, it can be a little daunting, that blank white box, just waiting for your answer. If you need some help framing your answer deciding on a sound candidate, take a look at the nominees that were already decided upon. If that doesn't help, take a look at this month's Top 25 Facebook Games to see what's hot.
Or, you know, just vote for what game you enjoy best--just make sure it's a Facebook game, kay? League of Legends won the Audience Award last year, and while it's a blast, we can't have that this year ... or we'll miss out on the Facebook royalty checks again. (Before the flaming starts: Jokes, people, just jokes.)
Do you plan on casting a vote for the GDC Online Awards Audience Award? Which game do you think should win the honor?
It's time to explore Adventure World, Zynga's largest Facebook game yet
Seriously, do you have a few hours to kill? Then good, because you might need it (and some Facebook Credits, in that case). Zynga has set Adventure World loose on Facebook--all 30 maps, 200 quests, over 1,000 art assets and 20,000 objects included. In this game that just so happens to be 40 times larger than previous Zynga games like FarmVille, players assume the role of an adventurer in search of the golden city of El Dorado.
You'll trek across jungles, mountains, caverns, volcanoes and finally venture into El Dorado itself, overcoming a myriad of wild beasts, lethal traps and various puzzles using your wits in search of the ultimate treasure. Developed by Zynga Boston (formerly known as Conduit Labs), Adventure World makes use of pseudo-3D, cel-shaded visuals to achieve an art style reminiscent of comic books from the '40s revolving around the golden age of exploration.
"When we joined the Zynga family a year ago, our goal was to not only create a game unlike any other in the social gaming space today, but to create a completely new genre," Zynga Boston GM Nabeel Hyatt said in a release. "We call this genre social adventure, one where players can explore, discover and team up with friends on an adventure of a lifetime."
Gallery: Adventure World on Facebook
Player navigate the world using unique tools like whips, grappling hooks and more that level individually as your character progresses. Speaking of which, there are over 10,000 different avatar variations at launch through its customization system. Based on an early look at the game, Adventure World looks to be Zynga's most ambitious project yet, with game mechanics that teach players rather than tell them how to navigate the game world.
But players will have the help of their friends to navigate Adventure World, too. Players can enlist up to 12 friends along the way to help them overcome obstacles like puzzles and traps more easily. And as players use the same friends more often, the stronger those friends become, fostering tight-knit groups of asynchronous adventurers.
Adventure World is already available in eight languages: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish and Norwegian. Zynga also points out that this is the first game to feature a pygmy princess, so if that doesn't get you to click the link below, we don't know what will.
Click here to play Adventure World on Facebook Now >
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you tried Adventure World on Facebook yet? What do you think so far of this massive Zynga game?
You'll trek across jungles, mountains, caverns, volcanoes and finally venture into El Dorado itself, overcoming a myriad of wild beasts, lethal traps and various puzzles using your wits in search of the ultimate treasure. Developed by Zynga Boston (formerly known as Conduit Labs), Adventure World makes use of pseudo-3D, cel-shaded visuals to achieve an art style reminiscent of comic books from the '40s revolving around the golden age of exploration.
"When we joined the Zynga family a year ago, our goal was to not only create a game unlike any other in the social gaming space today, but to create a completely new genre," Zynga Boston GM Nabeel Hyatt said in a release. "We call this genre social adventure, one where players can explore, discover and team up with friends on an adventure of a lifetime."
Gallery: Adventure World on Facebook
Player navigate the world using unique tools like whips, grappling hooks and more that level individually as your character progresses. Speaking of which, there are over 10,000 different avatar variations at launch through its customization system. Based on an early look at the game, Adventure World looks to be Zynga's most ambitious project yet, with game mechanics that teach players rather than tell them how to navigate the game world.
But players will have the help of their friends to navigate Adventure World, too. Players can enlist up to 12 friends along the way to help them overcome obstacles like puzzles and traps more easily. And as players use the same friends more often, the stronger those friends become, fostering tight-knit groups of asynchronous adventurers.
Adventure World is already available in eight languages: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish and Norwegian. Zynga also points out that this is the first game to feature a pygmy princess, so if that doesn't get you to click the link below, we don't know what will.
Click here to play Adventure World on Facebook Now >
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you tried Adventure World on Facebook yet? What do you think so far of this massive Zynga game?
Adventure World Prologue Quests: Everything you need to know
With the launch of Adventure World on Facebook, we see the launch of Zynga's biggest Facebook game yet, split into chapters, as you work to gain entry to the lost city of El Dorado. You'll have a base camp that serves as your supply point and an overall way to earn coins and other materials, but the majority of your time will be spend on expeditions through the game's main storyline. Right out of the gate, you're taken through the game's tutorial and Prologue section of quests.
With any new game, it can be a bit difficult getting used to the new gameplay, so we've compiled a guide to these Prologue Quests to help you acclimate as quickly as possible.
Save Malcom! Part 1
Collect the First Key Fragment
Collect the Second Key Fragment
Collect the Third Key Fragment
Your fellow adventurer Malcolm has fallen into a cave after wandering off on his own (silly boy). In order to gain access to the cave to rescue him, you'll need to collect three key pieces that are scattered around the mostly linear outdoor map. You can either navigate the map on your own, hacking shrubs to clear a path (and collecting statues for coins), or you can click on the "Show Me" button within the quest window seen above to have the camera automatically pan to where you need to go. These Key Fragments are surrounded by traps, so you'll need to pull switches (as seen below) to deactivate the trap before you're caught within them!
Save Malcolm! Part 2
Collect Your Journal
Open Cave Door
Enter the Cave
The Journal will be found right in the middle of the path, on the way into the Cave Door - you can't miss it. As for opening the door, just click on the round circular rock, standing vertically in the distance, and it will be opened for you automatically. Click on it again to go inside. Note: Once you go inside the cave, it doesn't look like you'll be able to get back out, so make sure you've collected any treasures you want before you go in.
Save Malcolm! Part 3
Get the Whip
Collect Malcolm's Canteen
Save Malcolm
Poor Malcolm - he's trapped in spider webs! You'll be given a whip in order to battle those Spiders that are guarding him, so just continue along the path until you reach Malcolm's Canteen at the right side of the screen. Unlike the shrubs and spider webs, the Spiders themselves (and other animals like Snakes) can fight back, so you'll want to make sure to take them out as soon as you can. If they attack you first, you'll lose energy points. Once you defeat the Spider(s), click on Malcolm to free him from the web.
Escape the Lost Cave!
