The next console developer to join the ranks of the Facebook game regime, Aaron Loeb--formally of Planet Moon Studios, now of Playfish--said to Gamasutra, "People might look at the Facebook games right now and say, 'I can't imagine that's what people will be doing 20 years from now, ergo this will never last and it's a bubble.'" Loeb, now the general manager of Playfish in San Francisco, claims to have never been on the traditional developers to roll their eyes in response to the social gaming movement.
In fact, Loeb said, "It's just not going away," he says. "In fact it's only going to get stronger and better, and games are always at the forefront of how new technologies expand. We have no idea how huge this stuff can get, and it's going to be unbelievably important to the growth of companies, and to the growth of the industry." In other words, advanced social gaming is bound to expand into more devices and become simply commonplace.
Loeb went on in the interview to explain his strengths honed in his days of console development and how he plans to apply them to new position. Team building is his game, and he's bringing it to Playfish. More important is how confident he claims to have been in social game development while working with consoles. Most traditional developers we hear are crying foul. Perhaps time for lashing out at social games is nearly over, and now the movement boons? Let's hope, because it's about time.
How do you think Loeb will fare at Playfish? Do you think the time for the movement to, well, move forward is here?
Thứ Năm, 29 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille Scam Alert: Big Egg Home is just another fraud
Big Egg Home scam
Watch out, folks, another FarmVille scam is on the lose. FarmVille Freak has found that a News Feed post circulating Facebook and offering players a free Big Egg Home is a scam. And a poorly done scam at that: Notice the name used to describe the player who uncontrollably posted the link. I don't know about you, but I don't think there can be that many "He's" in the world. Clicking on the link will redirect you to what seems to be a 7-Eleven Facebook page, but with the taint of "scam" all over it. The more folks who unknowingly click on these fraudulent offers, the more these scams spread. So please, spread the word.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you seen this scam circulating the News Feeds? What do you think could put a stop to the scams once and for all, if anything?
Watch out, folks, another FarmVille scam is on the lose. FarmVille Freak has found that a News Feed post circulating Facebook and offering players a free Big Egg Home is a scam. And a poorly done scam at that: Notice the name used to describe the player who uncontrollably posted the link. I don't know about you, but I don't think there can be that many "He's" in the world. Clicking on the link will redirect you to what seems to be a 7-Eleven Facebook page, but with the taint of "scam" all over it. The more folks who unknowingly click on these fraudulent offers, the more these scams spread. So please, spread the word.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you seen this scam circulating the News Feeds? What do you think could put a stop to the scams once and for all, if anything?
Zynga vs. Astro Ape: CEO Chieh Huang says, 'we build a better product'
Astro Ape is beating its chest right out of the gate. The studio's CEO, Chieh Huang (pictured center), is already making claims that it builds a better product than the compeition, namely Zynga, Pocketgamer.biz reports. Astro Ape makes mobile social games like Dessert Heroes and Office Heroes, which Huang claims enjoy 70 percent retention, meaning 70 percent of its players are regular customers. Unlike Facebook, the mobile space has yet to find one dominant creator, so Astro Ape just might have a chance at becoming that company.
However, with Zynga laser-focused on mobile thanks to Newtoy and its improvements to Mafia Wars and FarmVile for iPhone, that window of opportunity is quite small. Astro Ape about to release Monsterz Revenge, its third game, doing the same thing it has always done: launch games with polish. That's exactly how the studio plans to defeat Zynga:
It sounds like a basic concept, but I think it's getting lost a bit today in social gaming. Our users come into our apps because they want to play our games, not because we spam them with invites, requests and other offers. Monsterz Revenge is really a convergence of this new stream of talent that we've brought in, and the lessons we learned from Office Heroes and Dessert Heroes. It's definitely our best title to date.
Those sure sound like fighting words, but we'll see soon enough if Astro Ape has the oomph to back them up. Until then, mobile is fair game, so jump right in.
[Image Credit: NY Post]
Have tried either of Astro Ape's current games? Do you think this studio has a shot against Zynga and the other big developers?
However, with Zynga laser-focused on mobile thanks to Newtoy and its improvements to Mafia Wars and FarmVile for iPhone, that window of opportunity is quite small. Astro Ape about to release Monsterz Revenge, its third game, doing the same thing it has always done: launch games with polish. That's exactly how the studio plans to defeat Zynga:
It sounds like a basic concept, but I think it's getting lost a bit today in social gaming. Our users come into our apps because they want to play our games, not because we spam them with invites, requests and other offers. Monsterz Revenge is really a convergence of this new stream of talent that we've brought in, and the lessons we learned from Office Heroes and Dessert Heroes. It's definitely our best title to date.
Those sure sound like fighting words, but we'll see soon enough if Astro Ape has the oomph to back them up. Until then, mobile is fair game, so jump right in.
[Image Credit: NY Post]
Have tried either of Astro Ape's current games? Do you think this studio has a shot against Zynga and the other big developers?
Lunchtime Poll: Facebook's big plans to cash in on your private info - do you care?
It's no secret -- if you play games on Facebook, you've signed up for a profile and agreed -- to some degree or other -- to share your private data with the world, including the powers that be at the social network.
So far, that might not seem like a big deal -- after all, signing up for Facebook has given you access some of the world's most popular free entertainment, such as games like FarmVille and the like. This weekend, however, an LA Times article warns that Facebook is now planning to cash in -- in a big way -- by getting more aggressive about selling ads against your personal data as the company prepares to go public in the not-too-distant future.
I'm not talking about standard profile items like your age or your location, but sell ads against things that you write about in updates or based on things that you 'like' on your fellow Facebookers pages.
"For years, the privately held company founded by Mark Zuckerberg in a Harvard dorm room put little effort into ad sales, focusing instead on making its service irresistible to users. It worked. Today more than 600 million people have Facebook accounts. The average user spends seven hours a month posting photos, chatting with friends, swapping news links and sending birthday greetings to classmates.
Now the Palo Alto company is looking to cash in on this mother lode of personal information by helping advertisers pinpoint exactly whom they want to reach. This is no idle boast. Facebook doesn't have to guess who its users are or what they like. Facebook knows, because members volunteer this information freely - and frequently - in their profiles, status updates, wall posts, messages and "likes."
It's now tracking this activity, shooting online ads to users based on their demographics, interests, even what they say to friends on the site - sometimes within minutes of them typing a key word or phrase."
If you're familiar with internet privacy, this type of targeted advertising isn't necessarily anything new. Google, for instance, has been serving up ads based on your searches and email discussions forever. But, the LA Times says Facebook will be able to take it to the next level -- its "unique trove of consumer behavior could transform it into one of the most powerful marketing tools ever invented."
Then, there's the larger issue -- as in how many of the 600 million people on Facebook are really aware of how much info they're giving up to advertisers, as well as just how much Facebook stands to gain from selling off your personal data and interests.
So -- I throw the question to you -- does it bother you that Facebook will be selling more ads based on your private info? Or, do you see it as a necessary part of partaking in one of the world's most vibrant social networks? Take our poll below.
Facebook's data mining: How much does it bother you?
I don't mind at all, it's a trade-off for joining a social networkOn the fenceDon't like it -- it's a gross invasion of privacyDon't know much about Facebook and privacy
VoteView ResultsShare ThisPolldaddy.com
So far, that might not seem like a big deal -- after all, signing up for Facebook has given you access some of the world's most popular free entertainment, such as games like FarmVille and the like. This weekend, however, an LA Times article warns that Facebook is now planning to cash in -- in a big way -- by getting more aggressive about selling ads against your personal data as the company prepares to go public in the not-too-distant future.
I'm not talking about standard profile items like your age or your location, but sell ads against things that you write about in updates or based on things that you 'like' on your fellow Facebookers pages.
"For years, the privately held company founded by Mark Zuckerberg in a Harvard dorm room put little effort into ad sales, focusing instead on making its service irresistible to users. It worked. Today more than 600 million people have Facebook accounts. The average user spends seven hours a month posting photos, chatting with friends, swapping news links and sending birthday greetings to classmates.
Now the Palo Alto company is looking to cash in on this mother lode of personal information by helping advertisers pinpoint exactly whom they want to reach. This is no idle boast. Facebook doesn't have to guess who its users are or what they like. Facebook knows, because members volunteer this information freely - and frequently - in their profiles, status updates, wall posts, messages and "likes."
It's now tracking this activity, shooting online ads to users based on their demographics, interests, even what they say to friends on the site - sometimes within minutes of them typing a key word or phrase."
If you're familiar with internet privacy, this type of targeted advertising isn't necessarily anything new. Google, for instance, has been serving up ads based on your searches and email discussions forever. But, the LA Times says Facebook will be able to take it to the next level -- its "unique trove of consumer behavior could transform it into one of the most powerful marketing tools ever invented."
Then, there's the larger issue -- as in how many of the 600 million people on Facebook are really aware of how much info they're giving up to advertisers, as well as just how much Facebook stands to gain from selling off your personal data and interests.
So -- I throw the question to you -- does it bother you that Facebook will be selling more ads based on your private info? Or, do you see it as a necessary part of partaking in one of the world's most vibrant social networks? Take our poll below.
Facebook's data mining: How much does it bother you?
I don't mind at all, it's a trade-off for joining a social networkOn the fenceDon't like it -- it's a gross invasion of privacyDon't know much about Facebook and privacy
VoteView ResultsShare ThisPolldaddy.com
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 12, 2011
CityVille scores a starring role in new American Express ad
Not sure if you've spotted this relatively new American Express 'Social Currency' ad, but Zynga's game CityVille managed to score a starring role. About halfway through, you see someone sharing "I'm Level 5 in CityVille."
Why is a game like CityVille part of this Amex ad? Aside from the its obscene popularity (it currently boasts 88 million players worldwide), you can renew your Amex Reward Points for virtual currency that can be used in Zynga games or to buy exclusive virtual items for FarmVille, CityVille, et al. For more information on which items you can buy, head to socialcurrency.com.
As an extended part of this deal, Zynga is currently offering FarmVille players a free virtual windmill, Instant grow potion and special free gifts that players can send to each other. You can also get 50% off Zynga Game Cards when you use your Amex reward points to buy them. See? Just like Amex always says: 'Membership has its privileges.'
Why is a game like CityVille part of this Amex ad? Aside from the its obscene popularity (it currently boasts 88 million players worldwide), you can renew your Amex Reward Points for virtual currency that can be used in Zynga games or to buy exclusive virtual items for FarmVille, CityVille, et al. For more information on which items you can buy, head to socialcurrency.com.
As an extended part of this deal, Zynga is currently offering FarmVille players a free virtual windmill, Instant grow potion and special free gifts that players can send to each other. You can also get 50% off Zynga Game Cards when you use your Amex reward points to buy them. See? Just like Amex always says: 'Membership has its privileges.'
FarmVille: Accept Sheep Breeding requests from friends via email soon
FarmVille Sheep Breeding email
It's OK, you're among friends--you can admit that you're addicted to Sheep Breeding in FarmVille. To help Zynga will soon introduce a feature through which players can respond the breeding requests via email messages like that posted above. FarmVille Freak reports that the feature has yet to be released, and these are early images of the change. This will be the first time that players can breed Sheep with their friends directly, though the method for doing so is indirect. Weird, huh?
FarmVille Sheep Breeding email
These images beg the question: Why not just introduce this feature within the game? Unfortunately, we don't have an answer, and this could just as easily be an extension of an in-game feature serving the same purpose. Either way, this feature would make it far easier to get your hands on those rare Sheep patterns like the Rainbow Ram and Badger Ewe. Legitimately, of course.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you seen this message in your email yet? Would you breed Sheep with your friends if it meant that you absolutely had to have your email registered with Zynga?
It's OK, you're among friends--you can admit that you're addicted to Sheep Breeding in FarmVille. To help Zynga will soon introduce a feature through which players can respond the breeding requests via email messages like that posted above. FarmVille Freak reports that the feature has yet to be released, and these are early images of the change. This will be the first time that players can breed Sheep with their friends directly, though the method for doing so is indirect. Weird, huh?
FarmVille Sheep Breeding email
These images beg the question: Why not just introduce this feature within the game? Unfortunately, we don't have an answer, and this could just as easily be an extension of an in-game feature serving the same purpose. Either way, this feature would make it far easier to get your hands on those rare Sheep patterns like the Rainbow Ram and Badger Ewe. Legitimately, of course.
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you seen this message in your email yet? Would you breed Sheep with your friends if it meant that you absolutely had to have your email registered with Zynga?
Cafe World Subway Breakfast Express Goals: Everything you need to know
While it may not be as big of a cross-branding promotion as today's announcement between FarmVille and Lady Gaga, Zynga has officially launched a new cross-promotional activity in Cafe World with Subway, to advertise the sandwich shop's relatively new breakfast options.
This cross-promotion will only be around for a limited time, and offers you six goals to complete, along with new recipes to cook and master. The series starts with the goal called Breakfast Express I, which gets right down to business, having you serve Subway sandwiches in your cafe.
Serve Sunrise Subway Melt 10 Times
Serve Clubhouse Sandwich 10 Times
Spice 3 Neighbors' Stoves
You can receive your Subway Melts by sending out individual gift requests to your friends, asking them for servings. You can also cook the dish yourself, if you'd rather not bug friends, with the Subway Melt being available to cook for 1500 coins and ready to serve in 12 hours. Meanwhile, the Clubhouse Sandwiches take even longer to cook, at 18 hours. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive 200 coins and 200 Cafe Points.
The rest of this mission set is themed in the same way - with breakfast foods galore. You'll even unlock two new, non-Subway related dishes along the way. For Part II of VI, you'll need to serve the other Subway limited edition dish, along with the traditional Breakfast Sandwich.
Serve Black Forest Ham, Egg and Cheese 10 Times
Serve Breakfast Sandwiches 20 Times
Serve Orange Juice 18 Times
Remember, Breakfast Sandwiches only take three minutes to prepare, so don't panic when you see such a high number to be cooked. Luckily, your Toaster Oven can be cooking those Breakfast Sandwiches while your stoves cook the Subway dish, with the Black Forest, Ham, Egg & Cheese dish taking 18 hours to cook, and costing 2,000 coins. For completing this second mission, you'll receive more coins and Cafe Points - 300 of each, to be exact.
Moving on, Part III of VI, you'll need to start asking for ingredients, but you won't receive a new recipe just yet.
Serve Fish n Chips 20 Times
Ask for 5 Cartons of Eggs
Ask for 5 Cups of Sugar
Fish n Chips takes two hours to cook, so while you're waiting for those dishes to cook, you can send out individual requests for these ingredients. For finishing this mission, you'll receive 500 coins and 500 Cafe Points.
For Part IV of VI, you will receive a new recipe, but you'll definitely have to work for it.
Serve Toaster Pastries 10 Times
Ask for 10 Bags of Toast
Serve 18 Cups of Ginger Ale
Toaster Pastries take only 30 minutes to cook, but must be done in the Toaster Oven. You'll need to serve the Ginger Ale from the Drink Bar. For finishing this mission, you'll receive the Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe, which is another Toaster Oven recipe.
We're almost done folks. Part V of VI brings us back to a whole lot of cooking, but surprisingly, you don't have to cook your new Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe.
Serve Philly Cheese Steak 15 Times
Ask for 15 Wedges of Gruyere
Serve Bacon and Eggs 20 Times
While you're waiting for your friends to send you the cheese, you can cook your two dishes. Bacon and Eggs take 9 hours to cook, while Philly Cheese Steaks take 18 hours to cook (and costs 2400 coins, for those on a budget). Even though you just collected a whole heck of a lot of cheese, you won't receive a new recipe for finishing this one. Instead, you'll be rewarded with 600 coins and 600 Cafe Points.
Finally, Part VI of VI brings in the Salad Bar element to this quest set, along with more ingredient collection. But yes, you will receive a new dish for finishing this one, so I suppose it's worth it.
