Hold onto your hats folks - a whole slew of new decorative items have been added to FarmVille's limited edition English Countryside theme this evening, and we've got a look at all of them right here for your browsing pleasure. There is one thing to note though - unless you're particularly interested in building a recreation of Stonehenge on your farm, these items might not interest you as much as others. Either way, there are nine (yes nine) new decorations to take a look at. We'll start with the non Stonehenge-related items.
These three are the Spring Pond, the Green Hill, and the Narcissus Hood. The Spring Pond and Green Hill cost Farm Cash, at 20 and 2 Farm Cash each, respectively. The Narcissus Hood, meanwhile, costs just 5,000 coins. It should be noted that Zynga seems to have once again forgotten that they have already named an item the same in the past, as the Spring Pond was an item originally released as a prize in 2010's Pot of Gold event. Note that this new English Countryside item is different (the original Spring Pond had ducks swimming in it, while this new version has a duck statue in the center), so don't feel like you're purchasing something that you could've gotten for free, as that simply isn't the case.
Meet us behind the break for a comparison between the two items, and a look at the other decorations that are now available.
That slight goof out of the way, let's take a look at the six new rock pieces that are now available. All six of these items are simply called "Stone Piece I-VI," but you can purchase as many or as few as you'd like. Stone Pieces I-III cost 8,000 coins each, while Stone Pieces IV-VI cost 10,000 coins each. Again, you don't have to work on something as elaborate as Stonehenge if you purchase these decorations - you can purchase just a few to make a nice divider in a garden, or purchase the archway piece to form a nice entrance off of a path. The possibilities are nearly endless - you're only limited by your budget and your imagination!
All of these decorative items, including the Spring Pond, Green Hill, and Narcissus Hood will be available in the store for the next two weeks. Plan ahead if you know you'll eventually want to build something with the Stone Pieces, as you wouldn't want to have a stroke of brilliance months from now only to not have them on hand. Actually, I don't know how likely the rest of you would be to do that, but I totally would, so I'm off to buy some right now!
[Old Spring Pond Image Credit: FarmVille Fanatic]
Have you already planned out what you'll build with these Stone Pieces, or are the regular decorations more your style?
Thứ Sáu, 30 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille Mystery Game (04/10/11): Yellow and Green decorations up for grabs
This week's FarmVille Mystery Game takes on a new theme, leaving the English Countryside theme (mostly) behind. This week's theme is simply "yellow and green," with six new items available to win. A single dart in this week's game has gone back down to the regular price point of 16 Farm Cash.
For that price, here's what you have a chance of winning:
Amazon Parrot (decorative animal)
Cob Cottage
Leapfrog Well
Lily Pad Bridge
Lounge Swing
Tulip Fountain
Personally, I love fountains, so seeing this Tulip Fountain definitely makes me want to throw a few darts at the board. If you're like me, we'll both have just a week to throw as many darts as we want at this week's game, as it looks like next Sunday will mark yet another change in the game, seeing six new items being released as prizes. As always, we'll let you know what those items end up being when the time comes.
For that price, here's what you have a chance of winning:
Amazon Parrot (decorative animal)
Cob Cottage
Leapfrog Well
Lily Pad Bridge
Lounge Swing
Tulip Fountain
Personally, I love fountains, so seeing this Tulip Fountain definitely makes me want to throw a few darts at the board. If you're like me, we'll both have just a week to throw as many darts as we want at this week's game, as it looks like next Sunday will mark yet another change in the game, seeing six new items being released as prizes. As always, we'll let you know what those items end up being when the time comes.
Royal Navy dives into iPhone, social gaming to find new recruits
Royal Navy: Engineer Officer Challenge
Alright, now this whole social gaming fad is serious stuff. The Royal Navy has enlisted iPhone app developer Marvellous to create a new version of Royal Navy: Engineer Officer Challenge, a free game that this British military arm hopes will spur more recruits. The game, originally released in 2009, presents five challenges that an Engineer Officer might face aboard a destroyer (through a 3.5-inch screen). Marketing Magazine reports that the game is designed to test players' decision making under pressure. Of course, to help spread the news of your mobile naval prowess, you can post scores to Facebook.
You can see where the Royal Navy is going with this one already. Engineer Officer Challenge also includes information about a career in the Royal Navy and allows players to request a call back appointment right within the game. Considering the US Military already has its own PC game, it shouldn't be long before you see the good ol' US of A gaming up your iPhone.
[Image Credit: Apple]
Would you play a game revolving around the military? What do you think of the Royal Navy's modern methods of finding new recruits?