Recover the Master Key
Use the Master Key to open the door
Use the Door to escape
Now that you've rescued Malcolm from the spiders, you'll need to escape from the cave. Conveniently enough, you'll be able to pick up the master key to opening up El Dorado while you're here. Continue along the path and you'll fight a couple of additional spiders before you can pull the Master Key from the stone. One final spider blocks the exit, but Malcolm takes care of it, allowing you both to leave and head back to Base Camp.
At this point, you will have finished the Prologue of Adventure World, and will be launched into Chapter 1. While the Master Key is a great discovery, you won't actually be able to enter El Dorado until you've replaced four lost idols to the outside of El Dorado, where they surround the Master Key's hole. You've got one heck of a journey ahead of you, adventurers! Good luck!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of Adventure World so far? Did you complete this Prologue Chapter and save Malcolm, or are you still working your way through the Lose Cave?
With any new game, it can be a bit difficult getting used to the new gameplay, so we've compiled a guide to these Prologue Quests to help you acclimate as quickly as possible.
Save Malcom! Part 1
Collect the First Key Fragment
Collect the Second Key Fragment
Collect the Third Key Fragment
Your fellow adventurer Malcolm has fallen into a cave after wandering off on his own (silly boy). In order to gain access to the cave to rescue him, you'll need to collect three key pieces that are scattered around the mostly linear outdoor map. You can either navigate the map on your own, hacking shrubs to clear a path (and collecting statues for coins), or you can click on the "Show Me" button within the quest window seen above to have the camera automatically pan to where you need to go. These Key Fragments are surrounded by traps, so you'll need to pull switches (as seen below) to deactivate the trap before you're caught within them!
Save Malcolm! Part 2
Collect Your Journal
Open Cave Door
Enter the Cave
The Journal will be found right in the middle of the path, on the way into the Cave Door - you can't miss it. As for opening the door, just click on the round circular rock, standing vertically in the distance, and it will be opened for you automatically. Click on it again to go inside. Note: Once you go inside the cave, it doesn't look like you'll be able to get back out, so make sure you've collected any treasures you want before you go in.
Save Malcolm! Part 3
Get the Whip
Collect Malcolm's Canteen
Save Malcolm
Poor Malcolm - he's trapped in spider webs! You'll be given a whip in order to battle those Spiders that are guarding him, so just continue along the path until you reach Malcolm's Canteen at the right side of the screen. Unlike the shrubs and spider webs, the Spiders themselves (and other animals like Snakes) can fight back, so you'll want to make sure to take them out as soon as you can. If they attack you first, you'll lose energy points. Once you defeat the Spider(s), click on Malcolm to free him from the web.
Escape the Lost Cave!
Recover the Master Key
Use the Master Key to open the door
Use the Door to escape
Now that you've rescued Malcolm from the spiders, you'll need to escape from the cave. Conveniently enough, you'll be able to pick up the master key to opening up El Dorado while you're here. Continue along the path and you'll fight a couple of additional spiders before you can pull the Master Key from the stone. One final spider blocks the exit, but Malcolm takes care of it, allowing you both to leave and head back to Base Camp.
At this point, you will have finished the Prologue of Adventure World, and will be launched into Chapter 1. While the Master Key is a great discovery, you won't actually be able to enter El Dorado until you've replaced four lost idols to the outside of El Dorado, where they surround the Master Key's hole. You've got one heck of a journey ahead of you, adventurers! Good luck!
Check out the rest of our Adventure World Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of Adventure World so far? Did you complete this Prologue Chapter and save Malcolm, or are you still working your way through the Lose Cave?
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Bejeweled Blitz, News Add Comment Bejeweled bursts onto Google Chrome; PvZ, Peggle hit Android Market
PopCap's giving Google some love this week. The casual and social games maker announced that a custom version of Bejeweled is available now on the search-gone-apps-gone-everything giant's Chrome Web Store for absolutely nothing. This version of the crystal crusher was built using HTML5, an emergent web coding standard gaining popularity in game creation.
According to PopCap's Bejeweled franchise business director Giordano Bruno Contestabile, the game features accelerated 3D graphics and that "this game is one of the most advanced and impressive HTML5 games yet implemented." This HTML5 take on Bejeweled sports two play modes: Classic and Speed. However, finding the legit version of the game can be a doozy. Our advice is to choose the one uploaded by "bejeweled.popcap.com."
Once you load the game, you'll notice those "accelerated 3D graphics" almost immediately. Then try completing a level, and you'll know exactly what PopCap is talking about. In addition to Bejeweled's new found home, the company has provided both Plants vs Zombies and Peggle a new place to hang: the Android Market. While both games have been available on Android devices for some time, they were exclusively offered through Amazon's Appstore. Both games will be available on Android Market this week.
With new versions of Bejeweled on iOS released last week, rumored games in the works for Facebook and now a Chrome version of its most popular game, PopCap is damn near everywhere. And how could we forget about that adorable little dragon coming this winter?
Have you tried Bejeweled on the Chrome Store yet? What game would you like to see PopCap adapt or create next, and where?
According to PopCap's Bejeweled franchise business director Giordano Bruno Contestabile, the game features accelerated 3D graphics and that "this game is one of the most advanced and impressive HTML5 games yet implemented." This HTML5 take on Bejeweled sports two play modes: Classic and Speed. However, finding the legit version of the game can be a doozy. Our advice is to choose the one uploaded by "bejeweled.popcap.com."
Once you load the game, you'll notice those "accelerated 3D graphics" almost immediately. Then try completing a level, and you'll know exactly what PopCap is talking about. In addition to Bejeweled's new found home, the company has provided both Plants vs Zombies and Peggle a new place to hang: the Android Market. While both games have been available on Android devices for some time, they were exclusively offered through Amazon's Appstore. Both games will be available on Android Market this week.
With new versions of Bejeweled on iOS released last week, rumored games in the works for Facebook and now a Chrome version of its most popular game, PopCap is damn near everywhere. And how could we forget about that adorable little dragon coming this winter?
Have you tried Bejeweled on the Chrome Store yet? What game would you like to see PopCap adapt or create next, and where?
Backyard Monsters creator Kixeye snags another former Zynga exec
"Hardcore" games require "hardcore" people behind them--even on Facebook. Kixeye, creator of such games on Facebook like Backyard Monsters and War Commander, announced that it has hired Brandon Barber as SVP of Marketing. Barber comes to Kixeye from Lionside, a social games maker he co-founded and sold to ngmoco in June. But before that, he was a Zynga man.