Restock Salad Bar 10 Times
Serve Bruschetta 15 Times
Ask for 20 Virginia Baked Hams
Bruschetta is a Toaster Oven dish that must be unlocked by completing the Toaster Oven goals, so I hope you've been working hard at those already, or else your job just got a whole lot more difficult and time consuming. Either way, one way to save time on this particular goal is to restock your Salad Bar with 10 serving portions; that way, they'll run out quicker, allowing you to restock faster until you're done. Finishing this final mission gives you the Croque Monsieur recipe, another sandwich that can only be cooked in the Toaster Oven.
All told, there doesn't seem to really be that much to do with Subway here, as we're asked to cook more regular dishes than these two Subway dishes. It's an interesting choice, but I suppose new recipes can't really be argued with. Should this promotion become more interesting, we'll make sure to let you know.
What do you think of these four new recipes? Do you think the goal series would have been better if it only had you cook the two Subway sandwich recipes, or do you like this variety?
This cross-promotion will only be around for a limited time, and offers you six goals to complete, along with new recipes to cook and master. The series starts with the goal called Breakfast Express I, which gets right down to business, having you serve Subway sandwiches in your cafe.
Serve Sunrise Subway Melt 10 Times
Serve Clubhouse Sandwich 10 Times
Spice 3 Neighbors' Stoves
You can receive your Subway Melts by sending out individual gift requests to your friends, asking them for servings. You can also cook the dish yourself, if you'd rather not bug friends, with the Subway Melt being available to cook for 1500 coins and ready to serve in 12 hours. Meanwhile, the Clubhouse Sandwiches take even longer to cook, at 18 hours. For finishing this first goal, you'll receive 200 coins and 200 Cafe Points.
The rest of this mission set is themed in the same way - with breakfast foods galore. You'll even unlock two new, non-Subway related dishes along the way. For Part II of VI, you'll need to serve the other Subway limited edition dish, along with the traditional Breakfast Sandwich.
Serve Black Forest Ham, Egg and Cheese 10 Times
Serve Breakfast Sandwiches 20 Times
Serve Orange Juice 18 Times
Remember, Breakfast Sandwiches only take three minutes to prepare, so don't panic when you see such a high number to be cooked. Luckily, your Toaster Oven can be cooking those Breakfast Sandwiches while your stoves cook the Subway dish, with the Black Forest, Ham, Egg & Cheese dish taking 18 hours to cook, and costing 2,000 coins. For completing this second mission, you'll receive more coins and Cafe Points - 300 of each, to be exact.
Moving on, Part III of VI, you'll need to start asking for ingredients, but you won't receive a new recipe just yet.
Serve Fish n Chips 20 Times
Ask for 5 Cartons of Eggs
Ask for 5 Cups of Sugar
Fish n Chips takes two hours to cook, so while you're waiting for those dishes to cook, you can send out individual requests for these ingredients. For finishing this mission, you'll receive 500 coins and 500 Cafe Points.
For Part IV of VI, you will receive a new recipe, but you'll definitely have to work for it.
Serve Toaster Pastries 10 Times
Ask for 10 Bags of Toast
Serve 18 Cups of Ginger Ale
Toaster Pastries take only 30 minutes to cook, but must be done in the Toaster Oven. You'll need to serve the Ginger Ale from the Drink Bar. For finishing this mission, you'll receive the Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe, which is another Toaster Oven recipe.
We're almost done folks. Part V of VI brings us back to a whole lot of cooking, but surprisingly, you don't have to cook your new Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe.
Serve Philly Cheese Steak 15 Times
Ask for 15 Wedges of Gruyere
Serve Bacon and Eggs 20 Times
While you're waiting for your friends to send you the cheese, you can cook your two dishes. Bacon and Eggs take 9 hours to cook, while Philly Cheese Steaks take 18 hours to cook (and costs 2400 coins, for those on a budget). Even though you just collected a whole heck of a lot of cheese, you won't receive a new recipe for finishing this one. Instead, you'll be rewarded with 600 coins and 600 Cafe Points.
Finally, Part VI of VI brings in the Salad Bar element to this quest set, along with more ingredient collection. But yes, you will receive a new dish for finishing this one, so I suppose it's worth it.
Restock Salad Bar 10 Times
Serve Bruschetta 15 Times
Ask for 20 Virginia Baked Hams
Bruschetta is a Toaster Oven dish that must be unlocked by completing the Toaster Oven goals, so I hope you've been working hard at those already, or else your job just got a whole lot more difficult and time consuming. Either way, one way to save time on this particular goal is to restock your Salad Bar with 10 serving portions; that way, they'll run out quicker, allowing you to restock faster until you're done. Finishing this final mission gives you the Croque Monsieur recipe, another sandwich that can only be cooked in the Toaster Oven.
All told, there doesn't seem to really be that much to do with Subway here, as we're asked to cook more regular dishes than these two Subway dishes. It's an interesting choice, but I suppose new recipes can't really be argued with. Should this promotion become more interesting, we'll make sure to let you know.
What do you think of these four new recipes? Do you think the goal series would have been better if it only had you cook the two Subway sandwich recipes, or do you like this variety?
Cafe World Mother's Day Goals 6-8: Everything you need to know
Last week, Zynga released a Mother's Day goal series in Cafe World, but there came with it a bit of a catch. We always knew that the mission series would have eight separate goals, but at the time of its release, it only contained five of those eight. Now, a few days later, the final three missions have been released, but they're definitely not any easier than those we've seen in the past. In fact, they might take you quite a bit of time to complete.
Mother's Day 6 puts you to work asking your friends for items, along with serving a dish that you unlocked back in the first five portions of this goal set.
Ask for 7 Pastry Dishes
Ask for 5 Fancy Glasses
Serve X's and O's Cookies 24 Times
The X's and O's Cookies are earned by completing goal five of the original Mother's Day set. They luckily take just 30 minutes to cook. Finishing this goal gives you a Mother and Child decoration, that has a mother figure hugging her son.
Mother's Day 7 will rely most on your friends to help you. Hopefully you've got a lot of patient neighbors.
Get 12 Hugs and Kisses
Ask for 10 Red Ribbons
Serve Breakfast in Bed 30 Times
The Breakfast in Bed dish is another that you'll unlock by completing the Mother's Day goals, and it takes 12 hours to cook after preparing it for 1500 coins. That gives you plenty of time to ask your friends for the Hugs and Kisses and Red Ribbons, which likely won't be a quick process.
Finally, we've reached the current end of the Mother's Day Goal series, as Mother's Day 8 asks you cook some themed dishes and collect even more Hugs and Kisses.
Get 16 Hugs and Kisses
Serve Mother's Day Feast 20 Times
Serve X's and O's Cookies 30 Times
The Mother's Day Feast takes just one hour to cook, so you shouldn't have too much difficulty finishing this one off. It's time consuming, yes, but definitely not impossible. For finishing this final mission, you'll receive the World's Greatest Mom Trophy. To me, this seems more like a gift that should be available to send between players, since I'm not a mother and don't really need one of these trophies, but I suppose I can't really complain with the new dishes I've unlocked in the process of getting here.
Regardless, you now have plenty of things to work on in your game, with the inclusion of the Breakfast Express goals as well. If we know Zynga like we think we do, however, you likely won't have very much time to clear off your plate before other goals are released, so get to work fast if you won't want to become overwhelmed!
Had you already completed the first five Mother's Day goals, or will it be a while before you can move onto Parts 6-8
Mother's Day 6 puts you to work asking your friends for items, along with serving a dish that you unlocked back in the first five portions of this goal set.
Ask for 7 Pastry Dishes
Ask for 5 Fancy Glasses
Serve X's and O's Cookies 24 Times
The X's and O's Cookies are earned by completing goal five of the original Mother's Day set. They luckily take just 30 minutes to cook. Finishing this goal gives you a Mother and Child decoration, that has a mother figure hugging her son.
Mother's Day 7 will rely most on your friends to help you. Hopefully you've got a lot of patient neighbors.
Get 12 Hugs and Kisses
Ask for 10 Red Ribbons
Serve Breakfast in Bed 30 Times
The Breakfast in Bed dish is another that you'll unlock by completing the Mother's Day goals, and it takes 12 hours to cook after preparing it for 1500 coins. That gives you plenty of time to ask your friends for the Hugs and Kisses and Red Ribbons, which likely won't be a quick process.
Finally, we've reached the current end of the Mother's Day Goal series, as Mother's Day 8 asks you cook some themed dishes and collect even more Hugs and Kisses.
Get 16 Hugs and Kisses
Serve Mother's Day Feast 20 Times
Serve X's and O's Cookies 30 Times
The Mother's Day Feast takes just one hour to cook, so you shouldn't have too much difficulty finishing this one off. It's time consuming, yes, but definitely not impossible. For finishing this final mission, you'll receive the World's Greatest Mom Trophy. To me, this seems more like a gift that should be available to send between players, since I'm not a mother and don't really need one of these trophies, but I suppose I can't really complain with the new dishes I've unlocked in the process of getting here.
Regardless, you now have plenty of things to work on in your game, with the inclusion of the Breakfast Express goals as well. If we know Zynga like we think we do, however, you likely won't have very much time to clear off your plate before other goals are released, so get to work fast if you won't want to become overwhelmed!
Had you already completed the first five Mother's Day goals, or will it be a while before you can move onto Parts 6-8
Cafe World Mother's Day Celebration Catering Order: Everything you need to know
It may be a bit late, but the Mother's Day Catering Order has finally launched in Cafe World. This order is a big one, requiring you to first complete at least the first five goals in the Mother's Day goal series, in order to unlock the dishes necessary to even stand a chance at completing this order in a timely fashion.
You'll be tasked with cooking all three of your new themed dishes (Breakfast in Bed, X's and O's Cookies, and Mother's Day Feast) along with collecting 28 collectibles from friends. You've got 4 days to finish with a three star rating - meet us behind the break to see if you have what it takes to finish in time.
First and foremost, the majority of your time with this order will spent cooking. You'll need to cook Breakfast in Bed (a 12-hour dish) 250 times, X's and O's Cookies (a 30 minute dish) 225 times, and Mother's Day Feast (a one-hour dish) 100 times. Clearly, the Breakfast in Bed will be the most difficult task to complete, so you'll be able to bring up to 18 of your friends into the mission with you. Just make sure you find friends that have unlocked these dishes, or you'll waste those much-needed spaces - not to mention potentially waste a lot of time in waiting for them to help, only to find out that they can't!
While you're waiting for your dishes to complete, you'll need to collect the 14 Champagne Glasses and 14 Cocktail Dishes by asking your friends to send them to you via individual gift requests. Once that's done, your score and rewards will depend on how quickly you've completed the order.
If you can finish in less than four days, you'll receive the 3-star rating, 12 Catering Points, 6,500 Cafe Points, 80,000 coins and the Supermom Statue decoration. For finishing in more than four days, but less than six days, you'll receive two stars, 8 Catering Points, 5,000 Cafe Points and 60,000 coins. Finally, if you finish at any point after the first six days of starting, you'll receive only a single star, 4 Catering Points, 3,000 Cafe Points, and 40,000 coins.
There doesn't appear to be a time limit on how long you have to accept this order, so you can still take the time to unlock these three dishes if you haven't done so before now. There is a chance that those goals will expire though, leaving this order useless if you didn't unlock them in time. That being the case, make sure to work on all things Mother's Day while you still can.
What do you think of this Catering Order? Do you like the longer four-day time limit for three stars, or do you like the challenge of just having three days to complete these kinds of tasks?
You'll be tasked with cooking all three of your new themed dishes (Breakfast in Bed, X's and O's Cookies, and Mother's Day Feast) along with collecting 28 collectibles from friends. You've got 4 days to finish with a three star rating - meet us behind the break to see if you have what it takes to finish in time.
First and foremost, the majority of your time with this order will spent cooking. You'll need to cook Breakfast in Bed (a 12-hour dish) 250 times, X's and O's Cookies (a 30 minute dish) 225 times, and Mother's Day Feast (a one-hour dish) 100 times. Clearly, the Breakfast in Bed will be the most difficult task to complete, so you'll be able to bring up to 18 of your friends into the mission with you. Just make sure you find friends that have unlocked these dishes, or you'll waste those much-needed spaces - not to mention potentially waste a lot of time in waiting for them to help, only to find out that they can't!
While you're waiting for your dishes to complete, you'll need to collect the 14 Champagne Glasses and 14 Cocktail Dishes by asking your friends to send them to you via individual gift requests. Once that's done, your score and rewards will depend on how quickly you've completed the order.
If you can finish in less than four days, you'll receive the 3-star rating, 12 Catering Points, 6,500 Cafe Points, 80,000 coins and the Supermom Statue decoration. For finishing in more than four days, but less than six days, you'll receive two stars, 8 Catering Points, 5,000 Cafe Points and 60,000 coins. Finally, if you finish at any point after the first six days of starting, you'll receive only a single star, 4 Catering Points, 3,000 Cafe Points, and 40,000 coins.
There doesn't appear to be a time limit on how long you have to accept this order, so you can still take the time to unlock these three dishes if you haven't done so before now. There is a chance that those goals will expire though, leaving this order useless if you didn't unlock them in time. That being the case, make sure to work on all things Mother's Day while you still can.
What do you think of this Catering Order? Do you like the longer four-day time limit for three stars, or do you like the challenge of just having three days to complete these kinds of tasks?
Chủ Nhật, 25 tháng 12, 2011
How about a Zynga Pirates game? Zynga survey teases game ideas
Or, better yet, what do you think of a Robin Hood social game by Zynga? Those are some of the possibilities for future Facebook or mobile games that Zynga teased in one of its infamous surveys. It appears that the company is toying around with several potential game ideas in house, and wants you to help decide what becomes the next big thing since, well, Empires & Allies, really.
The game ideas span Hollywood acting and production to acting as a music mogul. But our favorite from the list is absolutely the idea for a pirates game in which players sail the high seas in search of treasure and--gasp!--romance aboard a massive ship. Besides, it would fit Zynga's modus operandi to enter the pirate games sub genre with Mighty Pirates and others sailing about.
However, the idea of becoming the world's most famous detective on Facebook sounds exciting, and relatively original. OK, so there is To Catch A Killer, but we really just want to be the next Elliott Stabler on Facebook. If you want to have a hand in Zynga's next potential game, check out the survey right here.
The game ideas span Hollywood acting and production to acting as a music mogul. But our favorite from the list is absolutely the idea for a pirates game in which players sail the high seas in search of treasure and--gasp!--romance aboard a massive ship. Besides, it would fit Zynga's modus operandi to enter the pirate games sub genre with Mighty Pirates and others sailing about.
However, the idea of becoming the world's most famous detective on Facebook sounds exciting, and relatively original. OK, so there is To Catch A Killer, but we really just want to be the next Elliott Stabler on Facebook. If you want to have a hand in Zynga's next potential game, check out the survey right here.
FarmVille: Double Mastery on now through Friday
A very short (but very cool) event is currently taking place in FarmVille, as Double Mastery has been turned on to last from now until tomorrow evening (9:00 PM PDT, to be specific). Remember, Double Mastery works to offer you twice the amount of mastery points for all trees and crops harvested during the promotional period.
So, let's say you harvest 100 Strawberries: Instead of receiving 100 mastery points, you'd receive 200. But wait! If you add a Strawberry bushel to the mix (in our example), you would earn three times the mastery, taking your 100 harvests to a whopping 300 points! If you plan your planting and harvesting correctly over the next 24 hours or so, you can probably master a good portion of one short-growth-time crop, if not master one completely. Just make sure to plant something that doesn't take so long to grow that you're harvesting it after the double mastery has expired!
Are you excited to see Double Mastery return to FarmVille? Which crop or tree will you work on mastering during this time frame?
So, let's say you harvest 100 Strawberries: Instead of receiving 100 mastery points, you'd receive 200. But wait! If you add a Strawberry bushel to the mix (in our example), you would earn three times the mastery, taking your 100 harvests to a whopping 300 points! If you plan your planting and harvesting correctly over the next 24 hours or so, you can probably master a good portion of one short-growth-time crop, if not master one completely. Just make sure to plant something that doesn't take so long to grow that you're harvesting it after the double mastery has expired!
Are you excited to see Double Mastery return to FarmVille? Which crop or tree will you work on mastering during this time frame?