Alright, now this whole social gaming fad is serious stuff. The Royal Navy has enlisted iPhone app developer Marvellous to create a new version of Royal Navy: Engineer Officer Challenge, a free game that this British military arm hopes will spur more recruits. The game, originally released in 2009, presents five challenges that an Engineer Officer might face aboard a destroyer (through a 3.5-inch screen). Marketing Magazine reports that the game is designed to test players' decision making under pressure. Of course, to help spread the news of your mobile naval prowess, you can post scores to Facebook.
You can see where the Royal Navy is going with this one already. Engineer Officer Challenge also includes information about a career in the Royal Navy and allows players to request a call back appointment right within the game. Considering the US Military already has its own PC game, it shouldn't be long before you see the good ol' US of A gaming up your iPhone.
[Image Credit: Apple]
Would you play a game revolving around the military? What do you think of the Royal Navy's modern methods of finding new recruits?
Rumor: Xbox Live learns from Facebook, free-to-play games incoming
Microsoft may have taken another cue from Facebook. IGN reports that, according to a trusted source, free-to-play games could be coming to Xbox Live as soon as next year. As you already know, the free-to-play, or F2P, pricing model is generally left to Facebook games and MMOs. However, a number of developers including id Software and EA have experimented with the F2P model in the shooter genre. Of course, the free Xbox games would be supported by in-game purchases much like the FarmVilles and Bejeweled Blitzes of today.
It's already known that Dungeon Fighter Online, a F2P MMO for Windows released by Nexon last year, is in the works for Xbox Live. While a pricing model has yet to be announced, rumors like this flying around point to the same F2P distribution method. This and the recently leaked Microsoft video detailing future plans for Xbox all but confirm the rumor, though an official statement would be nice. And how do most F2P games, including social games, makes lots of money? By spreading the word through social channels, of course. If this truly is where Xbox Live is headed, social games could take over consoles. And Microsoft will usher them right in.
[Via Afterdawn]
Could you see F2P, or even social games, coming to Xbox Live? Would you play FarmVille over Xbox Live if you could?
It's already known that Dungeon Fighter Online, a F2P MMO for Windows released by Nexon last year, is in the works for Xbox Live. While a pricing model has yet to be announced, rumors like this flying around point to the same F2P distribution method. This and the recently leaked Microsoft video detailing future plans for Xbox all but confirm the rumor, though an official statement would be nice. And how do most F2P games, including social games, makes lots of money? By spreading the word through social channels, of course. If this truly is where Xbox Live is headed, social games could take over consoles. And Microsoft will usher them right in.
[Via Afterdawn]
Could you see F2P, or even social games, coming to Xbox Live? Would you play FarmVille over Xbox Live if you could?
Facebook game profits are big, but MMO gold farming is huge
Gold Farmers
In fact, a report (PDF link) by the Word Bank's infoDev finance program suggests that 75 percent of all virtual goods sales globally are from gold farmers. Gold farmers are folks who make money off of gathering gold in games like World of Warcraft and selling it for real world currency. The types of gold farmers range from those who do it for a wage to those who steal it directly from players' accounts to bots, or automated programs that do the in-game dirty work. Facebook games might be worth $5 billion in four years, but gold farming was worth at least $3 billion in 2009.
Because most gold farmers originate from poorer countries, infoDev recommends that these services be supported whose revenue could help the development of said countries. The only problem is that this practice is largely forbidden within the agreement that players accept when first signing up for their MMO of choice. The report goes so far as to recommend that the US companies behind these games support the largely Chinese gold farmers, which has all but become a business in the past few years.
However, considering companies like Blizzard make absolutely no money from gold farming, it's terribly unlikely that developers would support such a thing unless it involved them. Unfortunately, what's more likely to happen is that developers will cut out the $3 billion middle man and develop currency sales platforms like those in FarmVille and other Facebook games. The Facebook games and gold-farming industries are putting the pressure on subscription-based MMOs to adapt, which increasingly seems to be their only option.
[Via Gamasutra]
[Image Credit: Next Nature]
Have you ever bought gold for an MMO game or currency in a social game? Do you see gold farming lasting much longer as a business model?
In fact, a report (PDF link) by the Word Bank's infoDev finance program suggests that 75 percent of all virtual goods sales globally are from gold farmers. Gold farmers are folks who make money off of gathering gold in games like World of Warcraft and selling it for real world currency. The types of gold farmers range from those who do it for a wage to those who steal it directly from players' accounts to bots, or automated programs that do the in-game dirty work. Facebook games might be worth $5 billion in four years, but gold farming was worth at least $3 billion in 2009.
Because most gold farmers originate from poorer countries, infoDev recommends that these services be supported whose revenue could help the development of said countries. The only problem is that this practice is largely forbidden within the agreement that players accept when first signing up for their MMO of choice. The report goes so far as to recommend that the US companies behind these games support the largely Chinese gold farmers, which has all but become a business in the past few years.