In fact, Barber was the first ever VP of Marketing at the social games giant, which is now poised to go public on the stock market this week. According to Kixeye, its new SVP of Marketing helped lay the groundwork for Zynga's communication, brand and marketing strategies. And before event that, the guy was a marketing head with EA. In other words, this guy knows his stuff. And he apparently knows good games when he sees them, too.
"Kixeye is pushing the limits of what is possible in online gaming," Barber said in a statement. "They've moved beyond cutesy Facebook games targeting 45 year old housewives to create games that gamers can actually be proud of. Will and the Kixeye team are showing the world that social games can engage users on a visceral and cerebral level. I look forward to being a part of that."
Kixeye's motto is "play to win," and with over 1 million more monthly players than its closest competitor, Kabam, the company seems to be doing an OK job of that. Granted, the majority those 3.8 million monthly players are in Backyard Monsters, but we have a feeling Barber is there to help change that. Barber is the second Zynga veteran to join Kixeye this year.
[Image Credit: PaperCarrier]
Do you think Kixeye will maintain its position as a leading strategy games maker on Facebook? What else would you like to see from Kixeye in the future?
In fact, Barber was the first ever VP of Marketing at the social games giant, which is now poised to go public on the stock market this week. According to Kixeye, its new SVP of Marketing helped lay the groundwork for Zynga's communication, brand and marketing strategies. And before event that, the guy was a marketing head with EA. In other words, this guy knows his stuff. And he apparently knows good games when he sees them, too.
"Kixeye is pushing the limits of what is possible in online gaming," Barber said in a statement. "They've moved beyond cutesy Facebook games targeting 45 year old housewives to create games that gamers can actually be proud of. Will and the Kixeye team are showing the world that social games can engage users on a visceral and cerebral level. I look forward to being a part of that."
Kixeye's motto is "play to win," and with over 1 million more monthly players than its closest competitor, Kabam, the company seems to be doing an OK job of that. Granted, the majority those 3.8 million monthly players are in Backyard Monsters, but we have a feeling Barber is there to help change that. Barber is the second Zynga veteran to join Kixeye this year.
[Image Credit: PaperCarrier]
Do you think Kixeye will maintain its position as a leading strategy games maker on Facebook? What else would you like to see from Kixeye in the future?
Worms maker Team 17 squirms for social, buys Worms Social team
When you look at games like Wild Ones, you can't help but wonder why the classic Worms franchise has yet to make the leap. Funny we put those words in your mouth you mention that, because Team 17, the developer behind the beloved Worms series, has acquired Iguana Entertainment. Before selling to Team 17, the social game maker was actually working on Worms Social.
Team 17 bought the company in an effort to increase its social game capabilities, according to Gamasutra, as game companies are so wont to do these days. Effectively immediately, a number of Iguana Entertainment staffers will join Team 17 in Wakefield, England. Better yet for the Worms maker, Iguana is already working on three more secret social games and a console game.
According to Gamasutra, Team 17 is most interested in what the studio can do for the company in social games, namely on Facebook. Iguana Entertainment will help the Worms creator "expand further into digital, mobile, and web development." However, Team17's managing director Debbie Bestwick also said, "They bring a wealth of cross-platform knowledge across an array of genres."
What you should be most excited about with this news is that Worms is coming to social networks, most likely Facebook. While hardcore game genres and franchises generally fail on Facebook, Worms has a better chance than most at success. That's especially considering Wild Ones by Playdom still has 3.1 million players coming back every month. Be ready for Armageddon.
[Via IndustryGamers]
Are you psyched to hear that Worms is coming to social networks? Do you think it will be as much of a hit as games like Wild Ones have been?
Team 17 bought the company in an effort to increase its social game capabilities, according to Gamasutra, as game companies are so wont to do these days. Effectively immediately, a number of Iguana Entertainment staffers will join Team 17 in Wakefield, England. Better yet for the Worms maker, Iguana is already working on three more secret social games and a console game.
According to Gamasutra, Team 17 is most interested in what the studio can do for the company in social games, namely on Facebook. Iguana Entertainment will help the Worms creator "expand further into digital, mobile, and web development." However, Team17's managing director Debbie Bestwick also said, "They bring a wealth of cross-platform knowledge across an array of genres."
What you should be most excited about with this news is that Worms is coming to social networks, most likely Facebook. While hardcore game genres and franchises generally fail on Facebook, Worms has a better chance than most at success. That's especially considering Wild Ones by Playdom still has 3.1 million players coming back every month. Be ready for Armageddon.
[Via IndustryGamers]
Are you psyched to hear that Worms is coming to social networks? Do you think it will be as much of a hit as games like Wild Ones have been?
Alec Baldwin on SNL: Zynga's Words With Friends is 'for smart people'
Alec Baldwin, award-winning actor and TV star of NBC's currently-running "30 Rock", is milking his fight with American Airlines over Zynga's Word With Friends for all the publicity he can get. Which is strange, because he certainly doesn't need it. But after deleting his Twitter account, Baldwin made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update, and sat for an interview with Seth Meyers to talk about what happened. Except, he didn't show up as Alec Baldwin, but as "Captain Steve Rogers" (which superhero comics geeks would recognize as the alias of Captain America). This, of course, is Baldwin's impersonation of the real AA pilot of the plane he was on, Captain Steve Roach.
In under three minutes, Baldwin mocked American Airlines' decision to boot him off the plane, bashed the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) policy of forbidding the use of wireless devices on planes, engaged in comical and completely unsubtle ego-stroking, and managed to self-style himself as the unofficial spokesman of Zynga's premier word game. You can watch the whole thing above or on the SNL website, but here's a sample transcript:
MEYERS: "So let me get this straight, you, Captain Rogers, want to apologize to Alec Baldwin?"
BALDWIN: "Yes. Mr. Baldwin is an American treasure, and I am ashamed at the way he was treated. I mean, what harm would it do to let him keep playing his game -- not any game mind you -- but a word game for smart people."
. . .
MEYERS: "It was also reported that Alec Baldwin slammed the bathroom door so loudly that you could hear it in the cockpit."
BALDWIN: "Now, Seth, Words with Friends can be frustrating. And again, I just started to play the game myself. But when you think you're about to play JAILERS off of someone's QUICHE and then you realize you don't have the 'I', let me tell you, that would make you slam the bathroom door too!"
Obviously, Baldwin's outburst has attracted plenty of media attention and Zynga's support. Though judging by the actor's actual, serious apology in The Huffington Post, Baldwin hasn't so much been aiming to free advertise for Zynga as crusading against what he believes to be the dwindling quality of service offered by US airlines. Of course, free publicity never hurts, and remember, BROUHAHA alone is worth 16 points in Words With Friends.