Earn 5 free FarmVille Farm Cash in MasterCard promotion
Note: Some farmers are reporting only receiving two Farm Cash from this promotion, rather than five. If that happens to you, contact Zynga Support and they should be able to help you.
While we may see frequent giveaways in FarmVille for two free Farm Cash, it's not everyday that we see one for five Farm Cash, so pay close attention farmers! A new promotion has launched with MasterCard. This promotion is called "Overwhelming Offers" and it can be found underneath the FarmVille gameplay window in the sponsored link pictured at right.
This activity is fairly simple, and asks you to answer a pair of questions about shopping deals. Once you answer these questions, you'll be introduced to Mastercard's Overwhelming Offers program, but you'll also automatically earn your Farm Cash, thus ending your requirement to do anything else. This isn't the first time that we've seen these cross-promotions last longer than it takes to actually receive your reward, so make sure that you're not wasting time by doing things you don't have to! There are crops to water and harvest people!
While we may see frequent giveaways in FarmVille for two free Farm Cash, it's not everyday that we see one for five Farm Cash, so pay close attention farmers! A new promotion has launched with MasterCard. This promotion is called "Overwhelming Offers" and it can be found underneath the FarmVille gameplay window in the sponsored link pictured at right.
This activity is fairly simple, and asks you to answer a pair of questions about shopping deals. Once you answer these questions, you'll be introduced to Mastercard's Overwhelming Offers program, but you'll also automatically earn your Farm Cash, thus ending your requirement to do anything else. This isn't the first time that we've seen these cross-promotions last longer than it takes to actually receive your reward, so make sure that you're not wasting time by doing things you don't have to! There are crops to water and harvest people!
FarmVille: Father's Day weekend means 100% pattern success when breeding Pigs and Sheep
Here's something that FarmVille Pig and Sheep Breeders are sure to love (heck, I'm not even a major animal breeder in the game and I'm still excited about the possibilities). To celebrate this weekend's Father's Day holiday, Zynga will increase the percentage of success in passing on patterns from Rams and Boars in Sheep and Pig Breeding, respectively, to 100%!
That's right - for this weekend only, it's time to break out those Love Potions and collect all of the Bottles you can, as you'll be able to breed like mad, resting assured that your patterns will be passed on from father to child. It doesn't appear that this feature has been enhanced just yet, so save your Bottles and Love Potions until tomorrow, as FarmVille Freak says it should be activated for everyone at that time.
Even if your father doesn't play FarmVille, just think of the possibilities that this presents! Thanks Zynga!
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Will you take advantage of 100% pattern inheritance by breeding tons of Lambs and Piglets? Which patterns are you hoping to breed multiple children with this weekend?
That's right - for this weekend only, it's time to break out those Love Potions and collect all of the Bottles you can, as you'll be able to breed like mad, resting assured that your patterns will be passed on from father to child. It doesn't appear that this feature has been enhanced just yet, so save your Bottles and Love Potions until tomorrow, as FarmVille Freak says it should be activated for everyone at that time.
Even if your father doesn't play FarmVille, just think of the possibilities that this presents! Thanks Zynga!
[Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Will you take advantage of 100% pattern inheritance by breeding tons of Lambs and Piglets? Which patterns are you hoping to breed multiple children with this weekend?
FarmVille: Celebrate dad with new Father's Day items in the market
This weekend marks the Father's Day holiday, and to celebrate fathers virtually, Zynga has released a limited edition Father's Day item theme to the FarmVille marketplace. This theme comes complete with themed trees, animals and more, so let's take a look at what's available!
Trees:
Father Tree - 5 Farm Cash
Giant Father Tree - 10 Farm Cash
These trees grow ties! How cute is that?! As you might expect, the Giant Father Tree will also be available via Mystery Seedlings, so feel free to save those 10 Farm Cash for something else. These two trees can be mastered, with the first star of each being available after 75 harvests.
Animals:
Emporer Penguins - 16 Farm Cash
Leopard Boar - 25 Farm Cash
Leopard Ram - 30 Farm Cash
Both the Ram and Boar can pass on these patterns to offspring, hence their high price tags.
Decorations:
Father Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Rooster with Chicks - 12 Farm Cash
Father's Day Sign - 20,000 coins
Oddly enough, there's only one item here for coins (the Father's Day sign), but I suppose that allows you the chance to send any of these items to your father in the game, should he also play FarmVille. If he doesn't, at least you can always celebrate dad in your own way on your farm! Either way, these items will be available in the game's store for the next two weeks, but again, as they are related to a holiday, it might be best to shop now, rather than later, while the items are still relevant.
Trees:
Father Tree - 5 Farm Cash
Giant Father Tree - 10 Farm Cash
These trees grow ties! How cute is that?! As you might expect, the Giant Father Tree will also be available via Mystery Seedlings, so feel free to save those 10 Farm Cash for something else. These two trees can be mastered, with the first star of each being available after 75 harvests.
Animals:
Emporer Penguins - 16 Farm Cash
Leopard Boar - 25 Farm Cash
Leopard Ram - 30 Farm Cash
Both the Ram and Boar can pass on these patterns to offspring, hence their high price tags.
Decorations:
Father Gnome - 15 Farm Cash
Rooster with Chicks - 12 Farm Cash
Father's Day Sign - 20,000 coins
Oddly enough, there's only one item here for coins (the Father's Day sign), but I suppose that allows you the chance to send any of these items to your father in the game, should he also play FarmVille. If he doesn't, at least you can always celebrate dad in your own way on your farm! Either way, these items will be available in the game's store for the next two weeks, but again, as they are related to a holiday, it might be best to shop now, rather than later, while the items are still relevant.
FarmVille German items return for one day only as Birthday Classics
Tonight's Birthday Classics release in FarmVille takes us back to the German limited edition item theme that was originally seen back in September and October of last year. I hope you've been saving some Farm Cash and coins for these items, as there are tons of items to choose from, ranging from animals and buildings to a whole slew of decorations.
As with other returning themes this week, these German items will only be available for a single day, so shop fast! Let's take a look at what's available.
Animals:
Hanoverian Horse - 26 Farm Cash (a brand new item for this theme)
Faverolles Chicken - 20 Farm Cash
Black Pied Pig - 18 Farm Cash
Lynx - 18 Farm Cash
Chamois - 14 Farm Cash
Gelbvieh Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Reitpony - 24 Farm Cash
Buildings:
German Castle - 50 Farm Cash
Flower Cafe - 34 Farm Cash
German Home - 36 Farm Cash
Clock Tower - 280,000 coins
Mountain Tavern - 34 Farm Cash
Decorations:
Castle Fence - 5,000 coins
Animal Statue - 80,000 coins
Giant Moss Rock - 50,000 coins
Barrel Tub - 120,000 coins
Ruins - 200,000 coins
Monopteros - 30 Farm Cash
Flower Bed - 3,000 coins
Swan Lake - 30 Farm Cash
Flower Knoll - 4 Farm Cash
Festival Carriage - 22 Farm Cash
German Gnome - 18 Farm Cash
Festival Gnome - 18 Farm Cash
Forest Waterfall - 34 Farm Cash
Black Forest - 22 Farm Cash
House Bridge - 32 Farm Cash
Majestic Fountain - 22 Farm Cash
Falcon - 18 Farm Cash
See? Didn't I tell you there were tons of items re-released this evening (and you didn't believe me)? These items could break the proverbial bank, and the literal one too, if you go out of your way to buy all of these Farm Cash items, so make sure to hit the "preview" button beneath all that you can to make sure you really want them before splurging. Just do it fast - a day goes by quicker than you think, and then these items will be gone again, perhaps forever!
As with other returning themes this week, these German items will only be available for a single day, so shop fast! Let's take a look at what's available.
Animals:
Hanoverian Horse - 26 Farm Cash (a brand new item for this theme)
Faverolles Chicken - 20 Farm Cash
Black Pied Pig - 18 Farm Cash
Lynx - 18 Farm Cash
Chamois - 14 Farm Cash
Gelbvieh Cow - 22 Farm Cash
Reitpony - 24 Farm Cash
Buildings:
German Castle - 50 Farm Cash
Flower Cafe - 34 Farm Cash
German Home - 36 Farm Cash
Clock Tower - 280,000 coins
Mountain Tavern - 34 Farm Cash
Decorations:
Castle Fence - 5,000 coins
Animal Statue - 80,000 coins
Giant Moss Rock - 50,000 coins
Barrel Tub - 120,000 coins
Ruins - 200,000 coins
Monopteros - 30 Farm Cash
Flower Bed - 3,000 coins
Swan Lake - 30 Farm Cash
Flower Knoll - 4 Farm Cash
Festival Carriage - 22 Farm Cash
German Gnome - 18 Farm Cash
Festival Gnome - 18 Farm Cash
Forest Waterfall - 34 Farm Cash
Black Forest - 22 Farm Cash
House Bridge - 32 Farm Cash
Majestic Fountain - 22 Farm Cash
Falcon - 18 Farm Cash
See? Didn't I tell you there were tons of items re-released this evening (and you didn't believe me)? These items could break the proverbial bank, and the literal one too, if you go out of your way to buy all of these Farm Cash items, so make sure to hit the "preview" button beneath all that you can to make sure you really want them before splurging. Just do it fast - a day goes by quicker than you think, and then these items will be gone again, perhaps forever!
Thứ Năm, 22 tháng 12, 2011
Zynga discounts FarmVille 2X Mastery Statue, still about four bucks
And that could buy four full-blown games on your iPhone. Hey, we know that an item that grants FarmVille players double Mastery for a whole 48 hours is just plain awesome, but just consider the options before dropping about two Red Bulls on it.
Zynga has cut the price of the 2X Mastery Statue from 25 to just 20 Farm Cash, which slashes about a buck off of its price. However, keep in mind that 20 Farm Cash could nearly restock your Fuel tank, or buy a slew of attractive Trees or Animals.
Alright, the statue stays on your farm even after the effect wanes. Well, if that's worth 20 Farm Cash to you, then pick it up by all means. But this price cut only lasts for another five days, so run--don't walk!--to your nearest credit card/Pay Pal/Wal-Mart.
[Source: FarmVille Freak]
Have you picked up your 2X Statue Mastery Statue for the discounted price? Would you ever buy such an item in a video game?
Zynga has cut the price of the 2X Mastery Statue from 25 to just 20 Farm Cash, which slashes about a buck off of its price. However, keep in mind that 20 Farm Cash could nearly restock your Fuel tank, or buy a slew of attractive Trees or Animals.
Alright, the statue stays on your farm even after the effect wanes. Well, if that's worth 20 Farm Cash to you, then pick it up by all means. But this price cut only lasts for another five days, so run--don't walk!--to your nearest credit card/Pay Pal/Wal-Mart.
[Source: FarmVille Freak]
Have you picked up your 2X Statue Mastery Statue for the discounted price? Would you ever buy such an item in a video game?
Here is every FrontierVille Inn L'Amour reward, now get to hosting
Many a pioneer has scrambled half-blindly into upgrading their Inns to the beautiful, functional Inn L'Amour in FrontierVille. We say "half-blind," because the rewards for taking in friends as guests were a bit of a mystery. Thanks to FrontierVille Info, we now have every reward there is to be had in the Inn L'Amour:
0 guests: 250 coins
1 guests: 1 Special Package + 500 coins
2 guests: 1 Special Package + 500 coins
3 guests: 1 Special Package + 500 coins
4 guests: 1 Special Package + 750 coins
5 guests: 1 Special Package + 750 coins
6 guests: 1 Special Package + 750 coins
7 guests: 2 Special Packages + 1000 coins
8 guests: 2 Special Packages + 1000 coins
9 guests: 2 Special Packages + 1000 coins
As you can see, netting anything more than seven guests is kind of pointless (at the moment). So, these Special Packages have a chance of containing one goody from a long list of items that pretty much make the Inn L'Amour worth every Energy point and friend request spent:
Injured Animals Items:
Bottle
Carrot Juice
Chunky Chow
Fuzzy Blanket
Juicy Berry
Horse Corral Items:
Apple
Carrot
Sugar Cube
Saloon Drink Items:
Orchard Water
Bronco Tonic
Iced Tea
Mineral Water
Granny 5
Mule Kick Mix
Oat Concentrate
Poker Card
What do you think the best reward is from the Inn L'Amour so far? Are you happy with this feature after seeing the rewards?
0 guests: 250 coins
1 guests: 1 Special Package + 500 coins
2 guests: 1 Special Package + 500 coins
3 guests: 1 Special Package + 500 coins
4 guests: 1 Special Package + 750 coins
5 guests: 1 Special Package + 750 coins
6 guests: 1 Special Package + 750 coins
7 guests: 2 Special Packages + 1000 coins
8 guests: 2 Special Packages + 1000 coins
9 guests: 2 Special Packages + 1000 coins
As you can see, netting anything more than seven guests is kind of pointless (at the moment). So, these Special Packages have a chance of containing one goody from a long list of items that pretty much make the Inn L'Amour worth every Energy point and friend request spent:
Injured Animals Items:
Bottle
Carrot Juice
Chunky Chow
Fuzzy Blanket
Juicy Berry
Horse Corral Items:
Apple
Carrot
Sugar Cube
Saloon Drink Items:
Orchard Water
Bronco Tonic
Iced Tea
Mineral Water
Granny 5
Mule Kick Mix
Oat Concentrate
Poker Card
What do you think the best reward is from the Inn L'Amour so far? Are you happy with this feature after seeing the rewards?
Upgrade the CityVille Video Game Store: Everything you need to know
No, this doesn't upgrade the quality of the game. (Zing!) Zynga has released upgrades to the Video Game Store in CityVille. Thanks to recent changes to how Businesses are upgraded in CityVille, or rather Mastered, all you need for your Video Game Store to transform into the next virtual GameStop are Goods. Really.
Just mouse over your Video Game Store, and a green arrow should appear hovering over it. Click on the Business, and the screen pictured below will appear. The window shows each level of Mastery, and how it will effect your Video Game Store for better.
Then, you'll notice a green meter, which when filled to 50 will automatically boost your Business to Level 2 and change its appearance. Each harvest of an upgradable Business nets players one point towards Mastery, but there are other ways:
Crew: Each crew member that you add gives your business +10 (+20 at level 2) to upgrade progress.
City Cash: For 2 City Cash you can add +1 to upgrade progress.
Tour Buses: For each tour bus you send to an upgradeable business it gains +1 upgrade progress.
CityVille Video Game Store upgrade menu
Friends are probably the smartest route these days when upgrading Businesses, so not much has changed. However, at least it's not a requirement. Once the Video Game Store is ready to upgrade, you will have to spend a bit of Energy to build the additions. Now, when will Zynga release a Business like the "Social Games Store"--that would make billions.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you started to upgrade your Video Game Store? Do you like this new approach to building upgrades in CityVille?
Just mouse over your Video Game Store, and a green arrow should appear hovering over it. Click on the Business, and the screen pictured below will appear. The window shows each level of Mastery, and how it will effect your Video Game Store for better.
Then, you'll notice a green meter, which when filled to 50 will automatically boost your Business to Level 2 and change its appearance. Each harvest of an upgradable Business nets players one point towards Mastery, but there are other ways:
Crew: Each crew member that you add gives your business +10 (+20 at level 2) to upgrade progress.
City Cash: For 2 City Cash you can add +1 to upgrade progress.
Tour Buses: For each tour bus you send to an upgradeable business it gains +1 upgrade progress.
CityVille Video Game Store upgrade menu
Friends are probably the smartest route these days when upgrading Businesses, so not much has changed. However, at least it's not a requirement. Once the Video Game Store is ready to upgrade, you will have to spend a bit of Energy to build the additions. Now, when will Zynga release a Business like the "Social Games Store"--that would make billions.
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Have you started to upgrade your Video Game Store? Do you like this new approach to building upgrades in CityVille?
FarmVille Pic of the Day: Chippy27's techno-punk pasture
I found this neat farm while looking through my collection of farm designs. So even though it's way out of style, I'm bringing GagaVille back for one more FarmVille Pic of the Day. Check out some of our past GagaVille featured designs here and here.
