Thanksgiving Guide: FarmVille, FrontierVille, Mafia Wars & more

thanksgiving facebook
Thanksgiving is next in the 2010 holiday line up, and we couldn't be more excited for the big turkey day. Halloween just came to a spectacular conclusion with over 160 festive game updates spanning across a ton of different Facebook games. But there's no time to catch your breath, we have to start preparing for Thanksgiving day and a brand new batch of holiday game content.

We expect Thanksgiving updates from FarmVille, FrontierVille, Restaurant City, Mafia Wars, Pet Society, Cafe World, and all the other big games. But Halloween set the bar high; will Thanksgiving deliver the same caliber of Facebook game updates? I think we can count on our favorite Facebook games to give us something to be thankful for.

So put the turkey in the oven, call the relatives, and dive into all the Thanksgiving 2010 Facebook game updates below. Check back in here for all the latest Thanksgiving updates and items.

Note: The newest posts are at the bottom of each game list. Posts in BOLD are the biggest Thanksgiving updates.


farmville thanksgiving
FarmVille Thanksgiving

    FarmVille's Wild Turkey giftable for limited time, get the rotisserie ready
    FarmVille Thanksgiving is already on the way
    Official FarmVille Podcast (11/05): Turkey Roost, Thanksgiving Basket details
    FarmVille Sneak Peek: Thanksgiving food items, plus Fruit Cake
    FarmVille Turkey Roost: Everything you need to know
    FarmVille: Fill up your Feed Trough for a free White Turkey
    FarmVille New Decorations: Fair Market, UFO Ride, Harvest Table, Pony Ride, & Fair Fence
    FarmVille: New Thanksgiving costumes to play dressup with
    FarmVille Sneak Peek: Jack-o-Squirrel & Thanksgiving Topiary
    FarmVille Sneak Peek: Thanksgiving Gnomes
    FarmVille Sneak Peek: Animal (Thanksgiving?) Floats
    FarmVille Sneak Peek: Skunk & Chicken Turkey
    FarmVille: New Pilgrim, Turkey, and Wizard costumes
    New FarmVille Animals: Harvest Horse & Silver Turkey
    New FarmVille Limited Edition Crop: White Pumpkin
    FarmVille Fruitcake: What is it for?
    FarmVille Sneak Peek: Harvest Store, Autumn Fountain, Cornucopia Home, Squash House & More
    FarmVille Thanksgiving Basket: Everything you need to know
    FarmVille Sneak Peek: Autumn Cow and Autumn Calf
    FarmVille Thanksgiving Basket's ultimate prize is the Turkey Costume
    FarmVille Thanksgiving Animal & Buildings: Chicken Turkey, Cornucopia Home, & Pilgrim Cabin
    FarmVille Thanksgiving Decorations: Squirrel Pumpkin, Duck Balloon, & More
    FarmVille Thanksgiving Items: Squash Home, Pilgrim Carriage, Turkey Balloon, & More
    FarmVille: iPhone exclusive Thanksgiving Cart
    FarmVille Thanksgiving crafting recipes available for a limited time



mafia wars thanksgiving
Mafia Wars Thanksgiving

    Mafia Wars Stuff the Bird Secret Mission puts the 'give' in Thanksgiving
    Mafia Wars Thanksgiving Weapons Depot items incoming Thursday



petville thanksgiving
PetVille Thanksgiving

    PetVille Fall Collection hits the stores with autumn colors
    PetVille Fall Collection now offering more items!
    Have a Thankgiving dinner for your pet in PetVille
    PetVille: New collect 'em all turkeys for Thanksgiving



FrontierVille Thanksgiving

    FrontierVille Thanksgiving celebration coming soon
    FrontierVille Thanksgiving Missions: Everything you need to know
    FrontierVille Thanksgiving Collection: Collect items to earn a Turkey Fryer
    FrontierVille Squash Collection: Plant this new crop to earn rewards
    FrontierVille Turkey Collection: Accelerate your crop growth with this new collection
    FrontierVille: Go all out with new Fall and Thanksgiving decorations
    FrontierVille Thanksgiving Feast Missions: Everything you need to know
    FrontierVille Thanksgiving Contest: Bake goodies for massive rewards
    FrontierVille: Serve your neighbors a feast for free Thanksgiving dishes



ravenwood fair thanksgiving
Ravenwood Fair Thanksgiving

    Ravenwood Fair Thanksgiving items are a cornucopia of fun



treasure isle thanksgiving
Treasure Isle Thanksgiving

    Celebrate Thanksgiving in Treasure Isle with fall decorations
    Treasure Isle: New limited time fall themed animals
    Treasure Isle Thanksgiving Campaign: Everything you need to know
    Treasure Isle Thanksgiving Holiday Sweepstakes: Win a trip to Hawaii



cafe world thanksgiving
Cafe World Thanksgiving

    Cafe World Turkey Deep Fryer: Everything you need to know
    Cafe World Cheats & Tips: Turkey Deep Fryer gifting links
    Cafe World Thanksgiving Extravaganza Catering Order: Everything you need to know
    Cafe World Thanksgiving decorations have arrived
    Cafe World Thanksgiving Mystery Crate holds animated items inside
    Send Thanksgiving Flowers, earn 100 free Cafe World Cafe Cash