Has Alec Baldwin gone too far, or is he on to something here? Have you started playing Words With Friends because of what happened?
In under three minutes, Baldwin mocked American Airlines' decision to boot him off the plane, bashed the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) policy of forbidding the use of wireless devices on planes, engaged in comical and completely unsubtle ego-stroking, and managed to self-style himself as the unofficial spokesman of Zynga's premier word game. You can watch the whole thing above or on the SNL website, but here's a sample transcript:
MEYERS: "So let me get this straight, you, Captain Rogers, want to apologize to Alec Baldwin?"
BALDWIN: "Yes. Mr. Baldwin is an American treasure, and I am ashamed at the way he was treated. I mean, what harm would it do to let him keep playing his game -- not any game mind you -- but a word game for smart people."
. . .
MEYERS: "It was also reported that Alec Baldwin slammed the bathroom door so loudly that you could hear it in the cockpit."
BALDWIN: "Now, Seth, Words with Friends can be frustrating. And again, I just started to play the game myself. But when you think you're about to play JAILERS off of someone's QUICHE and then you realize you don't have the 'I', let me tell you, that would make you slam the bathroom door too!"
Obviously, Baldwin's outburst has attracted plenty of media attention and Zynga's support. Though judging by the actor's actual, serious apology in The Huffington Post, Baldwin hasn't so much been aiming to free advertise for Zynga as crusading against what he believes to be the dwindling quality of service offered by US airlines. Of course, free publicity never hurts, and remember, BROUHAHA alone is worth 16 points in Words With Friends.
Has Alec Baldwin gone too far, or is he on to something here? Have you started playing Words With Friends because of what happened?
Facebook shoot 'em up, BigHead BASH, brings licensed toys to the game
Spicy Horse, the largest Western indie games developer in China, is taking a break from console games to create a side-scrolling, multiplayer shooter for Facebook. Owned by American McGee, this Shanghai-based studio's previous project was a PC and console game, "Alice: Madness Returns", which was a sequel to the highly praised American McGee's Alice that put a dark and macabre spin on Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.
Spicy Horse's latest game, however, is going to be a social game with a fairly original concept -- players will get to customize their own characters (based on nine choices in the following categories: army toys, stuffed animals, and electronic bots) and buy their creations as real-life vinyl toys. Licensed designs from other IP, such as video game characters and fashion icons, also plan to be available.
Kraftwurx has openly stated that they've signed a deal with Spicy Horse to make these 3D toys possible. Silicornera reports that Spicy horse is "offering a 50% revenue split with content creators" and that they can get interested toy makers in touch with the developer.
Bighead BASH bots
As for the game itself, BigHead BASH is set to land on Facebook next February and will allow for team-vs-team arcade-style death matches. The three pre-designated teams are "Attack Force", "Fluf", and "BOTS". Despite its 3D aesthetic, it's still a 2D game. Other details are sparse at this stage, but you can get a sneak peak of the gameplay from the "Meet Attach Force" game trailer below.
Lastly, you can snag a chance to play the beta by clicking 'like' on the game's official Facebook page.
[Hat-tip: Video Game Writers]
How excited are you for BigHead BASH? Do you like the idea of being able to order a character you've designed from a Facebook game?
Spicy Horse's latest game, however, is going to be a social game with a fairly original concept -- players will get to customize their own characters (based on nine choices in the following categories: army toys, stuffed animals, and electronic bots) and buy their creations as real-life vinyl toys. Licensed designs from other IP, such as video game characters and fashion icons, also plan to be available.
Kraftwurx has openly stated that they've signed a deal with Spicy Horse to make these 3D toys possible. Silicornera reports that Spicy horse is "offering a 50% revenue split with content creators" and that they can get interested toy makers in touch with the developer.
Bighead BASH bots
As for the game itself, BigHead BASH is set to land on Facebook next February and will allow for team-vs-team arcade-style death matches. The three pre-designated teams are "Attack Force", "Fluf", and "BOTS". Despite its 3D aesthetic, it's still a 2D game. Other details are sparse at this stage, but you can get a sneak peak of the gameplay from the "Meet Attach Force" game trailer below.
Lastly, you can snag a chance to play the beta by clicking 'like' on the game's official Facebook page.
[Hat-tip: Video Game Writers]
How excited are you for BigHead BASH? Do you like the idea of being able to order a character you've designed from a Facebook game?
MapleStory maker stumbles on first day trading, bad news for Zynga?
Well, it could certainly scare the hell out of potential investors. Bloomberg reports that Nexon, creator of hit free-to-play and social games like MapleStory and Zombie Misfits, has already seen its stock price decline after its first day of publicly trading in Tokyo. When the company went public on Tuesday, its stock was priced at 1,307 yen--by day's end it dropped 2.3 percent to 1,270 yen.
Still, Nexon managed to raise $1.17 billion in its initial public offering (IPO), just a hair shy of its $1.2 billion goal marked last week. The CityVille creator is said to go public as soon as Thursday, looking to raise $1.15 billion on the Nasdaq as "ZNGA". It's almost no doubt that Zynga will get at least close to its goal, but if the pioneer of free-to-play games in the Western world can't keep its stock price steady for a single day, investors might wonder the same for the company behind FarmVille.
Keep in mind, however, that Nexon debuted in an entirely different market. (Though, the company offered shared in the US, too.) What's most worrisome is that Nexon is far older, and you'd imagine more experienced, than Zynga, but still couldn't hang on the first day of trading.
Despite its dependence on Facebook, Zynga's CEO Mark Pincus told investors that it could double its base of paying players in 2012. And while he seems to have made no effort to explain how, CrowdStar CEO Peter Relan seems to agree. We'll whether Zynga's efforts on its IPO roadshow were enough by Friday, or so they say.
Do you think Nexon's first-day experience is indicative of what Zynga might go through with its IPO? Would you invest in Zynga at this point?
Still, Nexon managed to raise $1.17 billion in its initial public offering (IPO), just a hair shy of its $1.2 billion goal marked last week. The CityVille creator is said to go public as soon as Thursday, looking to raise $1.15 billion on the Nasdaq as "ZNGA". It's almost no doubt that Zynga will get at least close to its goal, but if the pioneer of free-to-play games in the Western world can't keep its stock price steady for a single day, investors might wonder the same for the company behind FarmVille.
Keep in mind, however, that Nexon debuted in an entirely different market. (Though, the company offered shared in the US, too.) What's most worrisome is that Nexon is far older, and you'd imagine more experienced, than Zynga, but still couldn't hang on the first day of trading.