Farm artist, Chippy27, hasn't done anything too technically impressive with their farm, but I think it's unique enough to be featured here on Games.com. The design created with the different flowers, crops, and items is totally psychedelic. Imagine walking down the path towards the Electric Chapel with all the insane crystal and fluorescent pink pastures all around you. It would certainly be a wedding to remember.
What do you think of Chippy27's techno-punk pasture?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Farm artist, Chippy27, hasn't done anything too technically impressive with their farm, but I think it's unique enough to be featured here on Games.com. The design created with the different flowers, crops, and items is totally psychedelic. Imagine walking down the path towards the Electric Chapel with all the insane crystal and fluorescent pink pastures all around you. It would certainly be a wedding to remember.
What do you think of Chippy27's techno-punk pasture?
If you have an AWESOME FarmVille farm that you want to see featured on Games.com, please email a picture to editors@games.com, Include a few words about the inspiration for your design and maybe a few tips for people who need an assist!
Zynga will give away a getaway in FrontierVille Honeymoon Sweepstakes
So, Fanny and Hank sealed the deal, now what? Well, Zynga will tell ya what: A trip for two pioneers to ... somewhere in the real world. The company has teased an upcoming set of Goals in FrontierVille that won't merely tell the tale of Fanny and Hank's honeymoon. Each completed Goal will grant players an entry, a "Getaway Pass," into a contest for a Zynga-sponsored trip for two.
All four Goals will be 100 percent repeatable, meaning players can enter into the Honeymoon Sweepstakes as often as they like. It doesn't seem as if any extra information is necessary, as Zynga likely already knows the basics based on your Facebook profile.
The couple has decided to head to Yosemite for their honeymoon, and it'll be up to you to get them there ... and to harass them for souvenirs. But we know that, in reality, it'll be up to you to amass as many entries as you can to ensure your chances of winning a free getaway.
FrontierVille Honeymoon Sweepstakes
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited for the upcoming FrontierVille Honeymoon Sweepstakes? Where do you think Zynga will send the two lucky pioneers?
All four Goals will be 100 percent repeatable, meaning players can enter into the Honeymoon Sweepstakes as often as they like. It doesn't seem as if any extra information is necessary, as Zynga likely already knows the basics based on your Facebook profile.
The couple has decided to head to Yosemite for their honeymoon, and it'll be up to you to get them there ... and to harass them for souvenirs. But we know that, in reality, it'll be up to you to amass as many entries as you can to ensure your chances of winning a free getaway.
FrontierVille Honeymoon Sweepstakes
[Source and Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited for the upcoming FrontierVille Honeymoon Sweepstakes? Where do you think Zynga will send the two lucky pioneers?
Thứ Sáu, 16 tháng 12, 2011
NHL Superstars coming to Facebook in October
Adding to its popular brand of "Superstars" titles on Facebook, Electronic Arts has announced the production of NHL Superstars for Facebook. This new game, as reported by ShackNews, comes on the heels of EA's NHL 12 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 breaking franchise records for the biggest launch week in the franchise's history.
As for the franchise's jump onto the Facebook ice, we're told this: "NHL Superstars will bring an all-new NHL experience to millions of hockey fans by enabling players to build and manage their ultimate team of professional hockey players. With dynamic and accessible gameplay, fans can compete head-to-head in games against their Facebook friends from around the world."
While specific details are still lacking as to what we can exactly expect from NHL Superstars, we can't imagine EA / Playfish breaking the mold. We'll likely be able to collect cards that contain professional hockey players, and then trade those cards out to create the best team possible. Each player will likely have stats, and we'll be able to use those players in virtual hockey games against others for supremacy.
We don't have a specific release date for NHL Superstars, although the game is set to take to the ice sometime in October. We'll make sure to give you a complete look at the game when we know more.
Are you excited to see NHL Superstars come to Facebook? Which players will you look for to create your perfect team?
As for the franchise's jump onto the Facebook ice, we're told this: "NHL Superstars will bring an all-new NHL experience to millions of hockey fans by enabling players to build and manage their ultimate team of professional hockey players. With dynamic and accessible gameplay, fans can compete head-to-head in games against their Facebook friends from around the world."
While specific details are still lacking as to what we can exactly expect from NHL Superstars, we can't imagine EA / Playfish breaking the mold. We'll likely be able to collect cards that contain professional hockey players, and then trade those cards out to create the best team possible. Each player will likely have stats, and we'll be able to use those players in virtual hockey games against others for supremacy.
We don't have a specific release date for NHL Superstars, although the game is set to take to the ice sometime in October. We'll make sure to give you a complete look at the game when we know more.
Are you excited to see NHL Superstars come to Facebook? Which players will you look for to create your perfect team?
Soon, you might score some Angry Birds with that Starbucks macchiato
Angry Birds Starbucks
"Hey, I'll take a grande caramel cappuccino ... with an Angry Bird on top? Yeah, that works." We doubt most Starbucks baristas would do this nonsense just for you, but you might at least be playing a lot more Angry Birds in Starbucks locations soon. In fact, according to Bloomberg, you may soon take trips to Starbucks specifically to play Rovio's wildly successful game.
During an interview with Bloomberg, Rovio SVP Wibe Wagemans said that his company is in talks with the Seattle-based coffee company to set up virtual goods offers and perhaps even digital scoreboards in Starbucks locations. Keep in mind, however, that this is the same guy who made lofty claims like, "We are now the fastest-growing consumer brand in history."
But what honestly leads us to believe that this isn't merely poppycock is that the Finnish game developer has conducted similar partnerships with national companies in the past. Take Barnes and Noble bookstores, for instance, which offered Nook e-reader owners a free Mighty Eagle download earlier this year--just for visiting with their device in tow.
And don't forget that you can already find a bunch of Angry Birds-themed retail items like plush dolls and t-shirts in the book seller's stores. More importantly, who runs the in-house Barnes and Noble cafes? Yup, Starbucks. So, despite Starbucks's refusal to comment on or acknowledge whether it's talking to Rovio, all signs are pointing at least to a dash of Mighty Eagle with your mocha macchiato.
And Starbucks would be kind of dumb not at least dip one toe into the Angry Birds nest. With toys, cook books and a feature film in the works, Rovio's flagship brand is huge. Not to mention that a Facebook version of the game is in the works, according to Wagemans, which would all but blow this franchise wide open. It's a good time for Angry Birds, and they're looking to share the wealth ... anywhere, really.
[Image Credit: Food Beast]
Would you go to Starbucks just to keep your high score above your fellow coffee snobs lovers'? What do you think of Rovio's immense push into the retail world with Angry Birds?
"Hey, I'll take a grande caramel cappuccino ... with an Angry Bird on top? Yeah, that works." We doubt most Starbucks baristas would do this nonsense just for you, but you might at least be playing a lot more Angry Birds in Starbucks locations soon. In fact, according to Bloomberg, you may soon take trips to Starbucks specifically to play Rovio's wildly successful game.
During an interview with Bloomberg, Rovio SVP Wibe Wagemans said that his company is in talks with the Seattle-based coffee company to set up virtual goods offers and perhaps even digital scoreboards in Starbucks locations. Keep in mind, however, that this is the same guy who made lofty claims like, "We are now the fastest-growing consumer brand in history."
But what honestly leads us to believe that this isn't merely poppycock is that the Finnish game developer has conducted similar partnerships with national companies in the past. Take Barnes and Noble bookstores, for instance, which offered Nook e-reader owners a free Mighty Eagle download earlier this year--just for visiting with their device in tow.
And don't forget that you can already find a bunch of Angry Birds-themed retail items like plush dolls and t-shirts in the book seller's stores. More importantly, who runs the in-house Barnes and Noble cafes? Yup, Starbucks. So, despite Starbucks's refusal to comment on or acknowledge whether it's talking to Rovio, all signs are pointing at least to a dash of Mighty Eagle with your mocha macchiato.
And Starbucks would be kind of dumb not at least dip one toe into the Angry Birds nest. With toys, cook books and a feature film in the works, Rovio's flagship brand is huge. Not to mention that a Facebook version of the game is in the works, according to Wagemans, which would all but blow this franchise wide open. It's a good time for Angry Birds, and they're looking to share the wealth ... anywhere, really.
[Image Credit: Food Beast]
Would you go to Starbucks just to keep your high score above your fellow coffee snobs lovers'? What do you think of Rovio's immense push into the retail world with Angry Birds?
Social game network Hi5 suffers 'significant' layoffs, pushes onward
Hopefully not sounding too crass, but this is one of the unfortunate if efficient advantages of technology. TechCrunch reports that Hi5, a social game network looking to compete with Google+ Games and Facebook in 2012, has laid off 28 employees. The decision, confirmed by infamous pundit and Hi5 president and CTO Alex St. John, was made in response to new tech:
"We have also been building the next generation site in a new architecture, .NET framework, and have moved away from Open Source and Java technology," St. John told TechCrunch. "As we have recently turned the corner on our technology migration efforts we have been able to significantly reduce the number of positions required to support the older hi5 site and are in the process of re-organizing the company to focus entirely on the development and deployment of our next generation social play site."
Simply put, technological advances in how the future Hi5 website will work has led to automation in web support that was before handled by multiple employees. Since the new website can handle much of those tasks on its own, 28 of those full-time and contract workers were deemed no longer necessary. TechCrunch recalls this is far from the first time Hi5 has trimmed the fat, so to speak.
The company, originally a general-use social network, has since pivoted toward capitalizing on social gaming. Early next year, it will unveil its next generation social gaming network with 28 fewer people to celebrate, sadly. "The departing folks were very talented and we hated to let them go but our business is changing rapidly now," St. John said to TechCrunch. "We hope that other great companies in this area snap them up quickly."
Even with its automated enhancements, it will be interesting to see just whether Hi5 can hop into the ring with the big league players, Facebook and Google. Its strategy doesn't seem to be one of scale, so we're intrigued to see what's up St. John's sleeve. Regardless, best wishes to those 28 unfortunate folks--may you find super awesome gigs elsewhere.
What do you think of this news just as Hi5 prepares to enter its next phase of social gaming? Do you think the company could become a viable competitor to Facebook and Google in social games
"We have also been building the next generation site in a new architecture, .NET framework, and have moved away from Open Source and Java technology," St. John told TechCrunch. "As we have recently turned the corner on our technology migration efforts we have been able to significantly reduce the number of positions required to support the older hi5 site and are in the process of re-organizing the company to focus entirely on the development and deployment of our next generation social play site."
Simply put, technological advances in how the future Hi5 website will work has led to automation in web support that was before handled by multiple employees. Since the new website can handle much of those tasks on its own, 28 of those full-time and contract workers were deemed no longer necessary. TechCrunch recalls this is far from the first time Hi5 has trimmed the fat, so to speak.
The company, originally a general-use social network, has since pivoted toward capitalizing on social gaming. Early next year, it will unveil its next generation social gaming network with 28 fewer people to celebrate, sadly. "The departing folks were very talented and we hated to let them go but our business is changing rapidly now," St. John said to TechCrunch. "We hope that other great companies in this area snap them up quickly."
Even with its automated enhancements, it will be interesting to see just whether Hi5 can hop into the ring with the big league players, Facebook and Google. Its strategy doesn't seem to be one of scale, so we're intrigued to see what's up St. John's sleeve. Regardless, best wishes to those 28 unfortunate folks--may you find super awesome gigs elsewhere.
What do you think of this news just as Hi5 prepares to enter its next phase of social gaming? Do you think the company could become a viable competitor to Facebook and Google in social games
Zynga reveals Mafia Wars 2, to be a 'badass' Facebook game [Video]
To most, Facebook gaming is nothing but farmland, cows and rainbows with a dash of brand endorsement. Zynga, one of the stereotype's main offenders, hopes to set the record straight with Mafia Wars 2. A full-blown sequel to the original text-based Facebook RPG (role-playing game), Mafia Wars 2 will bring the franchise into "a vast 3D world where being bad never felt so good."
Judging from this early artwork and the ... interesting trailer below, it seems as if Zynga could make good on previous speculation that its next Mafia Wars game would take a more literal approach in paying homage to its inspirations.
The trailer is set to Jane's Addiction's "Mountain Song," you know, so its badassery really sets in. Jokes (about the narration) aside, the video is impressively-edited with its stylistic, "golden" approach to blood and gore.
Unfortunately, all we know about Mafia Wars 2 is apparently how badass it's going to be. While that may be all some need to get psyched, you can check out and "Like" the game's official Facebook fan page to find out more about the game.
Oh, and you'll score some early items for the game by hopping on board early like some accessories for your character and decorations. These already tell us a great deal about the game--fully customizable 3D avatars, anyone? Alright, now we know you're hyped.
[Video and Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited to get your clickers on some fresh gang bustin' in Mafia Wars 2? What did you think of the announcement trailer?
Judging from this early artwork and the ... interesting trailer below, it seems as if Zynga could make good on previous speculation that its next Mafia Wars game would take a more literal approach in paying homage to its inspirations.
The trailer is set to Jane's Addiction's "Mountain Song," you know, so its badassery really sets in. Jokes (about the narration) aside, the video is impressively-edited with its stylistic, "golden" approach to blood and gore.
Unfortunately, all we know about Mafia Wars 2 is apparently how badass it's going to be. While that may be all some need to get psyched, you can check out and "Like" the game's official Facebook fan page to find out more about the game.
Oh, and you'll score some early items for the game by hopping on board early like some accessories for your character and decorations. These already tell us a great deal about the game--fully customizable 3D avatars, anyone? Alright, now we know you're hyped.
[Video and Image Credit: Zynga]
Are you excited to get your clickers on some fresh gang bustin' in Mafia Wars 2? What did you think of the announcement trailer?
Finally, hang out with your Android buddies in Hanging With Friends
It looks like Tuesday is unofficially Zynga Game Day, as the company just announced that Hanging With Friends is now available for free on the Android Market. Keep in mind, this comes just minutes after the company revealed Mafia Wars 2. Even better news than the fact that Android players can get in on Zynga With Friends's second mobile game is that it's now cross-platform ready.
Yes, now you can play both your iPhone-toting friends and your best Android-owning enemies buds in this crazy take on the classic pen and paper game of Hangman. In case you're unfamiliar, Hanging With Friends takes the popular turn-based exchange of the wildly popular Words With Friends and applies that to a wacky game of Hangman, but with some twists.
For one, players who choose their word for an opponent are limited by the letters provided to them. Then, that challenge is sent to a player who must guess the word with a limited amount of guesses. This exchange of posing challenges and guesses continues asynchronously until one player loses all of their balloons and falls into a pit of lava or other various deathtraps.
Luckily, you have a series of power-ups at your disposal that can restore some of your guesses or reveal letters that may or may not be part of the word your friend chose in secret. Of course, these boosts cost Coins, which you can accumulate over time by winning Hanging With Friends matches or purchasing them outright in-game.
Gallery: Hanging With Friends on Android
Of course, the Android version contains all of the features that its iOS counterpart sports, like the ability to play up to 20 games at a time, in-game chat and push notifications. Finally, you can add friends via your existing With Friends account, or just connect to Facebook (like everyone else) to find more folks to crush with your wordsmithery. Have at thee, Fandroids.
Click here to download Hanging With Friends on the Android Market Now >
Are you psyched that Hanging With Friends has finally come to Android? What other Zynga games do you hope to see on Android phones on the future?
Yes, now you can play both your iPhone-toting friends and your best Android-owning enemies buds in this crazy take on the classic pen and paper game of Hangman. In case you're unfamiliar, Hanging With Friends takes the popular turn-based exchange of the wildly popular Words With Friends and applies that to a wacky game of Hangman, but with some twists.
For one, players who choose their word for an opponent are limited by the letters provided to them. Then, that challenge is sent to a player who must guess the word with a limited amount of guesses. This exchange of posing challenges and guesses continues asynchronously until one player loses all of their balloons and falls into a pit of lava or other various deathtraps.
Luckily, you have a series of power-ups at your disposal that can restore some of your guesses or reveal letters that may or may not be part of the word your friend chose in secret. Of course, these boosts cost Coins, which you can accumulate over time by winning Hanging With Friends matches or purchasing them outright in-game.
