Finding things that are hidden was the most popular game activity on Facebook this year, followed by controlling a person's every move and running an entire city. Facebook has released its take on the most popular social games of 2011, and Playdom's Gardens of Time beat out both The Sims Social by Playfish and Zynga's CityVille for the number one spot.
Facebook organized the list based on "which [games] drew the most active users and received the highest user recommendations," according to a post on the Facebook blog. Other than that, it's not 100 percent clear how Facebook came to its conclusions, as AppData's findings (as of this writing) are quite different. Perhaps user recommendations were weighed more heavily in Facebook's list. It's also possible that the recent change to how Facebook calculates monthly active players in its games affected this list.
With The Sims Social and CityVille in second and third place, respectively, the list contains a number of unexpected winners. For instance, DoubleDown Casino, Bingo Blitz and Slotomania all made the overall top 10 list. This isn't to say that these games aren't deserving of such acclaim, but none of these games performed as well as, say, Zynga Poker in 2011.
This leads us to believe that user recommendations were weighed more heavily than active players in Facebook's calculations. Who knows, perhaps recommendations are a better metric than simply the number of players when rating a game's popularity. Facebook made a point to include a bunch of other notable mentions from 2011, so check out the full list below:
Most Popular Games in 2011:
Gardens of Time (By Playdom)
The Sims Social (By EA)
Cityville (By Zynga)
DoubleDown Casino (by DoubleDown Interactive)
Indiana Jones Adventure World (By Zynga)
Words With Friends (By Zynga)
Bingo Blitz (By Buffalo Studios)
Empires & Allies (By Zynga)
Slotomania-Slot Machines (By Playtika)
Diamond Dash (By wooga)
Top Up-and-Comers:
Battle Pirates (By Kixeye)
Dragons of Atlantis (By Kabam)
Gourmet Ranch (By RockYou!)
Top Games with 50,000-100,000 Users
Super Slot Machines (By Davy Campano, David Livingston Kirby and Robby Campano)
WestWars (By Innogames)
MouseHunt (By HitGrab)
Top Casino Games in 2011
Zynga Poker (By Zynga)
Slotomania – Slot Machines (By Playtika)
DoubleDown Casino (By DoubleDown Interactive)
Top Sports Games in 2011
TopEleven – Be a Football Manager (By Nordeus)
Pool Live Tour (By Geewa)
EA Sports: FIFA Superstars (By EA)
Top Fashion Games in 2011
Mall World (By 50 Cubes)
ItGirl (By CrowdStar)
Coco Girl (By Metrogames)
Do you think Gardens of Time deserves to be on top? What do you think of the conclusions Facebook came to?
Thứ Bảy, 18 tháng 2, 2012
The guys behind Collapse! Blast are super serious about social games
That's not to be confused with "super cereal." GameHouse, creator of hit Facebook game Collapse! Blast, announced that it's expanding its Victoria, B.C. studio with a larger office with plans to double staff there to 45 staffers in 2012. And they'll be working toward one goal: making more social games.
"Social game development is the number one priority for our company in 2012 and Victoria is an attractive area for expansion due to the city's high caliber of talent combined with a great quality of life," GameHouse head Matt Hulett said in a statement. "I believe this strategic expansion of our social games studio in Victoria will not only grow our games portfolio, but it will also solidify our leadership position in the overall games industry."
This new office will be headed by Alex Mendelev, who came to GameHouse last year as a package deal with the acquisition of Victoria-based social games maker Backstage Technologies. Just in case Hulett wasn't clear, the Seattle-based games division of RealNetworks mentions it's invested $11 million in social gaming this year alone.
In short, expect a lot more from where the recent Bayou Blast came from. In speaking with us about the matching game, which has been growing since November, Hulett hinted that GameHouse is rather bullish on social casino games. (Well, so is everyone and their mother.)
[Via GeekWire]
Are you a Collapse! Blast or Bayou Blast fan? What other types of games would you like to see from GameHouse in 2012?
"Social game development is the number one priority for our company in 2012 and Victoria is an attractive area for expansion due to the city's high caliber of talent combined with a great quality of life," GameHouse head Matt Hulett said in a statement. "I believe this strategic expansion of our social games studio in Victoria will not only grow our games portfolio, but it will also solidify our leadership position in the overall games industry."