Despite its dependence on Facebook, Zynga's CEO Mark Pincus told investors that it could double its base of paying players in 2012. And while he seems to have made no effort to explain how, CrowdStar CEO Peter Relan seems to agree. We'll whether Zynga's efforts on its IPO roadshow were enough by Friday, or so they say.
Do you think Nexon's first-day experience is indicative of what Zynga might go through with its IPO? Would you invest in Zynga at this point?
Monday, December 12, 2011
CityVille Halloween Monster Mystery Game: Everything you need to know
Taking a page from FarmVille, CityVille has now received its own version of a Mystery Game, with this one being (mostly) themed around Halloween. The Halloween Monster Mystery Game is available to players level 10 and above, and it costs 30 City Cash to play. However, in order to make sure everyone is introduced to this feature in the right way, we'll all receive our first play for free.
You can enter the Mystery Game from the pop-up that appears when you load the game, or you can access it from the store. There are six items available to win, and you'll be able to click on a box of your choosing from a variety of colored, patterned boxes on conveyor belts in front of you. The items are split into three pairs based on rarity (Common, Uncommon or Rare), with one of the Uncommon items being a Whooshing Witches decoration, and a Common item being a Magic Fairy, as examples.
According to users on the CityVille forums, some of the other prizes available are a Potion Shop, Pixy Palace and Backwoods Blacksmith. That being the case, it looks like this Mystery Game contains items both Halloween and "Fairy / Woods" in theme, which is a bit odd.
Even with that being the case, there's also a goal that goes along with whatever prize you end up winning, so you really do need to use your free play as soon as possible. We'll bring you a complete guide to those new Halloween goals just as soon as we can.
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What did you win from the Halloween Monster Mystery Game?
You can enter the Mystery Game from the pop-up that appears when you load the game, or you can access it from the store. There are six items available to win, and you'll be able to click on a box of your choosing from a variety of colored, patterned boxes on conveyor belts in front of you. The items are split into three pairs based on rarity (Common, Uncommon or Rare), with one of the Uncommon items being a Whooshing Witches decoration, and a Common item being a Magic Fairy, as examples.
According to users on the CityVille forums, some of the other prizes available are a Potion Shop, Pixy Palace and Backwoods Blacksmith. That being the case, it looks like this Mystery Game contains items both Halloween and "Fairy / Woods" in theme, which is a bit odd.
Even with that being the case, there's also a goal that goes along with whatever prize you end up winning, so you really do need to use your free play as soon as possible. We'll bring you a complete guide to those new Halloween goals just as soon as we can.
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What did you win from the Halloween Monster Mystery Game?
CityVille Halloween Act 2 Goals: Everything you need to know
I hope you have made a lot of progress on the goals in Act 1 of CityVille's Halloween Monster event, as three more goals have now been placed on your plate thanks to the launch of Act 2. This second act introduces a new Hotel to the game, where Monsters will be able to invite their friends to stay, but more on that later. There are three goals to complete in this Act, so let's jump right in!
In Good Spirits
Place an Item Won from the Halloween Mystery Game
Master Pumpkins or Jack-O'Lanterns to Level 1
Have 10 Monster Community Buildings
It doesn't appear to matter which of the community buildings you have, or if you have duplicates, so long as the total comes to ten. Feel free to build 10 of the smallest ones, if you just want to finish this goal fast. As for the Pumpkins, the first star of mastery is earned after 50 harvests. For the Halloween Mystery Game, we've already brought you a guide on how this feature works, so just place the one item (out of six potential prizes) that you win and that task will be complete. Finishing this first goal in Act 2 gives you the Treacherous Tree decoration.
Grim Sleeper
Place Haunted Hotel
Collect from Haunted Hotel 5 Times
The Haunted Hotel is a monster-specific hotel that is available to users level 10 and up. We'll bring you a complete guide to building it as soon as we can. In the meantime, know that it functions in much the same way as other hotels in the game, requiring building materials and then Goods to operate. Once you complete this goal (likely a very time consuming process), you'll unlock the Creepy Country Cottage in the store, which then costs a whopping 380,000 coins to purchase.
At Death's Door
Ask friends for 30 Halloween Masks
Master Pumpkins or Jack O'Lanterns to Level 3
Reach a Monster Population of 9000
If you thought the Monster Population of 3,500 task was ridiculous in Act one, I can't wait to hear the reactions about this. If you're willing to shell out some City Cash for buildings that both provide room for, and actually house that many citizens (that is, expensive Community Buildings and Residences), you can easily reach that level in just one or two buildings, but otherwise, you're in for a very time consuming, very land-intensive task that you don't have very long to complete. As a last resort, you can choose to pay 254 City Cash to skip this task outright, but at that point, why not spend the City Cash on the aforementioned buildings to complete the task manually? Regardless of your choice, the reward for finally finishing this goal will be the unlock of the Werewolf Lodge in the store. This business costs 18,000 coins and requires 80 Goods to operate.
As usual, you can complete these three goals in any order that you'd like, meaning that you can also work on them all at the same time, even if you have yet to complete the goals from Act 1. That's now six Halloween-themed goals to work on at once, so I hope your patience can handle it!
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of these Act 2 goals? Is 9,000 citizens a "reachable" number in the time we have remaining in this event, or are you going to not even try (not that I could blame you)?
In Good Spirits
Place an Item Won from the Halloween Mystery Game
Master Pumpkins or Jack-O'Lanterns to Level 1
Have 10 Monster Community Buildings
It doesn't appear to matter which of the community buildings you have, or if you have duplicates, so long as the total comes to ten. Feel free to build 10 of the smallest ones, if you just want to finish this goal fast. As for the Pumpkins, the first star of mastery is earned after 50 harvests. For the Halloween Mystery Game, we've already brought you a guide on how this feature works, so just place the one item (out of six potential prizes) that you win and that task will be complete. Finishing this first goal in Act 2 gives you the Treacherous Tree decoration.
Grim Sleeper
Place Haunted Hotel
Collect from Haunted Hotel 5 Times
The Haunted Hotel is a monster-specific hotel that is available to users level 10 and up. We'll bring you a complete guide to building it as soon as we can. In the meantime, know that it functions in much the same way as other hotels in the game, requiring building materials and then Goods to operate. Once you complete this goal (likely a very time consuming process), you'll unlock the Creepy Country Cottage in the store, which then costs a whopping 380,000 coins to purchase.