Gallery: Hanging With Friends on Android
Of course, the Android version contains all of the features that its iOS counterpart sports, like the ability to play up to 20 games at a time, in-game chat and push notifications. Finally, you can add friends via your existing With Friends account, or just connect to Facebook (like everyone else) to find more folks to crush with your wordsmithery. Have at thee, Fandroids.
Click here to download Hanging With Friends on the Android Market Now >
Are you psyched that Hanging With Friends has finally come to Android? What other Zynga games do you hope to see on Android phones on the future?
Game of the Day: Alchemy
Alchemy is a game of strategy and wit. Carefully place runes and turn the entire board to gold. You can only place runes next to pieces of the same color or shape. However, you can place a rune of any color or shape next to a grey stone. If you can't place the rune, you may discard it. But be careful, discard four runes in a row and it'll be game over! If you fill a row or column with runes, they'll all disappear, opening up the board. Similarly, a skull will let you destroy any rune on the board.
Alchemy may seem complicated at first, but once you grasp the basics, you'll be hooked on its addictive gameplay. Good luck!
Click here to play Alchemy!
alchemy game of the day alchemy game of the day
What did you think of Alchemy? Where you able to turn lead into gold?
Alchemy may seem complicated at first, but once you grasp the basics, you'll be hooked on its addictive gameplay. Good luck!
Click here to play Alchemy!
alchemy game of the day alchemy game of the day
What did you think of Alchemy? Where you able to turn lead into gold?
Thứ Ba, 13 tháng 12, 2011
Farmerama's Bigpoint knows how badly Zynga wants out of Facebook
"Oh they desperately want to," Bigpoint chief games officer Philip Resiberger told GamesIndustry.biz. "They have plans, they've had plans for the last two years. Everyone wants to reduce their dependence on Facebook I think." That's what everyone has said, but even the FarmVille maker's upcoming Project Z is tied rather intrinsically to Facebook, so what gives?
"Eventually it will come, but as some attempts have shown in the past, it's not as easy to understand the world outside Facebook because it's a totally different world," Reisberger elaborated during an interview with GI.biz "That's why Bigpoint is in a very good position: we're not just the ones developing, we've mastered, to a certain degree, the distribution."
But Bigpoint's (known best for Facebook-less social games like Farmerama and Skyrama) Resiberger goes on to compliment Zynga on its innovations in social games. Of course, it's safe to take Reisberger's earlier comments with a grain of salt: He works with a company that creates social games outside of Facebook--crazy, we know. And that company is doing quite well for itself, with 250 million registered players on Bigpoint, according to Reisberger.
It makes you wonder, however, is Zynga really drawing in new players, or are meteoric launches like CastleVille more thanks to its existing players than new ones? Most would go with the former, at least for the time being. Will Project Z and zTags finally help the CityVille creator bring in new players from throughout the web? Stay tuned for 2012.
Do you think Zynga relies too much on its existing player base for successful games? Would you rather play social games on Facebook or elsewhere?
"Eventually it will come, but as some attempts have shown in the past, it's not as easy to understand the world outside Facebook because it's a totally different world," Reisberger elaborated during an interview with GI.biz "That's why Bigpoint is in a very good position: we're not just the ones developing, we've mastered, to a certain degree, the distribution."
But Bigpoint's (known best for Facebook-less social games like Farmerama and Skyrama) Resiberger goes on to compliment Zynga on its innovations in social games. Of course, it's safe to take Reisberger's earlier comments with a grain of salt: He works with a company that creates social games outside of Facebook--crazy, we know. And that company is doing quite well for itself, with 250 million registered players on Bigpoint, according to Reisberger.
It makes you wonder, however, is Zynga really drawing in new players, or are meteoric launches like CastleVille more thanks to its existing players than new ones? Most would go with the former, at least for the time being. Will Project Z and zTags finally help the CityVille creator bring in new players from throughout the web? Stay tuned for 2012.
Do you think Zynga relies too much on its existing player base for successful games? Would you rather play social games on Facebook or elsewhere?
Android gets with the times, new Facebook brings FarmVille Express
Android just got caught up with the Joneses. Facebook announced recently that the new Facebook Mobile platform has hit Android devices everywhere, meaning fans of Google's smartphone operating system can access all the mobile web apps Facebook Mobile has to offer. Most importantly (of course), that includes HTML5 games like Zynga's FarmVille Express.
In fact, that means a number of HTML5-based social games are now available through Facebook Mobile for Android, including wooga's Magic Land, Moblyng's Word Racer Live, Storm8's World War and more. That's according to Facebook's announcement, which doesn't include games like the HTML5-based Words With Friends and Zynga Poker.
However, HTML5--a web application development method used commonly for games played in mobile web browsers--is largely available on both iPhone, iPad and Android devices, it's a safe bet that these games are accessible through Facebook on Android. (Before the Facebook update, Android users could simply visit "m.farmville.com" to access FarmVille Express.) HTML5 is making big strides in becoming a viable method for making and playing social games.
In fact, Happy Aquarium maker CrowdStar's CEO Peter Relan thinks that HTML5 is the path to 1 billion players of a single game. However, if you ask folks like Zynga Germany's Paul Bakaus, we're a long way from that kind of reach through HTML5. If game makers want to beat Rovio's Angry Birds to the coveted 1 billion fans, they might have to do it the old-fashioned (?) way: get on every game platform you can possibly imagine.
In fact, that means a number of HTML5-based social games are now available through Facebook Mobile for Android, including wooga's Magic Land, Moblyng's Word Racer Live, Storm8's World War and more. That's according to Facebook's announcement, which doesn't include games like the HTML5-based Words With Friends and Zynga Poker.
However, HTML5--a web application development method used commonly for games played in mobile web browsers--is largely available on both iPhone, iPad and Android devices, it's a safe bet that these games are accessible through Facebook on Android. (Before the Facebook update, Android users could simply visit "m.farmville.com" to access FarmVille Express.) HTML5 is making big strides in becoming a viable method for making and playing social games.
In fact, Happy Aquarium maker CrowdStar's CEO Peter Relan thinks that HTML5 is the path to 1 billion players of a single game. However, if you ask folks like Zynga Germany's Paul Bakaus, we're a long way from that kind of reach through HTML5. If game makers want to beat Rovio's Angry Birds to the coveted 1 billion fans, they might have to do it the old-fashioned (?) way: get on every game platform you can possibly imagine.
That's a big table: Zynga Poker hits the big screen on Google TV
Is that 13-inch laptop screen you're dealing in on in Zynga Poker simply not big enough? How does a 55-inch HD screen sound? We thought so. Zynga announced that its hit poker game has landed on Google TV, the search giant's ailing set-top box platform. Players can download the Zynga Poker app on Google TV, the first TV platform to offer the game.
VentureBeat points out that Zynga Poker (and we imagine other Facebook games) were already accessible through Google TV's support for Flash-based websites. But this dedicated version is "especially optimized for playing poker from the comfort of your own couch," Zynga said in a blog post. According to AppData, Zynga's age-old poker game has over 29 million monthly players across Facebook, iPhone, Android phones and more.
Of course, Zynga is looking to grow that player base with this release, but things aren't looking so hot for Google TV. Logitech, the primary partner for the platform, just ditched Google's effort after losing $100 million on its Logitech Revue box since last year, according to VentureBeat. Regardless, this could serve as a launchpad for Zynga Poker--and other games from the publisher, for that matter--to expand onto other connected TV options.
Devices like the Roku box have already invited big time casual games like Angry Birds, and PlayJam is making strides in smart TV gaming. In the grand scheme of things, it only makes sense. If companies like CrowdStar and Rovio want to hit that 1 billion fan mark, the most popular screen in the home is a fine place to start.
VentureBeat points out that Zynga Poker (and we imagine other Facebook games) were already accessible through Google TV's support for Flash-based websites. But this dedicated version is "especially optimized for playing poker from the comfort of your own couch," Zynga said in a blog post. According to AppData, Zynga's age-old poker game has over 29 million monthly players across Facebook, iPhone, Android phones and more.
Of course, Zynga is looking to grow that player base with this release, but things aren't looking so hot for Google TV. Logitech, the primary partner for the platform, just ditched Google's effort after losing $100 million on its Logitech Revue box since last year, according to VentureBeat. Regardless, this could serve as a launchpad for Zynga Poker--and other games from the publisher, for that matter--to expand onto other connected TV options.
Devices like the Roku box have already invited big time casual games like Angry Birds, and PlayJam is making strides in smart TV gaming. In the grand scheme of things, it only makes sense. If companies like CrowdStar and Rovio want to hit that 1 billion fan mark, the most popular screen in the home is a fine place to start.
CNN Games: When social games fever hits the virtual newstands
CNN has opened a spankin' new games portal on their site, named simply, "CNN Games" and powered by social games stalwart, Arkadium. Aside from having to put up with a 15-second ad before each game loads, all twenty-five of Arkadium's games are free, including established favorites such as Mahjongg Dimensions. You don't have to sign up as a CNN member to play (plus, Facebook Connect doesn't seem far behind), but CNN would like it if you did. Doing so allows you to "save your scores, get on the Leaderboard and challenge your friends".
We really shouldn't be surprised, but it's hard not to be. Certainly, there's been a trend where companies have been slapping games onto everything from banks to blogs. Some have even made it their core business to slap games onto other businesses. There's this belief that turning something into a social game will make it more popular. MySpace attempted a failed resurrection by investing in games. Social games killed the daytime soap, only for the soaps to attempt a comeback as games. Social games for social good are the watchwords of organizations such as Games4Change, and businesses such as GamesThatGive. But for an international news organization to invest in a generic, casual games portal is just mind-boggling. With the exception of Stop the Presses, a timed word game, nothing at CNN Games has anything to do with the news or the CNN brand (fancy a board game, anyone?).
CNN Games Arkadium
However, consider this -- it was the rivalry between Joseph Pulitzer's New York World and William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal in the 1890s that brought us the modern-day, newspaper comic strip. In 1895, Pulitzer had convinced comics creator Richard Felton Outcault to publish "The Yellow Kid" for his newspaper. But Hearst saw the value in it and snatched Outcault away for his paper. Suddenly, the funnies became serious business as both owners believed that comics were their ticket to more readers. It sounds absurd, but those of us who grew up on newsprint remember the value of the funnies.
As major news producers move from print to the web, they're going to need new ways to compete online. I wonder if social games are going to be for news sites, the way comic strips were for newspapers.
Do you think social games can hit it big on news sites or that news sites can win readers by adding games, social or otherwise?
We really shouldn't be surprised, but it's hard not to be. Certainly, there's been a trend where companies have been slapping games onto everything from banks to blogs. Some have even made it their core business to slap games onto other businesses. There's this belief that turning something into a social game will make it more popular. MySpace attempted a failed resurrection by investing in games. Social games killed the daytime soap, only for the soaps to attempt a comeback as games. Social games for social good are the watchwords of organizations such as Games4Change, and businesses such as GamesThatGive. But for an international news organization to invest in a generic, casual games portal is just mind-boggling. With the exception of Stop the Presses, a timed word game, nothing at CNN Games has anything to do with the news or the CNN brand (fancy a board game, anyone?).
CNN Games Arkadium
However, consider this -- it was the rivalry between Joseph Pulitzer's New York World and William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal in the 1890s that brought us the modern-day, newspaper comic strip. In 1895, Pulitzer had convinced comics creator Richard Felton Outcault to publish "The Yellow Kid" for his newspaper. But Hearst saw the value in it and snatched Outcault away for his paper. Suddenly, the funnies became serious business as both owners believed that comics were their ticket to more readers. It sounds absurd, but those of us who grew up on newsprint remember the value of the funnies.
As major news producers move from print to the web, they're going to need new ways to compete online. I wonder if social games are going to be for news sites, the way comic strips were for newspapers.
Do you think social games can hit it big on news sites or that news sites can win readers by adding games, social or otherwise?
Digital Chocolate's Galaxy Life on Facebook has quite a deceiving title
When you hear the words "Galaxy Life," what do you think? We don't know about you, but that sure sounds like living out life across the galaxy. No one ever said anything about epic intergalactic battles against friends and "the sinister dark forces." Nevertheless, that's what you'll be up to in Digital Chocolate's new strategy game game for Facebook and web, Galaxy Life.
The San Mateo, Calif.-based social game developer, best known for games like Millionaire City and Zombie Lane, launched the game simultaneously on Facebook and its own website in an effort to increase its reach. Galaxy Life lets players become leader of a colony of aliens called Starlings that look to create a peaceful planet amidst sinister (and ambiguous) dark forces. Players will vie for dominance over the new found territory amongst friends, or frenemies, both known and anonymous.
Of course, you'll do so by creating daunting armies and stalwart defensive structures with which to attack opposing colonies and defend your own. Players can also create alliances with fellow players--yup, this sounds like a strategy game, all right. Galaxy Life sounds like more of the same on paper, but its Facebook-connected social features are optional. If you decide to play on Digital Chocolate's website, you can build a network of friends without Facebook.
Galaxy Life in Action
"We've created a groundbreaking sci-fi game with great competitive and cooperative elements, along with fantastic characters," Digital Chocolate president Marc Metis said in a release. "Galaxy Life takes the best elements of the strategy and space genres to create an immersive game that players can engage with across different platforms."
At first glance, Galaxy Life has a ton of character, with smooth animations, fun tunes and sounds, and adorable artwork. However, the play hook doesn't seem all too different from games like Kabam's Edgeworld or Kixeye's War Commander. That said, this could change in due time. But give it a shot: This cartoon-like take on the genre could be your cup of tea.
The San Mateo, Calif.-based social game developer, best known for games like Millionaire City and Zombie Lane, launched the game simultaneously on Facebook and its own website in an effort to increase its reach. Galaxy Life lets players become leader of a colony of aliens called Starlings that look to create a peaceful planet amidst sinister (and ambiguous) dark forces. Players will vie for dominance over the new found territory amongst friends, or frenemies, both known and anonymous.
Of course, you'll do so by creating daunting armies and stalwart defensive structures with which to attack opposing colonies and defend your own. Players can also create alliances with fellow players--yup, this sounds like a strategy game, all right. Galaxy Life sounds like more of the same on paper, but its Facebook-connected social features are optional. If you decide to play on Digital Chocolate's website, you can build a network of friends without Facebook.
Galaxy Life in Action
"We've created a groundbreaking sci-fi game with great competitive and cooperative elements, along with fantastic characters," Digital Chocolate president Marc Metis said in a release. "Galaxy Life takes the best elements of the strategy and space genres to create an immersive game that players can engage with across different platforms."
At first glance, Galaxy Life has a ton of character, with smooth animations, fun tunes and sounds, and adorable artwork. However, the play hook doesn't seem all too different from games like Kabam's Edgeworld or Kixeye's War Commander. That said, this could change in due time. But give it a shot: This cartoon-like take on the genre could be your cup of tea.
Finally, GREE reveals what everyone actually cares about: the games
Japan's mobile social gaming network GREE has leaked details regarding its global expansion through OpenFeint ever so slowly. Painfully so, in fact. Now, Andriasang reports that DeNA's archenemy has finally announced a number of big time games that will be right there with GREE's launch on iPhones and Android phones in the US and abroad. How does some DDR sound?
Konami revealed that it's bringing the iconic dance machine arcade-gone-mobile game, DanceDanceRevolution, to GREE. Capcom is in on the global GREE launch, set to happen between April and June 2012, with a mobile version of Resident Evil Mercenaries VS and Monster Hunter Dynamic Hunting, which is already available for iPhone. Tecmo Koei is bringing over a version of its hit Dynasty Warriors franchise to GREE as well.
This is all well and good, but we have one concern: All of these games, including those from Japanese game makers we didn't mention, appeal to a very niche, dare we say "hardcore" audience. While part of GREE's global expansion is to merge with OpenFeint (and likely many of games under that Western service's umbrella), the network is going to need games that appeal to a mass audience to live up to its expectations of beating Nintendo.
GREE claims that, after the merge with OpenFeint, its games will be exposed to 150 million players. But 150 million players or not, those players are going to need all types of games to be interested in. Granted, we're still a long ways away from the GREE global launch. Oh ... about that.