This new office will be headed by Alex Mendelev, who came to GameHouse last year as a package deal with the acquisition of Victoria-based social games maker Backstage Technologies. Just in case Hulett wasn't clear, the Seattle-based games division of RealNetworks mentions it's invested $11 million in social gaming this year alone.
In short, expect a lot more from where the recent Bayou Blast came from. In speaking with us about the matching game, which has been growing since November, Hulett hinted that GameHouse is rather bullish on social casino games. (Well, so is everyone and their mother.)
[Via GeekWire]
Are you a Collapse! Blast or Bayou Blast fan? What other types of games would you like to see from GameHouse in 2012?
Zynga feels the Christmas cheer, helps staffers out of a tough spot
On Dec. 10, three employees of Zynga's San Francisco headquarters came home to one of their worst nightmares: their apartment in flames. FarmVille development director Eric Matsumura, lead game designer Ben Seck and CityVille lead product manager Bradley Ross lost their apartment (pictured) to an all-consuming fire that sparked in their bottom floor neighbor's home.
When Zynga learned of their ordeal after that horrific weekend had past, the rest of its staff joined forces to help get them back on their feet again. Working behind the scenes ever since, the company called the unfortunate trio into the studio's 6th floor Sweet Shoppe kitchen on Dec. 16 (the same day Zynga went public). It was then that Zynga staffers presented Matsumura, Seck and Ross with $5,000 in cash--all from employee donations--to help soften the blow.
For the time being, Zynga has the employees in temporary housing and offered to dry clean what clothes were salvageable from the fire. "While this could have been a crushing and stressful ordeal, the support from our Zynga brothers and sisters has been amazing," Seck said. "We've always looked at our team as our family, but we never expected this type of over-the-top generosity."
It's refreshing to see such a big company as Zynga come through for its own in a tough spot. Zynga may treat its staff like family in times of need, but what about when things are hunky-dory? Reports from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal suggest otherwise, pointing to an intense corporate culture and threats of termination in exchange for vested stock. Maybe think of Zynga as one of those tough-love fathers from the '50s?
When Zynga learned of their ordeal after that horrific weekend had past, the rest of its staff joined forces to help get them back on their feet again. Working behind the scenes ever since, the company called the unfortunate trio into the studio's 6th floor Sweet Shoppe kitchen on Dec. 16 (the same day Zynga went public). It was then that Zynga staffers presented Matsumura, Seck and Ross with $5,000 in cash--all from employee donations--to help soften the blow.
For the time being, Zynga has the employees in temporary housing and offered to dry clean what clothes were salvageable from the fire. "While this could have been a crushing and stressful ordeal, the support from our Zynga brothers and sisters has been amazing," Seck said. "We've always looked at our team as our family, but we never expected this type of over-the-top generosity."
It's refreshing to see such a big company as Zynga come through for its own in a tough spot. Zynga may treat its staff like family in times of need, but what about when things are hunky-dory? Reports from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal suggest otherwise, pointing to an intense corporate culture and threats of termination in exchange for vested stock. Maybe think of Zynga as one of those tough-love fathers from the '50s?
Hey, Nintendo: Tell us how you really feel about Facebook games
We already know that Nintendo isn't interested in making Facebook or mobile games. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has said as much, as has Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime, citing the company's dedication to its own hardware. But when All Things Digital's Tricia Duryee mentioned CityVille maker Zynga's public stock market debut to Fils-Aime during an interview, the Nintendo executive took the opportunity to get a few jabs in.
"What's the share price? It will be interesting when it breaks below $9," Fils-Aime said of Zynga's new publicly traded stock, which has already dipped below the $9 mark once or twice. "The thing about entertainment--as consumers have a range of experiences--their desires for what's new continues to be pushed out. So delivering the same experience all the time ... consumers will move on. So when I look at gaming experiences on social networks, there's a variety of entertainment value. Some are strong, some are not. But in the end, how will they evolve? Doing the same thing over and over again is no longer fine."