At Death's Door
Ask friends for 30 Halloween Masks
Master Pumpkins or Jack O'Lanterns to Level 3
Reach a Monster Population of 9000
If you thought the Monster Population of 3,500 task was ridiculous in Act one, I can't wait to hear the reactions about this. If you're willing to shell out some City Cash for buildings that both provide room for, and actually house that many citizens (that is, expensive Community Buildings and Residences), you can easily reach that level in just one or two buildings, but otherwise, you're in for a very time consuming, very land-intensive task that you don't have very long to complete. As a last resort, you can choose to pay 254 City Cash to skip this task outright, but at that point, why not spend the City Cash on the aforementioned buildings to complete the task manually? Regardless of your choice, the reward for finally finishing this goal will be the unlock of the Werewolf Lodge in the store. This business costs 18,000 coins and requires 80 Goods to operate.
As usual, you can complete these three goals in any order that you'd like, meaning that you can also work on them all at the same time, even if you have yet to complete the goals from Act 1. That's now six Halloween-themed goals to work on at once, so I hope your patience can handle it!
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of these Act 2 goals? Is 9,000 citizens a "reachable" number in the time we have remaining in this event, or are you going to not even try (not that I could blame you)?
CityVille Haunted Hotel: Everything you need to know
As part of CityVille's Halloween Monsters event, the second goal in Act 2 requires you to build a Haunted Hotel in your city, so that friends of your new monster citizens will have a place to stay when they're on vacation (visiting said monsters) in your town. Unfortunately, this Haunted Hotel is a fairly large feature in and of itself, so it's definitely only increased your work-load in the game, rather than helped you out. Here's a guide to constructing one in your city.
You'll need to head into the second goal in Act 2 in order to hit the "Place" button to receive the frame of your Haunted Hotel. Don't worry, you don't have to actually complete the goal, or any Halloween goals before it to unlock access to this Haunted Hotel - you simply need to be level 10 or above. Once you place the base, you'll need to spend six energy to construct the frame. From there, it's the expected process of collecting building materials:
6 Dancing Brooms
6 Butler Trays
6 Walking Pianos
6 Chandeliers
6 Skeletons
These items are earned in the expected pair of ways: either by posting a general news feed to your wall or by sending individual requests to friends for them to help you out. You can also purchase each individual ingredient for 5 City Cash each, if you don't want to wait / bug your friends.
When the Hotel is complete, you'll be able to supply it with 400 Goods to operate. You can then invite your friends to be one of your hotel's guests, even giving them VIP status, where available. When you collect your profits, you'll receive at least 2,500 coins, and will be one step closer to finishing the Haunted Hotel goal in Act 2 that got you into this project to begin with.
Remember, after Halloween proper (unless there's a time extension), the Halloween event will likely end entirely in CityVille, taking these goals along with it. As the Haunted Hotel is earned as a part of the goal series, it's likely that if you don't build one now (or at least place the base, even if you don't finish its construction), you may never have the chance again. If you're at all interested in this one, make sure to place your Haunted Hotel as soon as possible to get the most out of this year's Halloween event in the game.
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of the Haunted Hotel in CityVille? Do you like the various "hotels" we've seen released in the game over the past few weeks and months?
You'll need to head into the second goal in Act 2 in order to hit the "Place" button to receive the frame of your Haunted Hotel. Don't worry, you don't have to actually complete the goal, or any Halloween goals before it to unlock access to this Haunted Hotel - you simply need to be level 10 or above. Once you place the base, you'll need to spend six energy to construct the frame. From there, it's the expected process of collecting building materials:
6 Dancing Brooms
6 Butler Trays
6 Walking Pianos
6 Chandeliers
6 Skeletons
These items are earned in the expected pair of ways: either by posting a general news feed to your wall or by sending individual requests to friends for them to help you out. You can also purchase each individual ingredient for 5 City Cash each, if you don't want to wait / bug your friends.
When the Hotel is complete, you'll be able to supply it with 400 Goods to operate. You can then invite your friends to be one of your hotel's guests, even giving them VIP status, where available. When you collect your profits, you'll receive at least 2,500 coins, and will be one step closer to finishing the Haunted Hotel goal in Act 2 that got you into this project to begin with.
Remember, after Halloween proper (unless there's a time extension), the Halloween event will likely end entirely in CityVille, taking these goals along with it. As the Haunted Hotel is earned as a part of the goal series, it's likely that if you don't build one now (or at least place the base, even if you don't finish its construction), you may never have the chance again. If you're at all interested in this one, make sure to place your Haunted Hotel as soon as possible to get the most out of this year's Halloween event in the game.
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of the Haunted Hotel in CityVille? Do you like the various "hotels" we've seen released in the game over the past few weeks and months?
CityVille Tree of Enchantment: Everything you need to know
With CityVille's Halloween event asking us to have at least 9,000 Monsters living in our cities (and that's just for Act 2), you'll need to build all of the Community Buildings and homes that you can, as quickly as you can, you stand a chance of finishing everything before Halloween actually arrives. To help you do that are two new Community Buildings that are available for coins, the first of which is a Tree of Enchantment. Now, with this building (along with some of the prizes in the Halloween Monster Mystery Game), we're seeing a sort of side-theme of fairies and forest creatures that are considered "Halloween." I don't really understand it either (unless we're saying it's just a bunch of people in costume), but you can consider this to be one of those items.
Either way, the Tree of Enchantment can be purchased from the store for 34,000 coins. Once placed, the base needs to be hit eight times to complete the frame. From there, it's an expected process of item collection. You'll need the following five items:
4 Soil
4 Bats
4 Moss
4 Spiders
4 Water
These items can all be purchased individually for 5 City Cash each (or 100 City Cash in total), or you can go the free (yet time consuming) route of asking your friends to send them to you. Soil, Bats and Spiders are earned through general wall posts that you'll post to the news feed, while the Water and Moss covered stones need to be earned by sending out individual gift requests to those friends that would be most likely to help you.
When the tree is fully grown, your maximum Monster population cap will go up by 800 Monsters, allowing you to get that much closer to your 9,000 Monster (current) goal. Good luck!
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of the Tree of Enchantment or these "forest" items in the Halloween theme? Will you build one in your town?
Either way, the Tree of Enchantment can be purchased from the store for 34,000 coins. Once placed, the base needs to be hit eight times to complete the frame. From there, it's an expected process of item collection. You'll need the following five items:
4 Soil
4 Bats
4 Moss
4 Spiders
4 Water
These items can all be purchased individually for 5 City Cash each (or 100 City Cash in total), or you can go the free (yet time consuming) route of asking your friends to send them to you. Soil, Bats and Spiders are earned through general wall posts that you'll post to the news feed, while the Water and Moss covered stones need to be earned by sending out individual gift requests to those friends that would be most likely to help you.