Konami revealed that it's bringing the iconic dance machine arcade-gone-mobile game, DanceDanceRevolution, to GREE. Capcom is in on the global GREE launch, set to happen between April and June 2012, with a mobile version of Resident Evil Mercenaries VS and Monster Hunter Dynamic Hunting, which is already available for iPhone. Tecmo Koei is bringing over a version of its hit Dynasty Warriors franchise to GREE as well.
This is all well and good, but we have one concern: All of these games, including those from Japanese game makers we didn't mention, appeal to a very niche, dare we say "hardcore" audience. While part of GREE's global expansion is to merge with OpenFeint (and likely many of games under that Western service's umbrella), the network is going to need games that appeal to a mass audience to live up to its expectations of beating Nintendo.
GREE claims that, after the merge with OpenFeint, its games will be exposed to 150 million players. But 150 million players or not, those players are going to need all types of games to be interested in. Granted, we're still a long ways away from the GREE global launch. Oh ... about that.
Zynga thinks it could double its paying players after going public
How? No clue, but Zynga CEO Mark Pincus seems to think it's possible. That's what the head of the FarmVille maker told 100 investors at a luncheon (with chicken, mashed potatoes and spinach salad) held in a Boston hotel, according to Reuters. "We could see that doubling," Pincus told the room during a presentation likely similar to the one posted online last week ahead of going public.
However, the Zynga chief gave no time line for the lofty claim, nor how the company would make it happen. As it stands, about 7.7 million of the social game giant's 219 million monthly players were payers for 12 months prior to Sept. 30, according to Reuters. However, Zynga did reveal that it now welcomes 13 million daily players across mobile devices, way up from the recently reported 11.1 million
A hefty chunk of those daily players seems to come from Words With Friends. You know, the game so addicting that it supposedly drove Alec Baldwin to throw a fit on an American Airlines plane? That one. "He wanted to play it even if it meant getting off his flight to play it," Pincus said, revealing that the game gained some 8 million players in the past year.
And, when you think about it, mobile could be exactly where Zynga doubles its paying players. Zynga is full steam ahead on both iPhone and Android phones, having released eight games for the platforms in 2011 alone. The battle plan? Zynga could reach audiences outside of its massive network by gaining prominence on various app stores. And that just might work.
What do you think of Zynga's mobile games thus far? Could the company grow its 3 percent of paying players into 6 or even 10 percent through iPhone and Android?
However, the Zynga chief gave no time line for the lofty claim, nor how the company would make it happen. As it stands, about 7.7 million of the social game giant's 219 million monthly players were payers for 12 months prior to Sept. 30, according to Reuters. However, Zynga did reveal that it now welcomes 13 million daily players across mobile devices, way up from the recently reported 11.1 million
A hefty chunk of those daily players seems to come from Words With Friends. You know, the game so addicting that it supposedly drove Alec Baldwin to throw a fit on an American Airlines plane? That one. "He wanted to play it even if it meant getting off his flight to play it," Pincus said, revealing that the game gained some 8 million players in the past year.
And, when you think about it, mobile could be exactly where Zynga doubles its paying players. Zynga is full steam ahead on both iPhone and Android phones, having released eight games for the platforms in 2011 alone. The battle plan? Zynga could reach audiences outside of its massive network by gaining prominence on various app stores. And that just might work.
What do you think of Zynga's mobile games thus far? Could the company grow its 3 percent of paying players into 6 or even 10 percent through iPhone and Android?
Order & Chaos Online finds that subscriptions don't work on Facebook
And as a result, the game will be no more come Dec. 20. Mobile (and social) game developer Gameloft informed players from within the game. Order & Chaos Online for Facebook is the social version of the online mobile MMO (massively multiplayer online game) available on both iPhones and Android phones. So, if your one of the game's 2,000 daily players out there, bummer.
The message given to players in-game reminds them that they can join their friends on either their iOS or Android device to continue playing Order & Chaos. So, why did the game shut down after launching just in July of this year? While Gameloft hasn't provided an official explanation, we'd guess it's due to three things.
Order & Chaos Online closed
For one, 3D MMOs that require downloads (additional to the ubiquitous Flash), have control legends and list system requirements haven't done well on Facebook historically. Secondly, the game suffered severe security issues earlier this fall that could have very well scared many players away. And finally, when players in the game hit level 10, they were hit with a subscription fee to be paid in Facebook Credits in order to continue playing.
If there's one thing that's known about Facebook games, it's that nearly nobody likes to pay. And as for the 3 to 5 percent that do, they prefer to buy things at leisure, like new barns or an extra boost in energy to keep going. Order & Chaos Online threw the illusion of "free-to-play" out the window completely.
[Via Pocket Gamer]
Were you a fan of Order & Chaos enough to pay, an exception to the rule? What were your experiences in the game like? Could subscription-based social games ever work?
The message given to players in-game reminds them that they can join their friends on either their iOS or Android device to continue playing Order & Chaos. So, why did the game shut down after launching just in July of this year? While Gameloft hasn't provided an official explanation, we'd guess it's due to three things.
Order & Chaos Online closed
For one, 3D MMOs that require downloads (additional to the ubiquitous Flash), have control legends and list system requirements haven't done well on Facebook historically. Secondly, the game suffered severe security issues earlier this fall that could have very well scared many players away. And finally, when players in the game hit level 10, they were hit with a subscription fee to be paid in Facebook Credits in order to continue playing.
If there's one thing that's known about Facebook games, it's that nearly nobody likes to pay. And as for the 3 to 5 percent that do, they prefer to buy things at leisure, like new barns or an extra boost in energy to keep going. Order & Chaos Online threw the illusion of "free-to-play" out the window completely.
[Via Pocket Gamer]
Were you a fan of Order & Chaos enough to pay, an exception to the rule? What were your experiences in the game like? Could subscription-based social games ever work?
Club Penguin Coins for Change program gives us the warm fuzzies
This one will rate high on your "Aw, shucks" meter. Club Penguin, Disney's popular kid-centric virtual world, has kicked off its fifth annual Coins for Change program, inviting its young players to donate virtual coins for a real-life cause. If the number of coins reaches a certain amount, Club Penguin will donate $2 million to help other children, families and environmental causes.
The program will run December 15-27, and players will be able to vote -- with their coins -- as to how the contribution will be divided among several charities. Previous Coins for Change efforts have helped a million people in 40 countries by funding clean water programs, schools, libraries, health clinics and more.
club penguin coins for change info in game
"The Club Penguin community has already helped more than a million people all over the world through Coins for Change and I hope by doubling the donation, they can help even more," Disney Online Studios EVP and Club Penguin Co-founder Lane Merrifield says. "I am continuously amazed by the commitment and passion our players have for helping improve the lives of others."
And, of course, this is a fantastic way to turn game-playing, often considered a waste of time by the uninitiated, into a valuable lesson in global citizenship. And that, in turn, helps parents feel better about shelling out $5 to $8 for the virtual world's monthly membership fee (not that there's anything wrong with that). For more details on Coins for Change, check out clubpenguin.com.
The program will run December 15-27, and players will be able to vote -- with their coins -- as to how the contribution will be divided among several charities. Previous Coins for Change efforts have helped a million people in 40 countries by funding clean water programs, schools, libraries, health clinics and more.
club penguin coins for change info in game
"The Club Penguin community has already helped more than a million people all over the world through Coins for Change and I hope by doubling the donation, they can help even more," Disney Online Studios EVP and Club Penguin Co-founder Lane Merrifield says. "I am continuously amazed by the commitment and passion our players have for helping improve the lives of others."
And, of course, this is a fantastic way to turn game-playing, often considered a waste of time by the uninitiated, into a valuable lesson in global citizenship. And that, in turn, helps parents feel better about shelling out $5 to $8 for the virtual world's monthly membership fee (not that there's anything wrong with that). For more details on Coins for Change, check out clubpenguin.com.
Mario creator Miyamoto isn't retiring after all, and everything's peachy
That's what the legendary Nintendo game designer told The Wall Street Journal in an interview Thursday. After telling Wired this week that he was retiring from his current position at Nintendo to take on smaller projects (and after Nintendo was quick to deny it entirely), Shigeru Miyamoto told WSJ that he is not retiring from his position. However, he is making preparations for the future.
"We have to construct the structure so that the organization so that it can make it without me," Miyamoto told WSJ. "I should also admit that it might be better without me; I mean that a different approach and different talent might emerge, though I shouldn't dwell on this because then the article might indeed say 'Mr. Miyamoto is thinking about retiring,' because that is not the case."
Wired's Chris Kohler, whom Miyamoto first talked to this week about retirement, stands by his piece and its accuracy. Some chalked the Legend of Zelda maker's words up to an error in translation, but Kohler told G4TV, "Miyamoto's comments as presented in our story are exactly what Miyamoto said, and presented with the full context of his remarks. We are absolutely standing by those statements as reported."
Miyamoto's talk with WSJ appears to be an attempt to clarify his words with Wired. Now, we're left with three different statements (two only slightly different, really) and a Nintendo stock price that's down a bit. So what we do know, with absolute certainty, is that the creator of Mario isn't just important to Nintendo, but all video games.
"We have to construct the structure so that the organization so that it can make it without me," Miyamoto told WSJ. "I should also admit that it might be better without me; I mean that a different approach and different talent might emerge, though I shouldn't dwell on this because then the article might indeed say 'Mr. Miyamoto is thinking about retiring,' because that is not the case."
Wired's Chris Kohler, whom Miyamoto first talked to this week about retirement, stands by his piece and its accuracy. Some chalked the Legend of Zelda maker's words up to an error in translation, but Kohler told G4TV, "Miyamoto's comments as presented in our story are exactly what Miyamoto said, and presented with the full context of his remarks. We are absolutely standing by those statements as reported."
Miyamoto's talk with WSJ appears to be an attempt to clarify his words with Wired. Now, we're left with three different statements (two only slightly different, really) and a Nintendo stock price that's down a bit. So what we do know, with absolute certainty, is that the creator of Mario isn't just important to Nintendo, but all video games.
An Angry Birds 'social' game (and three others) is in the works for 2012
So, we're just going to assume that by "social", Rovio game designer Jaako Iisalo means "Facebook". During the Social Games and Virtual Goods World conference in London, England, the Angry Birds designer told Pocket Gamer that four new Angry Birds games will launch next year. More specifically, one of them will be a "social" game.
And, will you look at that, Angry Birds is already on Google+. Granted, there are versions of the iconic everywhere mobile game on Facebook, but none of which seem legitimate. (One even seems to stream the Google Chrome version of Angry Birds through to Facebook.) While this could just as easily mean an Angry Birds game on a mobile platform with heavier social features, the developer has said in the past that the franchise will hit Facebook.
Honestly, how Angry Birds is available on the Intel AppUp store and in retail stores across Europe before officially on Facebook is beyond us. At any rate, we can likely expect these other three Angry Birds games to tap into new genres, since Rovio has expressed interest in exploring new types of games for its irate avian creatures. And just when you started to grow bored of it.
Would you play Angry Birds on Facebook more than elsewhere? What other genres would you like to see the Angry Birds characters take a part in?
And, will you look at that, Angry Birds is already on Google+. Granted, there are versions of the iconic everywhere mobile game on Facebook, but none of which seem legitimate. (One even seems to stream the Google Chrome version of Angry Birds through to Facebook.) While this could just as easily mean an Angry Birds game on a mobile platform with heavier social features, the developer has said in the past that the franchise will hit Facebook.
Honestly, how Angry Birds is available on the Intel AppUp store and in retail stores across Europe before officially on Facebook is beyond us. At any rate, we can likely expect these other three Angry Birds games to tap into new genres, since Rovio has expressed interest in exploring new types of games for its irate avian creatures. And just when you started to grow bored of it.
Would you play Angry Birds on Facebook more than elsewhere? What other genres would you like to see the Angry Birds characters take a part in?
Chủ Nhật, 11 tháng 12, 2011
The Sims Social celebrates launch of Sims 3 Pets with free virtual poster
Dogs, horses and cats, oh my. Because life is better with pets, The Sims maker EA has launched an expansion pack today for players that allows pets to take center stage in the game. Helping promote this launch is a free virtual poster offered to fans of The Sims Social.
You can grab The Sims 3 Pets Poster by clicking here, after you become a fan of the game's official Facebook fan page.
Aside from looking cool, the poster takes up two tiles of wall space and adds 100 House Value points to your home. If you don't like it, it can be sold for 150 Simoleons. It also comes with one action, "Learn More", which sends you to the Sims 3 Pets website when you click on it.
Do you play any of The Sims games along with The Sims Social? Were you able to grab the free poster?
You can grab The Sims 3 Pets Poster by clicking here, after you become a fan of the game's official Facebook fan page.
Aside from looking cool, the poster takes up two tiles of wall space and adds 100 House Value points to your home. If you don't like it, it can be sold for 150 Simoleons. It also comes with one action, "Learn More", which sends you to the Sims 3 Pets website when you click on it.
Do you play any of The Sims games along with The Sims Social? Were you able to grab the free poster?
The Killer Pumpkin assaults Pocket God on Facebook this Halloween
Do not under any circumstances mistake this for The Great Pumpkin. A killer pumpkin beast has attacked everybody's favorite pygmies in Pocket God on Facebook. Quebec-based Frima Studio has released a Halloween update to its social rendition of Pocket God, complete with new quests and powers, which means new ways (and reasons) to send pygmies to their doom.
While the game is down for maintenance as of this writing, a new Global Challenge awaits the game's 190,000 monthly players. The Great Jack-o'-Pygmy wants pumpkins everywhere this Halloween, and has granted players with the power to summon a giant pumpkin that transforms pygmies into pumpkins. And when those gourds grow to gigantic proportions, they can even be used to crush more pygmies.
A healthy seven solo quests have been introduced in honor of the costume and candy-filled day. Alright, we know all you care about is how you're going to squish more pygmies. Does this top a unicorn that farts radioactive rainbows? Not by a long shot, but hey, it's the Halloween season, and pumpkins just work. Besides, to best the unicorn, Frima would have to make a unicorn that farts double rainbows--that's still hip, right?
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here >
Have you played Pocket God on Facebook before? What do you like about the game's social edition, and what would you do to change it?
While the game is down for maintenance as of this writing, a new Global Challenge awaits the game's 190,000 monthly players. The Great Jack-o'-Pygmy wants pumpkins everywhere this Halloween, and has granted players with the power to summon a giant pumpkin that transforms pygmies into pumpkins. And when those gourds grow to gigantic proportions, they can even be used to crush more pygmies.
A healthy seven solo quests have been introduced in honor of the costume and candy-filled day. Alright, we know all you care about is how you're going to squish more pygmies. Does this top a unicorn that farts radioactive rainbows? Not by a long shot, but hey, it's the Halloween season, and pumpkins just work. Besides, to best the unicorn, Frima would have to make a unicorn that farts double rainbows--that's still hip, right?
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here >
Have you played Pocket God on Facebook before? What do you like about the game's social edition, and what would you do to change it?
PopCap says 'Happy Halloween' with pumpkins, zombies and ... a rave?
At this point, Halloween just comes too easy for Seattle-based PopCap Games. The maker of hits like Bejeweled Blitz, Zuma Blitz and, in this case, Plants vs Zombies has provided us with one crazy video. A resident zombie temp worker at PopCap is on a quest to ring in Halloween the right way, perhaps to impress his living co-workers and score a full-time position.
So, he's not the best pumpkin carver, and shows his lack of skill quite well in a PopCap cafeteria. It's then that the clumsy cadaver comes up with an idea, which is rare for a zombie, no? The result is probably the most fly dance party PopCap has ever seen, complete with a very ... festive zombie. Of course, we don't want to give too much away now. (Well, no more than that image already does.)
This video comes just weeks after the studio showed us Crazy Dave's (also from Plants vs Zombies) rap game. At this point, we'll admit that we're pretty envious at how well the PopCap folks can get down. Now, could those folks get down and release Lucky Gem Casino already? And maybe after that some Plants vs Zombies on Facebook--alright, we're getting greedy.