Fils-Aime went on to predict that the companies that win in the social game arena will have to "provide the new and different experiences, and a way to monetize it." Well, social game companies certainly have the whole "monetize" thing down. But what happens when social games are built around monetization (virtual goods) entirely, as many are quick to point out?
"What's the share price? It will be interesting when it breaks below $9," Fils-Aime said of Zynga's new publicly traded stock, which has already dipped below the $9 mark once or twice. "The thing about entertainment--as consumers have a range of experiences--their desires for what's new continues to be pushed out. So delivering the same experience all the time ... consumers will move on. So when I look at gaming experiences on social networks, there's a variety of entertainment value. Some are strong, some are not. But in the end, how will they evolve? Doing the same thing over and over again is no longer fine."
Fils-Aime went on to predict that the companies that win in the social game arena will have to "provide the new and different experiences, and a way to monetize it." Well, social game companies certainly have the whole "monetize" thing down. But what happens when social games are built around monetization (virtual goods) entirely, as many are quick to point out?
Facebook really wants games to succeed, makes welcome changes
What? You say, "the 30 percent cut Facebook takes from in-game sales might have something to do with it?" That's just probably true mean! Facebook announced Thursday night a few changes to its games and apps platform to increase game play time and, one of our favorite buzzwords, retention. The most noticeable change is that the amount of games you've played last, featured above the Games Ticker, has been upped from four to six.
According to Facebook's early tests, this boosted number of bookmarks has increased referrals to previously-played games by 20 percent. Speaking of bookmarks, those numbered game-related bookmarks on the Facebook home page now clear automatically once a user clicks on them, much like notifications do. The idea behind it: "This update should make it clearer to users when they have a pending action and drive greater re-engagement."
In short, players will play their favorite games more. Facebook has also merged the Games and Apps dashboards into one destination. The updated dashboard shows all app and game requests and notifications in one place, as well as recommends new apps and games to users based on what your friends are playing. Changes like these bring Facebook closer to Google+ in terms of how it promotes new games.
Finally, game stories have hit Facebook on smartphones. Now, players will get to see what games their friends are playing most, regardless of whether they play social games. Facebook hopes this will inspire users to play more Facebook games through their mobile devices. But depending on who you ask, game discovery is far from Facebook's biggest problem.
According to Facebook's early tests, this boosted number of bookmarks has increased referrals to previously-played games by 20 percent. Speaking of bookmarks, those numbered game-related bookmarks on the Facebook home page now clear automatically once a user clicks on them, much like notifications do. The idea behind it: "This update should make it clearer to users when they have a pending action and drive greater re-engagement."
In short, players will play their favorite games more. Facebook has also merged the Games and Apps dashboards into one destination. The updated dashboard shows all app and game requests and notifications in one place, as well as recommends new apps and games to users based on what your friends are playing. Changes like these bring Facebook closer to Google+ in terms of how it promotes new games.
Finally, game stories have hit Facebook on smartphones. Now, players will get to see what games their friends are playing most, regardless of whether they play social games. Facebook hopes this will inspire users to play more Facebook games through their mobile devices. But depending on who you ask, game discovery is far from Facebook's biggest problem.
Games.com's Top 11 Facebook Games of 2011
Facebook gaming fever mellowed in 2011, and as the dust started to settle, we've found that games on this new platform are both fewer in number and maturing at a rapid rate. Instead of endless click-farming, social games started to feature richer, more engaging experiences, borrowing everything from friend-vs-friend battles to role-playing game-style crafting from more traditional video games. We've also seen popular video games get the Facebook treatment, a risky maneuver which worked well for some (not so much for others). Here are the best of 2011.
zombie land best facebook games 2011
11. Zombie Lane
Digital Chocolate
For those of us who were sick to death of growing virtual crops, smashing/shooting/otherwise maiming zombies in this slightly subversive game was a refreshing change of pace.
Play Zombie Lane on Facebook >
castleville facebook best of 2011
10. CastleVille
Zynga
Just in case you didn't have enough 'Ville' games in your life, Zynga brings you another one -- this one in the form of CastleVille, where you build your kingdom and take up arms against 'the gloom' and its creatures as you explore uncharted territory. Aside from the general theme, this game expands on the whole simulation genre by tossing in a more mature crafting system and a large area to explore. Think of this as Ville 2.0.