When the tree is fully grown, your maximum Monster population cap will go up by 800 Monsters, allowing you to get that much closer to your 9,000 Monster (current) goal. Good luck!
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
What do you think of the Tree of Enchantment or these "forest" items in the Halloween theme? Will you build one in your town?
CityVille Zombie ER: Everything you need to know
Along with the Tree of Enchantment, there are now two new Community Buildings available to build in CityVille that will help you raise your Monster population cap to get one step closer to finishing the complicated (and downright difficult) Act 2 goals that were released just this week. The second building is the Zombie ER, which has the same basic shape and design of the game's regular Hospital, but of course has been themed for Halloween, or, in this case, the apocalypse with boards on the windows and a bloody S.O.S. tarp on the roof.
The Zombie ER can be purchased from the store for 42,000 coins. Upon placing the base, it will require 10 energy to fully complete the frame. Unfortunately, you're then left with an item collection event, rather than a simple "friend-staff" one, and you'll need the following items to finish this one off:
6 Fangs
6 Scalpels
6 Reflectors
6 Bandages
6 Ribbon
One of the only positives here is that you might already have the Ribbon on hand from previous buildings, and would then be left gathering just 24 items, rather than 30. As it stands, the Scalpels, Reflectors and Bandages can all be earned through general news items posted to your wall, while the Fangs are earned through individual friend requests sent to those friends that you think would be most willing to help you.
Once the Zombie ER is finished, it will raise your maximum Monster population cap by 1,100 Monsters. Combine this with the 800 from the Tree of Enchantment, and you're almost 2,000 Monsters closer - at least in population cap - to your current 9,000 Monster goal. Now, if only houses cost this little and provided this many Monsters in one go we might actually be able to get somewhere.
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
Will you build a Zombie ER in your town, or is the item too large to waste the space on? Are you trying to make it to 9,000 Monsters in your town, or have you given up on the event altogether?
The Zombie ER can be purchased from the store for 42,000 coins. Upon placing the base, it will require 10 energy to fully complete the frame. Unfortunately, you're then left with an item collection event, rather than a simple "friend-staff" one, and you'll need the following items to finish this one off:
6 Fangs
6 Scalpels
6 Reflectors
6 Bandages
6 Ribbon
One of the only positives here is that you might already have the Ribbon on hand from previous buildings, and would then be left gathering just 24 items, rather than 30. As it stands, the Scalpels, Reflectors and Bandages can all be earned through general news items posted to your wall, while the Fangs are earned through individual friend requests sent to those friends that you think would be most willing to help you.
Once the Zombie ER is finished, it will raise your maximum Monster population cap by 1,100 Monsters. Combine this with the 800 from the Tree of Enchantment, and you're almost 2,000 Monsters closer - at least in population cap - to your current 9,000 Monster goal. Now, if only houses cost this little and provided this many Monsters in one go we might actually be able to get somewhere.
Check out the rest of our Halloween 2011 coverage right here.
Will you build a Zombie ER in your town, or is the item too large to waste the space on? Are you trying to make it to 9,000 Monsters in your town, or have you given up on the event altogether?
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The Sims Social Black Friday sale offers 30% off SimCash
But wait! There's more! First things first, if you've ever wanted to stock up on SimCash in Playfish's the Sims Social on Facebook, your time to do so is now! The developer has sent out newsletters to subscribers offering them a "very special offer" - 30% off SimCash packages! To put this into perspective, you're looking at 35 SimCash for $3.50 US, rather than $5, or a package as large as the ultimate 900 SimCash package, which costs $70 now, compared to $100 before the holiday.
This offer expires on November 29, giving you plenty of time even after Black Friday to stock up. If you're in the mood to spend that Cash immediately, or even some Simoleons and Social Points you happen to have saved, you can also take advantage of in-game specials, offering up to 70% off various items for your home or even your home's exterior.
Essentially, you're looking for a "Last Chance" designation on these items, along with a purple outline surrounding them. You can browse through the store's different categories and pages as usual, but when you find these "Last Chance" items, make sure to hove over them so you can see their original prices and how much you're saving. There are plenty of Simoleon items on sale, but the prices of some SimCash items have also been slashed. The Suck It Up oven hood, for instance, now costs 14 SimCash, down from its original price of 19 SimCash. Again, there's an absolute treasure trove of deals here, so make sure you browse through each individual section in the store, even if you just purchase some items for later use, rather than decorating right now.. These bargains will be around for the next four days.
Will you go on a mini shopping-spree in Sims Social, purchasing these sale priced items, or havd you already purchased everything you were interested in previously?
This offer expires on November 29, giving you plenty of time even after Black Friday to stock up. If you're in the mood to spend that Cash immediately, or even some Simoleons and Social Points you happen to have saved, you can also take advantage of in-game specials, offering up to 70% off various items for your home or even your home's exterior.
Essentially, you're looking for a "Last Chance" designation on these items, along with a purple outline surrounding them. You can browse through the store's different categories and pages as usual, but when you find these "Last Chance" items, make sure to hove over them so you can see their original prices and how much you're saving. There are plenty of Simoleon items on sale, but the prices of some SimCash items have also been slashed. The Suck It Up oven hood, for instance, now costs 14 SimCash, down from its original price of 19 SimCash. Again, there's an absolute treasure trove of deals here, so make sure you browse through each individual section in the store, even if you just purchase some items for later use, rather than decorating right now.. These bargains will be around for the next four days.
Will you go on a mini shopping-spree in Sims Social, purchasing these sale priced items, or havd you already purchased everything you were interested in previously?
CityVille Snowball Fight Timed Goal: Everything you need to know
Jumping straight into the winter season, CityVille has left the turkeys and pumpkins of fall behind and is now ready for the snow! To kick off winter with a bang, you're now able to complete a new timed goal in your cities called Snowball Fight. This one is brought on by the Stumpfords, who want to have some family time outdoors by having a snowball fight. You'll need to help them do just that. Here's what's required of you:
Collect Rent from 50 Neighbor Residences
Gather 14 Snowballs
Ask for 16 Mittens
It doesn't matter which kind of residences you collect from, so long as you're in your neighbors' towns when you do so. You'll need to visit at least 10 friends to complete this task. You'll need to ask your friends to send you the Mittens, while Snowballs can be gathered by collecting rent from residences in your own city.