happy aquarium thanksgiving
Happy Aquarium Thanksgiving

    Happy Aquarium dives underwater and emerges with fall items
    Happy Aquarium's Black Friday Sale joins the post-Thanksgiving insanity



yoville thanksgiving
YoVille Thanksgiving

    YoVille Sneak Peek: New costumes for Thanksgiving coming soon
    YoVille Thanksgiving costumes will make your avatar say "Gobble, Gobble"
    YoVille Thanksgiving furniture and decorations now available
    YoVille Thanksgiving theme expands with 41 new decorative items
    YoVille offers a FarmVille experience for Thanksgiving



pet society thanksgiving
Pet Society Thanksgiving

    Pet Society Stadium Turkey Challenge puts your pet to the turkeys' test



baking life thanksgiving
Baking Life Thanksgiving

    Baking Life: New autumn items available now



fishville thanksgiving
FishVille Thanksgiving

    FishVille releases underwater Turkey Day items
    FishVille releases round two of Thanksgiving decorations



zoo world thanksgiving
Zoo World Thanksgiving

    Zoo World Thanksgiving Parade: Everything you need to know
    Zoo World releases festive Thanksgiving decor for the animals
    Zoo World: Transform your zoo into Thanksgiving Island
    Zoo World Cornucopia: Everything you need to know



market street thanksgiving
Market Street Thanksgiving

    Market Street: Decorate your store for the Thanksgiving holiday



ESPNU College Town Thanksgiving

    ESPNU College Town Thanksgiving items bring the comforts of home
    ESPNU College Town: Giant Thanksgiving turkey terrorizes campus


Other Games Thanksgiving

    Cafe Life: Adopt Gobbles the Turkey in time for Thanksgiving
    Social City's Thanksgiving 5 Days of Gifting reflects on first Turkey Day
    Cafe Life releases new decor in time for Thanksgiving
    It Girl celebrates Thanksgiving with new Fall Leaves Couture line
    My Vineyard Thanksgiving Day Table celebrates the sophisticated way
    City of Wonder: Gifts of Wonder visits Jamestown, birthplace of the colonies
    Restaurant City: Master the 'Turducken' dish for a free 'Santa Marzipan'
    Mall World launches Thanksgiving Harvest store

Father's Day iOS Game Sale: Scratch dad's gaming itch on the go

Madden NFL 11 iOS
Alright, just admit it: Father's Day is less than two days away, and you still didn't get him something. (I got mine a grill ... shh!) Don't worry, we've got you covered--well, EA, Gameloft and Firemint do at least. We're just the messengers. All three iOS game creators have started Father's Day sales for tons of great games to give your pop on the cheap. With game's like Madden NFL 11, Real Racing and Real Soccer 2011 for just $.99, your dad is gonna' love these mobile gaming gifts. Here are the games you can find on sale in the Apple App Store (each link will direct you to the game's App Store page):

EA (Electronic Arts):

    Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – $.99
    Command & Conquer: Red Alert – $.99
    Command & Conquer: Red Alert HD – $1.99
    Dead Space – $2.99
    Dead Space HD – $4.99
    Dragon's Lair 2: Time Warp – $.99
    FIFA 11 – $.99
    FIFA 11 HD – $4.99
    Fight Night Champion – $.99
    Madden NFL 11 – $.99
    Madden NFL 11 HD – $.99
    Monopoly – $.99
    NBA Jam – $.99
    NBA Jam HD – $4.99
    Need For Speed Hot Pursuit – $.99
    Need For Speed Hot Pursuit HD – $4.99
    Need For Speed Undercover – $.99
    Need For Speed Shift -$.99
    Need For Speed Shift HD – $4.99
    Reckless Racing – $.99
    Reckless Racing HD – $.99
    RISK – $.99
    RISK HD – $1.99
    Sim City Deluxe – $.99
    Sim City Deluxe HD – $.99
    Tetris – $.99
    Tetris HD – $1.99
    Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 HD – $2.99


Real Soccer 2011
Gameloft:

    Eternal Legacy – $.99
    Eternal Legacy HD – $.99
    Fast Five: The Movie: Official Game – $.99
    Fast Five: The Movie: Official Game: HD – $.99
    Fishing Kings – $.99
    Gangstar: Miami Vindication – $.99
    Gangstar: Miami Vindication HD – $.99
    NFL 2011 – $.99
    NFL 2011 HD – $.99
    Order & Chaos Online – $.99
    Real Soccer 2011 – $.99
    Real Soccer 2011 HD – $.99
    Spider-Man: Total Mayhem – $.99
    Spider-Man – Total Mayhem HD – $.99

Real Racing 2
Firemint:

    Real Racing -- $.99
    Real Racing HD -- $1.99
    Real Racing 2 -- $4.99
    Real Racing 2 HD -- $6.99


It's safe to assume that each of those games with the letters "HD" at the foot of its title are for iPad only. And while EA and Firemint hit it on the nose with games a dad would go gaga for, we're a bit confused by some of Gameloft's choices. Unless your dad is a major nerd (like us), we doubt he'll dig Order & Chaos Online. Though, at least this company is the only one to offer a soccer game, so kudos to them for that. And even if you're no baby's daddy, you're free to treat yourself--just don't forget to get a little something for who truly deserves it: old poppa dukes.

New Playfish GM Aaron Loeb: '[Social games are] just not going away'

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?

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?

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?

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?