Update: Click here for the announcement of a long-term deal between Zynga and Facebook.
Casual online games such as Mafia Wars and Farmville by Zynga have experienced explosive growth on Facebook but things aren't all sunshine and lollipops between the game developer and Facebook. In fact, things have gotten so bad that Zynga is now reported to be strongly considering leaving Facebook and starting their own social game service called Zynga Live.
The dust up between Zynga and Facebook first started when Facebook changed how games could notify users. The aim was to streamline the notification process and reduce the amount of spam that Facebook users received from others. However, this resulted in casual games being played less and losing players. Farmville alone is said to have lost 4.4 million users in a four week period.
The final straw appears to be Facebook forcing casual games that use its platform to use Facebook credits. Facebook takes 30% of the cut of the purchase of these credits and this doesn't sit well with Zynga. To make matters worse, Facebook is reportedly trying to strong-arm Zynga into a long-term exclusivity deal and using tactics such as shutting off game notifications during negotations.
Zynga is reportedly now in preparations to leave Facebok and start Zynga Live. In doing so, they'd have control of their own platform and could presumably still use Facebook along with MySpace and Twitter. More importantly, they wouldn't have to pay Facebook the 30% fee. The big question now is whether or not Zynga will be able to pull in the same number of users by running on a separate platform. Part of the appeal of casual online games is that they are easy to find and easy to jump into. Additional barriers of entry or making games harder to find will only hurt.
Enjoy this article? Keep up to date on our latest articles by clicking the 'Subscribe" button above or following us on Twitter. Send tips to atlgametips@gmail.com.
Comments
Hi: Personally I think these are a total waste of time; but so many people seem to enjoy playing them and I have noted especially senior citizens. I am going to post your article link on my facebook page for those who do enjoy playing these. FB is doing a lot of undercover stuff that people do not know about as well. You need to go to your account and click and click off everything you don't want that they have put on their automatically. I also happen to think video games are a waste of time when people become complusive - addicted - and other things in life suffers and some that influence young people in the wrong way; but each generation has had its hazards - can't believe we just to play Mumbly Peg with a sharp pocket knife, swing off ropes into deep water, and and such such dangerous things - maybe this generation will overcome electronic addictions.
Sorry about the typos this morning. Haven't gotten my eyes open yet. I do type and spell better.
Has this been confirmed yet?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!