If you can finish all three of these tasks within the first two days, or 48 hours, you'll receive the Gold Trophy, 10,000 coins and a Snowball Fort. This Fort is a decorative item offering you a 27% payout bonus on surrounding businesses and homes. For finishing this goal within 48-96 hours, you'll receive the Silver Trophy, 5,000 coins and 5 Energy, while finishing at any point after the first 96 hours have passed will give you a Bronze Trophy and just 5,000 coins.
There doesn't look to be a time limit for when you actually need to start this goal, so long as you make sure you can finish it within the first two days for the ultimate prize. Good luck!
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of this Snowball Fight timed goal?
Collect Rent from 50 Neighbor Residences
Gather 14 Snowballs
Ask for 16 Mittens
It doesn't matter which kind of residences you collect from, so long as you're in your neighbors' towns when you do so. You'll need to visit at least 10 friends to complete this task. You'll need to ask your friends to send you the Mittens, while Snowballs can be gathered by collecting rent from residences in your own city.
If you can finish all three of these tasks within the first two days, or 48 hours, you'll receive the Gold Trophy, 10,000 coins and a Snowball Fort. This Fort is a decorative item offering you a 27% payout bonus on surrounding businesses and homes. For finishing this goal within 48-96 hours, you'll receive the Silver Trophy, 5,000 coins and 5 Energy, while finishing at any point after the first 96 hours have passed will give you a Bronze Trophy and just 5,000 coins.
There doesn't look to be a time limit for when you actually need to start this goal, so long as you make sure you can finish it within the first two days for the ultimate prize. Good luck!
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of this Snowball Fight timed goal?
CityVille Swiss Museum: Everything you need to know
If you need to increase your maximum population cap in CityVille, a new themed building has launched in the game that will allow you to do just that. This building is the Swiss Museum, and it comes with its very own goal called "Swiss Bliss!" (or Swiss Army Knife, if you prefer). This goal has two requirements:
Place the Swiss Museum
Complete the Swiss Museum
Normally, placing the Community Building would be enough to finish such goals, but this one actually forces you to complete it before you'll be rewarded with your 20,000 coins prize.
To build it, you'll first need to spend six energy to build up the frame. From here, you'll need to start the time-consuming process of asking your friends for building materials. You'll need to gather five different items:
5 info Booths
5 Lights
5 Display Cases
5 Museum Maps
5 Headsets
The Info Booths and Museum Maps are earned by sending out individual gift requests to your friends, while the Lights, Display Cases and Headsets are earned by posting general news items to your wall for every friend to click on. By collecting all of these items, you'll complete the Swiss Museum and will officially raise your town's population cap by 1,000 citizens. Ultimately, that's not a huge leap, but the building itself is quite pretty architecturally, so I can definitely see the draw to place one permanently in your city. Whether or not you actually do, of course, will be up to you.
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Will you build a Swiss Museum in your town in CityVille? What do you think of the look of this classic building?
Place the Swiss Museum
Complete the Swiss Museum
Normally, placing the Community Building would be enough to finish such goals, but this one actually forces you to complete it before you'll be rewarded with your 20,000 coins prize.
To build it, you'll first need to spend six energy to build up the frame. From here, you'll need to start the time-consuming process of asking your friends for building materials. You'll need to gather five different items:
5 info Booths
5 Lights
5 Display Cases
5 Museum Maps
5 Headsets
The Info Booths and Museum Maps are earned by sending out individual gift requests to your friends, while the Lights, Display Cases and Headsets are earned by posting general news items to your wall for every friend to click on. By collecting all of these items, you'll complete the Swiss Museum and will officially raise your town's population cap by 1,000 citizens. Ultimately, that's not a huge leap, but the building itself is quite pretty architecturally, so I can definitely see the draw to place one permanently in your city. Whether or not you actually do, of course, will be up to you.
Check out the rest of our CityVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Will you build a Swiss Museum in your town in CityVille? What do you think of the look of this classic building?
Cafe World: Black Friday packages offer Spices, Stoves and Cash for 80% off
If you're still trying to recover from your turkey coma triggered by yesterday's Thanksgiving festivities and find yourself playing Cafe World to pass the time, you can now stock up on Cafe Cash, spices, lightning stoves even coins in Black Friday packages that are priced up to 80% off.
These packages range from $2 - $12 in price, and give you $10 - $90 in content. Here's a complete breakdown on what you'll receive in each package:
$2 Package
Value of content: $10
One Lightning Super Stove
25 Cafe Cash
10,000 coins
20 Spices
$10 Package
Value of Content: $60
One Lightning Super Stove
120 Cafe Cash
10,000 coins
20 Spices
$12 Package
Value of Content: $90
One Lightning Super Stove
120 Cafe Cash
10,000 coins
20 Spices
No Clean Fairy Statue
It looks like these spices are likely Instant Spices, due to their color, but the symbol on the side doesn't match the symbol on an individual Instant Spice. Also, it should be noted that these three packages will only be available in the game for the next three days. Sure, that makes them more than just Black Friday deals, but it also doesn't eliminate your need to rush to purchase them in time.
With so many users expressing their continued concerns over the game's never-ending goals and Catering Orders, will this sale be enough to bring users back? If we purchase 120 Cafe Cash, that's certainly enough to pass a few goals that might be giving us trouble, right? Or, is this all too little, too late on the part of Zynga to earn your money?
Well, what do you think? Will you purchase any of these value bundles in Cafe World's Black Friday sale?
These packages range from $2 - $12 in price, and give you $10 - $90 in content. Here's a complete breakdown on what you'll receive in each package:
$2 Package
Value of content: $10
One Lightning Super Stove
25 Cafe Cash
10,000 coins
20 Spices
$10 Package
Value of Content: $60
One Lightning Super Stove
120 Cafe Cash
10,000 coins
20 Spices
$12 Package
Value of Content: $90
One Lightning Super Stove
120 Cafe Cash
10,000 coins
20 Spices
No Clean Fairy Statue
It looks like these spices are likely Instant Spices, due to their color, but the symbol on the side doesn't match the symbol on an individual Instant Spice. Also, it should be noted that these three packages will only be available in the game for the next three days. Sure, that makes them more than just Black Friday deals, but it also doesn't eliminate your need to rush to purchase them in time.
With so many users expressing their continued concerns over the game's never-ending goals and Catering Orders, will this sale be enough to bring users back? If we purchase 120 Cafe Cash, that's certainly enough to pass a few goals that might be giving us trouble, right? Or, is this all too little, too late on the part of Zynga to earn your money?
Well, what do you think? Will you purchase any of these value bundles in Cafe World's Black Friday sale?
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