Play CastleVille on Facebook >
empires allies best of facebook 2011
9. Empires & Allies
Zynga
Finally, a Zynga game where you can both help and hurt friends. OK, not really hurt them, but pit your troops against their troops and see who has the bigger guns. This player-vs-player action is one of the more compelling parts of this game, which is, essentially, an homage to the classic game Risk mixed with Zynga's special 'Ville' game formula.
Play Empires & Allies on Facebook >
deep realms facebook
8. Deep Realms
Playdom
Deep Realms doesn't have as loyal a following as, say, CityVille -- but it was one of the first games in 2011 to deliver a deeper game experience custom-created for the Facebook audience. So instead of mindlessly clicking to harvest crops in FarmVille, this role-playing adventure includes a well thought-out storyline, enemies, weapons, magic, potions and other things that you'd expect to see, well, pretty much anywhere other than a social game.
Play Deep Realms on Facebook >
fruit ninja frenzy best facebook game 2011
7. Fruit Ninja Frenzy
Halfbrick Studio
The popular iOS game makes the jump to Facebook, and while it doesn't exactly capture the magic of the original (you use a mouse rather than your finger to chop flying fruit), it's still a great way to kill (slice?) time while appearing to look busy on your work/school/home computer.
Fruit Ninja Frenzy on Facebook >
draw my thing best facebook games 2011
6. Draw My Thing
OMG Pop
Draw My Thing might be an unapologetic Pictionary clone, but it's also one of the more social, social games on Facebook. Just like the classic board game, you're tasked with alternately drawing pictures and guessing what other people's drawings represent, but instead of gathering in someone's living room to play, you're paired with other people (friends or otherwise) in a virtual room. Sure, the resulting scribbles often look like the work of a precocious toddler, but that -- plus the chance to bond with complete strangers -- makes this game that much more likely to draw you in.
Play Draw My Thing on Facebook >
maplestory adventures 2011
5. MapleStory Adventures
Nexon
Much like EA did with The Sims, Nexon took its popular PC game, MapleStory, and made a custom version for the Facebook gaming set. The results? A point and click affair that's much more complex than your average social game. This role-playing lite game includes character classes, roll-of-the-dice battles, crafting, weapon enchanting and a cutesy charm with a quirky, lost-in-translation vibe.
Play MapleStory on Facebook >
dream land facebook
4. Dreamland
FreshPlanet
If Tim Burton made a Facebook game, it'd probably be something like Dreamland, which is equal parts board game, role-playing game and fantastical adventure. This imaginative little gem immerses you (the dreamer) into a dream world and it's your mission to eradicate invading nightmares with the roll of a die.
> Play Dreamland on Facebook
gardens of time best 2011
3. Gardens of Time
Playdom
Hidden object games are the shooters (read: Call of Duty) of the casual gaming world. So it only makes sense to bring this I-Spy style game to the Facebook gaming masses. Gardens of Time wasn't the first game of this type on the social network, but it's certainly the most successful (so far), with a regularly updated roster of puzzles and a customizable garden that keep dedicated HOGers coming back for more.
Play Gardens of Time on Facebook >
tetris battles best facebook games 2011
2. Tetris Battle
Tetris Online Inc
Think you're a Tetris master? Put your shape stacking to the test in this Facebook rendition of the classic game, which pits you against other players in real-time matches. Each line you delete will be added to your opponent's board, bringing them that much closer to a KO (and you that much closer to victory). Coins -- or Tetris Cash, which costs real $$ -- can be used to buy both cosmetic and game-changing upgrades. Play once, and you'll soon discover you have a new mantra: "Just one more game."
Play Tetris Battle on Facebook >
sims social facebook
1. The Sims Social
Electronic Arts
The hit PC game that's been letting us live virtual fantasy lives since 2000 finally made its way to Facebook this year. It's the perfect blend of The Sims we all know and love -- right down to the regular bladder relief and making WooHoo -- mixed with social game elements, such as gifting, visiting neighbors, and buying in-game items with virtual (and real) dollars. If there was one reason to start playing games on Facebook in 2011 -- this was it.
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