Are your big plans for Halloween this year as awesome as a zombie dance party? Which of PopCap's games do you hope hits Facebook next?
So, he's not the best pumpkin carver, and shows his lack of skill quite well in a PopCap cafeteria. It's then that the clumsy cadaver comes up with an idea, which is rare for a zombie, no? The result is probably the most fly dance party PopCap has ever seen, complete with a very ... festive zombie. Of course, we don't want to give too much away now. (Well, no more than that image already does.)
This video comes just weeks after the studio showed us Crazy Dave's (also from Plants vs Zombies) rap game. At this point, we'll admit that we're pretty envious at how well the PopCap folks can get down. Now, could those folks get down and release Lucky Gem Casino already? And maybe after that some Plants vs Zombies on Facebook--alright, we're getting greedy.
Are your big plans for Halloween this year as awesome as a zombie dance party? Which of PopCap's games do you hope hits Facebook next?
Meteor Games makes Island Paradise an island terror for Halloween
For about 350 days of the year, Island Paradise is a game about kicking back and running the most chillax resort possible. But Meteor Games likes to put that idea on its head for about two weeks every year in time for Halloween. This year, however, the Beverly Hills, Calif.-based developer has more in store for hapless Island Paradise players than just a few items.
A spook-filled (for now) new mini game has launched in Island Paradise, Slots of Fun. From now through Nov. 3, players can jump in and try to win unique, Halloween-themed prizes, namely materials to make costumes for their avatars. In order to receive the most materials, you'll have to try and match three rows of slots featuring characters dressed in Halloween garb like a "Cat Burglar, Space Monkey, Swan Ballerina, Mad Koala Scientist and more," according to Meteor Games.
Slots of Fun
Of course, there will be a number of cutesy Halloween goodies to grab in the in-game shop like a Sleepy Hollow Tree, a Bone Fence and a Flamingo Skeleton to name a few. Meteor Games will also hold a special event on Oct. 26, National Howl at the Moon Night, offering the game's Crescent Island expansion and Brown Wolf animal at a discount. Now, we wonder if Turkish folk celebrate a similarly awesome holiday.
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here >
Are you planning on celebrating Halloween in Island Paradise? What are your big plans for the joyously terrifying fall holiday?
A spook-filled (for now) new mini game has launched in Island Paradise, Slots of Fun. From now through Nov. 3, players can jump in and try to win unique, Halloween-themed prizes, namely materials to make costumes for their avatars. In order to receive the most materials, you'll have to try and match three rows of slots featuring characters dressed in Halloween garb like a "Cat Burglar, Space Monkey, Swan Ballerina, Mad Koala Scientist and more," according to Meteor Games.
Slots of Fun
Of course, there will be a number of cutesy Halloween goodies to grab in the in-game shop like a Sleepy Hollow Tree, a Bone Fence and a Flamingo Skeleton to name a few. Meteor Games will also hold a special event on Oct. 26, National Howl at the Moon Night, offering the game's Crescent Island expansion and Brown Wolf animal at a discount. Now, we wonder if Turkish folk celebrate a similarly awesome holiday.
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here >
Are you planning on celebrating Halloween in Island Paradise? What are your big plans for the joyously terrifying fall holiday?
Triple Town, 'Civilization of match-3 games', goes Kindle to Facebook
Triple Town is a new puzzler on Facebook that had its start on the Amazon Kindle last October, where it flourished in popularity. It was created by Spry Fox, a game studio founded by Daniel Cook, the co-creator of Realm of the Mad God, and David J. Edery, a former Worldwide Portfolio Manager for Xbox Live Arcade. After a spiffy makeover, Triple Town made its debut on Facebook and Google+ Games earlier this month, with plans to go mobile. According to AppData, it's now attracted 190,000 monthly players on Facebook.
Hailed by one reviewer as "the Civilization of match-three games," Triple Town is a unique title with familiar aesthetics. Spry Fox originally chose the Kindle as the game's platform, which was explained as "an interesting emerging opportunity" by Edery. But as the game grew popular, Spry Fox wanted to spread the love around. Citing a lack of Bejeweled Blitz-type games on Facebook, Spry Fox decided to push for Triple Town's launch on the social network, as well as make it available in both English and Spanish.
Triple Town merge objects
A basic principle to understanding how to play Triple Town is the following idea: "Grass turns into bushes, bushes into trees, trees into huts, and so on." When you start a round, you're presented with a grid in a woodland theme. There are no time limits and no energy limit. Though you do run out of moves eventually, the creator made sure that you get so many moves that any average player would be able to earn enough virtual currency to buy more moves through play alone.
Triple Crown Double Combos
Like most match-3 games--Bejeweled Blitz and Diamond Dash, for instance--you'll receive random pieces one at a time, but you get to control where they go on your grid. But unlike those traditional games, matching stuff doesn't make it disappear. Instead, matching stuff creates other stuff that's worth a lot more, thereby, netting you more points. The goal of the game is to get as high a score as possible by continuing to merge objects and not running out of space to put things.
Triple Town bears church
The game also throws in some monkey wrenches in the form of Bears and Ninja Bears to make things more challenging. These are pieces that will move around the grid even after you've put them down. Despite having evil, beady and glowing red eyes, the bears are pretty adorable. They'll totter about, roar, and make grumbly ursine noises as you play. On the flip side, other pieces will be there to help you, like the Blue Crystal and Imperial Bot.
Triple Town gameplay
You can see how all these elements can make the game simple, yet surprisingly complex. Every time you move objects on the grid and a match occurs, you've altered the playing field. I thought I'd jump in for a few minutes for one round, but the better of a player you are, the longer you can last, and this game can easily suck up an hour.
Triple Town is truly unlike any game I've ever seen before, for Facebook or otherwise. The closest comparison I can think of is Scott Brodie's Hero Generations, which also involves manipulating an evolving grid-based landscape with a fantasy setting. But Brodie's game is more like an old-fashioned, 8-bit role-playing adventure game. Triple Town also isn't a social game at all, since the only element is a weekly leaderboard, though Spry Fox has plans to expand the game in the future, hinting that it's only a small aspect of a larger Triple Town universe.
Click here to play Triple Town on Facebook now >
Have you ever played any other game that reminded you of Triple Town?
Hailed by one reviewer as "the Civilization of match-three games," Triple Town is a unique title with familiar aesthetics. Spry Fox originally chose the Kindle as the game's platform, which was explained as "an interesting emerging opportunity" by Edery. But as the game grew popular, Spry Fox wanted to spread the love around. Citing a lack of Bejeweled Blitz-type games on Facebook, Spry Fox decided to push for Triple Town's launch on the social network, as well as make it available in both English and Spanish.
Triple Town merge objects
A basic principle to understanding how to play Triple Town is the following idea: "Grass turns into bushes, bushes into trees, trees into huts, and so on." When you start a round, you're presented with a grid in a woodland theme. There are no time limits and no energy limit. Though you do run out of moves eventually, the creator made sure that you get so many moves that any average player would be able to earn enough virtual currency to buy more moves through play alone.
Triple Crown Double Combos
Like most match-3 games--Bejeweled Blitz and Diamond Dash, for instance--you'll receive random pieces one at a time, but you get to control where they go on your grid. But unlike those traditional games, matching stuff doesn't make it disappear. Instead, matching stuff creates other stuff that's worth a lot more, thereby, netting you more points. The goal of the game is to get as high a score as possible by continuing to merge objects and not running out of space to put things.
Triple Town bears church
The game also throws in some monkey wrenches in the form of Bears and Ninja Bears to make things more challenging. These are pieces that will move around the grid even after you've put them down. Despite having evil, beady and glowing red eyes, the bears are pretty adorable. They'll totter about, roar, and make grumbly ursine noises as you play. On the flip side, other pieces will be there to help you, like the Blue Crystal and Imperial Bot.
Triple Town gameplay
You can see how all these elements can make the game simple, yet surprisingly complex. Every time you move objects on the grid and a match occurs, you've altered the playing field. I thought I'd jump in for a few minutes for one round, but the better of a player you are, the longer you can last, and this game can easily suck up an hour.
Triple Town is truly unlike any game I've ever seen before, for Facebook or otherwise. The closest comparison I can think of is Scott Brodie's Hero Generations, which also involves manipulating an evolving grid-based landscape with a fantasy setting. But Brodie's game is more like an old-fashioned, 8-bit role-playing adventure game. Triple Town also isn't a social game at all, since the only element is a weekly leaderboard, though Spry Fox has plans to expand the game in the future, hinting that it's only a small aspect of a larger Triple Town universe.
Click here to play Triple Town on Facebook now >
Have you ever played any other game that reminded you of Triple Town?
The Sims Social Haunted House Week items punish friends' pranks
We know, you're sick and tired of your arch nemesis in The Sims Social sabotaging everything you do. From peeing on your azaleas to hacking into your computer and breaking your appliances you've about had it. Luckily for you, EA and Playfish recently brought Haunted House Week to The Sims Social. Of course, that means a long list of new items are up for grabs.
From interesting, bovine-headed plants to spooky couches and infernal organs, you're just about covered for scaring the bejeezus out of your friends' avatars. Let's not delay this any further. Here are all the decorations (that matter) from the Haunted House Week in The Sims Social:
Trans-Van Furnace
Costs: 45 SimCash
House Value: 6,650
Trans-Van Turn
Costs: 2,000 Social Points
House Value: 5,350
Boosts Sleep
Haunted Organ
Requires 15 Music Skill
House Value: 5,200
Boosts Fun
Trans-Van Candle
Costs: 3 SimCash
House Value: 450
Toasting Drinks
Costs: 50 Social Points
House Value: 100
Boosts Funs and Social
Candelabra of Calamity
Costs: 4 SimCash
House Value: 600
Boosts Fun and Social
Trans-Van Buttress
Costs: 350 Simoleons
House Value: 250
Sullen Ancestral Skull
Costs: 350 Simoleons
House Value: 250
Boosts Fun and Social
Light in Despair
Costs: 12 SimCash
House Value: 1,750
TrueReflection Afterlife
Costs: 200 Social Points
House Value: 400
Infernal Organ L. Simnivorii Light in Despair
Undying Classics Side
Costs: 400 Simoleons
House Value: 250
Vlad's Dog
Costs: 14 SimCash
House Value: 2,050
Trans-Van Mort
Costs: 500 Simoleons
House Value: 350
Trans-Van Compact
Costs: 600 Simoleons
House Value: 450
Trans-Van Throne
Costs: 600 Simoleons
House Value: 450
Trans-Van Boss
Costs: 24 SimCash
House Value: 3,550
Gargle Goyle
Costs: 29 SimCash
House Value: 4,300
Boosts Fun and Social
UndyingClassics Desk
Costs: 1,000 Simoleons
House Value: 950
Furnace Trans-Van Pew TrueReflection Mirror
L. Simnovorii
Costs: 500 Social Points
House Value: 1,150
Boosts Fun and Social
UndyingClassics Chest
Costs: 600 Social Points
House Value: 1,450
Trans-Van Dining Table
Costs: 39 SimCash
House Value: 5,750
Trans-Van Pallid
Costs: 700 Social Points
House Value: 1,750
Boosts Sleep
Cuckcoo Clock
Requires Quest Unlock
House Value: 1,900
Boosts Fun and Social
Trans-Van Pew
Costs: 800 Social Points
House Value: 2,050
Boosts Sleep
UndyingClassics Shelf
Costs: 1,000 Social Points
House Value: 2,750
Boosts Fun
Trans-Van Bloodcold and/or Spinechill
Cost: 2,500 Simoleons
House Value: 2,000
Boost Happiness and Food
EA and Playfish threw in a number of new floor tiles, wallpapers and windows for players to use to fill out that haunted house feel. While a good amount of the cooler items in this collect go for SimCash, as one would expect, there are quite a few decorations like the L. Simnovorii and the Trans-Van fridges that at least go for Social Points. Don't worry, you'll get some good scares for your friends on the cheap this Halloween. Well, at least in Littlehaven--have you been to a costume shop?
Have you picked up any of the new Haunted House items in The Sims Social this week? How do you normally celebrate Halloween outside Facebook?
From interesting, bovine-headed plants to spooky couches and infernal organs, you're just about covered for scaring the bejeezus out of your friends' avatars. Let's not delay this any further. Here are all the decorations (that matter) from the Haunted House Week in The Sims Social:
Trans-Van Furnace
Costs: 45 SimCash
House Value: 6,650
Trans-Van Turn
Costs: 2,000 Social Points
House Value: 5,350
Boosts Sleep
Haunted Organ
Requires 15 Music Skill
House Value: 5,200
Boosts Fun
Trans-Van Candle
Costs: 3 SimCash
House Value: 450
Toasting Drinks
Costs: 50 Social Points
House Value: 100
Boosts Funs and Social
Candelabra of Calamity
Costs: 4 SimCash
House Value: 600
Boosts Fun and Social
Trans-Van Buttress
Costs: 350 Simoleons
House Value: 250
Sullen Ancestral Skull
Costs: 350 Simoleons
House Value: 250
Boosts Fun and Social
Light in Despair
Costs: 12 SimCash
House Value: 1,750
TrueReflection Afterlife
Costs: 200 Social Points
House Value: 400
Infernal Organ L. Simnivorii Light in Despair
Undying Classics Side
Costs: 400 Simoleons
House Value: 250
Vlad's Dog
Costs: 14 SimCash
House Value: 2,050
Trans-Van Mort
Costs: 500 Simoleons
House Value: 350
Trans-Van Compact
Costs: 600 Simoleons
House Value: 450
Trans-Van Throne
Costs: 600 Simoleons
House Value: 450
Trans-Van Boss
Costs: 24 SimCash
House Value: 3,550
Gargle Goyle
Costs: 29 SimCash
House Value: 4,300
Boosts Fun and Social
UndyingClassics Desk
Costs: 1,000 Simoleons
House Value: 950
Furnace Trans-Van Pew TrueReflection Mirror
L. Simnovorii
Costs: 500 Social Points
House Value: 1,150
Boosts Fun and Social
UndyingClassics Chest
Costs: 600 Social Points
House Value: 1,450
Trans-Van Dining Table
Costs: 39 SimCash
House Value: 5,750
Trans-Van Pallid
Costs: 700 Social Points
House Value: 1,750
Boosts Sleep
Cuckcoo Clock
Requires Quest Unlock
House Value: 1,900
Boosts Fun and Social
Trans-Van Pew
Costs: 800 Social Points
House Value: 2,050
Boosts Sleep
UndyingClassics Shelf
Costs: 1,000 Social Points
House Value: 2,750
Boosts Fun
Trans-Van Bloodcold and/or Spinechill
Cost: 2,500 Simoleons
House Value: 2,000
Boost Happiness and Food
EA and Playfish threw in a number of new floor tiles, wallpapers and windows for players to use to fill out that haunted house feel. While a good amount of the cooler items in this collect go for SimCash, as one would expect, there are quite a few decorations like the L. Simnovorii and the Trans-Van fridges that at least go for Social Points. Don't worry, you'll get some good scares for your friends on the cheap this Halloween. Well, at least in Littlehaven--have you been to a costume shop?
Have you picked up any of the new Haunted House items in The Sims Social this week? How do you normally celebrate Halloween outside Facebook?
Thứ Sáu, 9 tháng 12, 2011
Cafe World Kid's Night Goals: Everything you need to know
While you still have four days to finish the Fall Feast feature in Cafe World, if you've already moved past all that, you can now move onto a goal series that's perfect for the kiddies. Kid's Night is an eight part goal series that contains the same basic principles of all goal sets: you'll need to cook a lot of dishes (in this case some random dishes) and ask your friends to send you a lot of items, but in this case, they're all themed towards children. Here's a guide to completing these eight goals.
As a reminder, this goal series contains some random dishes, so there's unfortunately no way to predict which dishes each and every user will have to cook. Just keep in mind that if you finish all eight goals, your overall cooking time should be incredibly similar to that of other players.
Kid's Night
Ask for 6 Kid's Menus
Serve Macaroni and Cheese 35 Times
Serve 40 Dishes
Remember, any of these "ask for" tasks have you asking your friends to send you items, while the dishes tasks simply require you to cook those dishes before moving on. You can spice them if you'd like to reduce or even eliminate their cooking times entirely, or you can wait for your dishes to cook the old-fashion way. There doesn't look to be a time limit for when you'll need to complete these goals, so feel free to not rush.
Smash Hit
Ask for 10 Balloons
Ask for 6 Crayon Boxes
Serve 40 Dishes
Your reward for this goal is a new recipe: Hotdog Mac and Cheese. That sounds like something a kid would eat, right? Heck, I think I'd eat it too!
Oldie But Goodie
Ask for 6 Cheese Wheels
Master Hotdog Mac and Cheese through Level 1
Serve 50 Dishes
Dino-Mite
Ask for 6 Dinosaur Shaped Cutters
Serve 45 Dishes
Ask for 10 Chicken Breasts
If the ingredients didn't give it away, you'll receive a fun new recipe for completing this one: the Dino Chicken Nuggets.
Ant Invasion
Ask for 10 Stalks of Celery
Master Dino Chicken Nuggets through Level 1
Master Hotdog Mac and Cheese through Level 2
Your reward for this goal is a healthy snack for the kids: Ants on a Log (don't worry - it's just raisins and peanut butter on top of celery).
Almost Showtime
Ask for 7 Coloring Books
Master Ants on a Log through Level 1
Ask for 12 Kid Plates
Kids Eat Free
Master Dino Chicken Nuggets through Level 2
Ask for 12 Streamers
Master Ants on a Log to Level 2
The Kid's Win!
Ask for 6 Boxes of Macaroni
Ask for 13 Chocolate Bars
Earn 500,000 coins
By this point, you've reached the end of the Kid's Night goal series, and will receive one more recipe for your trouble: Chocolate Pudding. If you're wondering what Macaroni has to do with pudding, we're told in the story that after dessert, the kids will take part in making some macaroni art. How fun!
Again, there doesn't appear to be a time limit on these goals, so feel free to work on other things (perhaps a catering order that you're being timed on).
As a reminder, this goal series contains some random dishes, so there's unfortunately no way to predict which dishes each and every user will have to cook. Just keep in mind that if you finish all eight goals, your overall cooking time should be incredibly similar to that of other players.
Kid's Night
Ask for 6 Kid's Menus
Serve Macaroni and Cheese 35 Times
Serve 40 Dishes
Remember, any of these "ask for" tasks have you asking your friends to send you items, while the dishes tasks simply require you to cook those dishes before moving on. You can spice them if you'd like to reduce or even eliminate their cooking times entirely, or you can wait for your dishes to cook the old-fashion way. There doesn't look to be a time limit for when you'll need to complete these goals, so feel free to not rush.
Smash Hit
Ask for 10 Balloons
Ask for 6 Crayon Boxes
Serve 40 Dishes
Your reward for this goal is a new recipe: Hotdog Mac and Cheese. That sounds like something a kid would eat, right? Heck, I think I'd eat it too!
Oldie But Goodie
Ask for 6 Cheese Wheels
Master Hotdog Mac and Cheese through Level 1
Serve 50 Dishes
Dino-Mite
Ask for 6 Dinosaur Shaped Cutters
Serve 45 Dishes
Ask for 10 Chicken Breasts
If the ingredients didn't give it away, you'll receive a fun new recipe for completing this one: the Dino Chicken Nuggets.
Ant Invasion
Ask for 10 Stalks of Celery
Master Dino Chicken Nuggets through Level 1
Master Hotdog Mac and Cheese through Level 2
Your reward for this goal is a healthy snack for the kids: Ants on a Log (don't worry - it's just raisins and peanut butter on top of celery).
Almost Showtime
Ask for 7 Coloring Books
Master Ants on a Log through Level 1
Ask for 12 Kid Plates
Kids Eat Free
Master Dino Chicken Nuggets through Level 2
Ask for 12 Streamers
Master Ants on a Log to Level 2
The Kid's Win!
Ask for 6 Boxes of Macaroni
Ask for 13 Chocolate Bars
Earn 500,000 coins
By this point, you've reached the end of the Kid's Night goal series, and will receive one more recipe for your trouble: Chocolate Pudding. If you're wondering what Macaroni has to do with pudding, we're told in the story that after dessert, the kids will take part in making some macaroni art. How fun!
Again, there doesn't appear to be a time limit on these goals, so feel free to work on other things (perhaps a catering order that you're being timed on).
CityVille Wind Farm Goals: Everything you need to know
Along with the Wind Farm feature in CityVille, that will allow you to raise your maximum energy cap by five points, there are also four goals to complete, offering your exclusive rewards that deal with the environment or the outdoors in general. These goals aren't timed, although I wouldn't expect them to stick around in the game forever. Your best bet will be to complete them as soon as possible, and then move onto other things. Here's how to do just that.
Winds of Change
Ask for 6 Picnic Baskets
Collect from City Supermarket 5 Times
Collect from Ranger Station 1 Time
If you don't have a City Supermarket, you can purchase one for 5,750 coins from the market. It requires 130 Goods to operate. The Ranger Station can also be purchased from the store (10,000 coins), but it's a Community Building, so it obviously requires no Goods. Finishing this goal gives you the "Rita's Picnic Basket" decorative item, which gives a 15% bonus to surrounding homes and businesses.
Windy City
Collect from 40 Residences
Ask for 12 Signed Petitions
Collect from City Hall 2 Times
The Signed Petitions are earned through a general news post on your wall. The residences, meanwhile, can be any in the game, so feel free to collect from some that take just a few minutes to recharge to speed up the process. For finishing this goal, you'll receive 125 XP and 15 energy.
Caution to the Wind
Harvest 15 Wheat
Ask for 15 Binoculars
Collect from any Zoo Habitat 5 Times
The Binoculars are earned through another general wall post on your news feed, and while you're waiting for your friends to respond, you can grow the wheat, which takes a full 2.1 days to grow. For finishing this goal, you'll receive the Bird Sanctuary, a decoration that offers a whopping 48% payout bonus.
Second Wind
Unlock the Wind Farm
Complete the Wind Farm
Increase your Energy Cap by 3 Points
Up until this point, you could have completed the three previous goals without ever working on your Wind Farm proper. However, for this one, you'll need to have not only expanded your city out to reach the Wind Farms but also collected the building materials necessary to finish the project. It's a time consuming process, to be sure, but at least you'll have the promise of bonus energy to keep you going. Once you finish your Wind Farm, you'll need to supply it three times to raise your energy cap by three points, without letting 24 hours of inactivity pass in between any of those points. For finishing this final Wind Farm goal, you'll receive 250 XP and 2,600 Goods.
With the release of the Wind Farm, combined with the maximum boost from the Dam, you can now raise your total maximum energy by 12 points. However, it will take a lot of dedication to keep that bonus intact. Is it worth it? You tell us!
[Via CityVille Wiki]
Well, what do you think? Do you use your Dam in CityVille, or have you even finished building it? Will you expand your city specifically to reach the Wind Farm
Winds of Change
Ask for 6 Picnic Baskets
Collect from City Supermarket 5 Times
Collect from Ranger Station 1 Time
If you don't have a City Supermarket, you can purchase one for 5,750 coins from the market. It requires 130 Goods to operate. The Ranger Station can also be purchased from the store (10,000 coins), but it's a Community Building, so it obviously requires no Goods. Finishing this goal gives you the "Rita's Picnic Basket" decorative item, which gives a 15% bonus to surrounding homes and businesses.
Windy City
Collect from 40 Residences
Ask for 12 Signed Petitions
Collect from City Hall 2 Times
The Signed Petitions are earned through a general news post on your wall. The residences, meanwhile, can be any in the game, so feel free to collect from some that take just a few minutes to recharge to speed up the process. For finishing this goal, you'll receive 125 XP and 15 energy.
Caution to the Wind
Harvest 15 Wheat
Ask for 15 Binoculars
Collect from any Zoo Habitat 5 Times
The Binoculars are earned through another general wall post on your news feed, and while you're waiting for your friends to respond, you can grow the wheat, which takes a full 2.1 days to grow. For finishing this goal, you'll receive the Bird Sanctuary, a decoration that offers a whopping 48% payout bonus.
Second Wind
Unlock the Wind Farm
Complete the Wind Farm
Increase your Energy Cap by 3 Points
Up until this point, you could have completed the three previous goals without ever working on your Wind Farm proper. However, for this one, you'll need to have not only expanded your city out to reach the Wind Farms but also collected the building materials necessary to finish the project. It's a time consuming process, to be sure, but at least you'll have the promise of bonus energy to keep you going. Once you finish your Wind Farm, you'll need to supply it three times to raise your energy cap by three points, without letting 24 hours of inactivity pass in between any of those points. For finishing this final Wind Farm goal, you'll receive 250 XP and 2,600 Goods.
With the release of the Wind Farm, combined with the maximum boost from the Dam, you can now raise your total maximum energy by 12 points. However, it will take a lot of dedication to keep that bonus intact. Is it worth it? You tell us!
[Via CityVille Wiki]
Well, what do you think? Do you use your Dam in CityVille, or have you even finished building it? Will you expand your city specifically to reach the Wind Farm
CityVille Bake Off Goals: Everything you need to know
After releasing the "Meet the Parents" goals in CityVille, we've now seen a second goal series released in the game that doesn't deal with a new feature, but is rather self-contained, dealing only with previously released features. This new goal series surrounds a "Bake Off," and sees Andre asking for your help with a holiday bake-off to raise money for charity. This is a four-part goal series, so here's a goal to finishing all four parts!
Baking a Difference
Ask friends for 12 Cookie Recipes
Send 25 Tour Buses to Bakeries
Check into 10 Hotels
Cookie Recipes are earned by asking your friends to send them to you via a general news item on your wall. Meanwhile, you'll need to head into your friends' towns and click on their Hotels to check-in, so start with your most active friends, as they'll likely have Hotels completely built and ready for you to check-in, virtually of course. Finishing this goal gives you five energy and 20,000 coins as a reward.
A Baker's Dozen
Ask friends for 12 Cookie Cutters
Collect from Food Markets 40 Times
Harvest 50 Pumpkins
Food Markets are businesses that include the City Supermarket, Produce Paradise or the Corner Store. It doesn't matter which one you collect from more, so feel free to collect from all four just as soon as they're ready until you eventually reach the total of 40. Finishing this goal gives you a simple reward: 200 XP.
Shake & Bake
Ask friends for 12 Bags of Flour
Collect from Brownstones 20 Times
Collect from Neighbor Residences 50 Times
The Bags of Flour are another item you'll need to ask your friends to send you. In the meantime, you can wait for your Terraced Brownstones to become ready to collect rent, which happens once every eight hours. Finishing this goal gives you the Cook Ware store, which can otherwise be earned when collecting from your Mall (so long as that Mall has a second floor with four businesses).
Bake Sale!
Have Cooking School
Collect from 40 Residences
Visit 20 Neighbors
The Cooking School is a community building that costs 19,500 coins to build. It requires three each of Marble, City Seals, Building Grants, Gold Plating and Ribbons to construct, if you don't already have one in your town. While you're waiting for your friends to send you those building materials, you can visit their towns or collect from your own homes (feel free to collect from those that recharge quickly to finish this task just as fast). For finishing this final goal in the Bake Sale series, you'll receive a Level 3 Bakery.
There doesn't appear to be a time limit for finishing these goals, so feel free to work on other things and come back to them later. They'll be there when you're ready.
Baking a Difference
Ask friends for 12 Cookie Recipes
Send 25 Tour Buses to Bakeries
Check into 10 Hotels
Cookie Recipes are earned by asking your friends to send them to you via a general news item on your wall. Meanwhile, you'll need to head into your friends' towns and click on their Hotels to check-in, so start with your most active friends, as they'll likely have Hotels completely built and ready for you to check-in, virtually of course. Finishing this goal gives you five energy and 20,000 coins as a reward.
A Baker's Dozen
Ask friends for 12 Cookie Cutters
Collect from Food Markets 40 Times
Harvest 50 Pumpkins
Food Markets are businesses that include the City Supermarket, Produce Paradise or the Corner Store. It doesn't matter which one you collect from more, so feel free to collect from all four just as soon as they're ready until you eventually reach the total of 40. Finishing this goal gives you a simple reward: 200 XP.
Shake & Bake
Ask friends for 12 Bags of Flour
Collect from Brownstones 20 Times
Collect from Neighbor Residences 50 Times
The Bags of Flour are another item you'll need to ask your friends to send you. In the meantime, you can wait for your Terraced Brownstones to become ready to collect rent, which happens once every eight hours. Finishing this goal gives you the Cook Ware store, which can otherwise be earned when collecting from your Mall (so long as that Mall has a second floor with four businesses).
Bake Sale!
Have Cooking School
Collect from 40 Residences
Visit 20 Neighbors
The Cooking School is a community building that costs 19,500 coins to build. It requires three each of Marble, City Seals, Building Grants, Gold Plating and Ribbons to construct, if you don't already have one in your town. While you're waiting for your friends to send you those building materials, you can visit their towns or collect from your own homes (feel free to collect from those that recharge quickly to finish this task just as fast). For finishing this final goal in the Bake Sale series, you'll receive a Level 3 Bakery.
There doesn't appear to be a time limit for finishing these goals, so feel free to work on other things and come back to them later. They'll be there when you're ready.
CityVille: Login now for free Birthday Cake!
What's better than a giant birthday cake? How about one that offers a boost to your city's payouts in CityVille? In honor of the game's first birthday, you can now login to your town to receive a free Birthday Cake, which will be placed directly in your inventory. This bright cake is fairly large, but offers a 5% boost in payouts of surrounding businesses and homes.
If a bright pink and yellow cake isn't your thing, and you want something a bit more substantial (or just want to give your town some "bling"), you can also head into the game's store to purchase either the Silver Birthday Cake or the Golden Birthday Cake. Both cost City Cash, with the Silver option costing 25 City Cash and the Golden cake costing 50 City Cash. There's a reason for the difference in prices, however, as the Silver Birthday Cake offers just a 25% payout bonus, while the Golden cake offers a whopping 100% boost to surrounding businesses and homes. That means if you place it next to a building that normally pays 500 coins (by default), then you'll suddenly receive 1,000 coins instead! If you place this next to a high-earning business, and keep that business stocked with Goods, you could increase substantially increase your daily profits, which is never a bad thing. Of course, its initial purchase price might sting a bit...
Either way, you'll want to make sure and check out these cakes within the next six days, before they leave the store. As for the free option? It's likely that it has the same time limit, so if you've yet to visit your town, do so in a hurry. Even if you don't receive an in-game pop-up telling you you've received the free option, make sure to check your inventory to see if it's there. Now won't you join me in wishing a very happy first birthday to CityVille?
Have you claimed your free Birthday Cake in CityVille? Will you purchase either of the premium cakes, or is this free version enough to last you until the game's next birthday
If a bright pink and yellow cake isn't your thing, and you want something a bit more substantial (or just want to give your town some "bling"), you can also head into the game's store to purchase either the Silver Birthday Cake or the Golden Birthday Cake. Both cost City Cash, with the Silver option costing 25 City Cash and the Golden cake costing 50 City Cash. There's a reason for the difference in prices, however, as the Silver Birthday Cake offers just a 25% payout bonus, while the Golden cake offers a whopping 100% boost to surrounding businesses and homes. That means if you place it next to a building that normally pays 500 coins (by default), then you'll suddenly receive 1,000 coins instead! If you place this next to a high-earning business, and keep that business stocked with Goods, you could increase substantially increase your daily profits, which is never a bad thing. Of course, its initial purchase price might sting a bit...
Either way, you'll want to make sure and check out these cakes within the next six days, before they leave the store. As for the free option? It's likely that it has the same time limit, so if you've yet to visit your town, do so in a hurry. Even if you don't receive an in-game pop-up telling you you've received the free option, make sure to check your inventory to see if it's there. Now won't you join me in wishing a very happy first birthday to CityVille?
Have you claimed your free Birthday Cake in CityVille? Will you purchase either of the premium cakes, or is this free version enough to last you until the game's next birthday
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