However, considering companies like Blizzard make absolutely no money from gold farming, it's terribly unlikely that developers would support such a thing unless it involved them. Unfortunately, what's more likely to happen is that developers will cut out the $3 billion middle man and develop currency sales platforms like those in FarmVille and other Facebook games. The Facebook games and gold-farming industries are putting the pressure on subscription-based MMOs to adapt, which increasingly seems to be their only option.
[Via Gamasutra]
[Image Credit: Next Nature]
Have you ever bought gold for an MMO game or currency in a social game? Do you see gold farming lasting much longer as a business model?
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 12, 2011
Top 25 Facebook Games - May 2011
Zynga, Zynga, Zynga! The house of Z continues to dominate the social gaming charts in May 2011 (would you expect anything less?), but it's interesting to see that all of the FarmVille-creator's top games have taken a hit over the past month. The all-powerful CityVille lost nearly 1 million players, FrontierVille dropped 1.7 million players and a whopping 5.5 million players decided to send Mafia Wars to sleep with the fishes. That's gotta hurt. Well, maybe just a little.
As for the other Top 10 contenders, Gaia Online's Pokemon-inspired Monster Galaxy continues to gobble up the competition, gaining 2.9 million players this month, moving from #12 to #7. That move bumped down PopCap's Bejeweled Blitz and LOLApps' Ravenwood Fair, which both still seem to be hanging tough despite some negative numbers this month.
One of the biggest success stories is Wooga's Diamond Dash, which debuts on the Top 25 chart at #21. This collapse-style game borrows heavily from Bejeweled Blitz and, well, the results show that diamonds are, apparently, a Facebook gamers' best friend. Funzio's Grand Theft Auto-style Crime City also jumped this month from 22 to 15 -- guess crime does pay in Facebook gaming after all.
Who are you not seeing on the top 25 charts this month? New games hip-checked Zynga's PetVille from the list as well as PopCap's Zuma Blitz. RockYou's Zoo World seems to be hanging on by the fingernails at #25 -- losing 1.1 million players and dropping seven slots since April.
Playdom didn't crack the monthly list with its two new games, Deep Realms and Gardens of Time, though the latter had a good showing in the Top 25 based on daily active users (DAU). We were happy to see Digital Chocolate's campy Zombie Lane make it onto the DAU list as well -- after all, there's nothing like ringing in springtime by smashing cartoon zombies to smithereens.
top 25 facebook games may dau
As for the other Top 10 contenders, Gaia Online's Pokemon-inspired Monster Galaxy continues to gobble up the competition, gaining 2.9 million players this month, moving from #12 to #7. That move bumped down PopCap's Bejeweled Blitz and LOLApps' Ravenwood Fair, which both still seem to be hanging tough despite some negative numbers this month.
One of the biggest success stories is Wooga's Diamond Dash, which debuts on the Top 25 chart at #21. This collapse-style game borrows heavily from Bejeweled Blitz and, well, the results show that diamonds are, apparently, a Facebook gamers' best friend. Funzio's Grand Theft Auto-style Crime City also jumped this month from 22 to 15 -- guess crime does pay in Facebook gaming after all.
Who are you not seeing on the top 25 charts this month? New games hip-checked Zynga's PetVille from the list as well as PopCap's Zuma Blitz. RockYou's Zoo World seems to be hanging on by the fingernails at #25 -- losing 1.1 million players and dropping seven slots since April.
Playdom didn't crack the monthly list with its two new games, Deep Realms and Gardens of Time, though the latter had a good showing in the Top 25 based on daily active users (DAU). We were happy to see Digital Chocolate's campy Zombie Lane make it onto the DAU list as well -- after all, there's nothing like ringing in springtime by smashing cartoon zombies to smithereens.
top 25 facebook games may dau
FarmVille English Countryside: Pink Carnation Crafting recipes are a brewin'
We know, even the legendary Lionhead Ale is getting stale. Thankfully, Zynga has introduced four new crafting recipes to FarmVille and its English Countryside expansion that all revolve around a single crop: Carnations. The four new recipes are limited edition and only available for another 36 days, so get to planting those pink flowers (and the other ingredients, of course) on the double. In the meantime, we'll tell you all about these new crafting recipes behind the break.
Pink Carnation Tea (Pub):
2 Field Beans Bushels
3 Black Tea Bushels
Completed in 6 hours
Pink Carnation Perfume
Pink Carnation Perfume (Spa):
2 Morning Glory Bushels
2 Sunflower Bushels
Pink Carnation Vinegar
Pink Carnation Vinegar (Winery):
2 White Grape Bushels
4 Rice Bushels
Candied Pink Carnations
Candied Pink Carnations (Bakery):
2 Sugar Cane Bushels
Once each of these recipes is leveled up enough to reach Level 19, each one will receive its own Mastery sign. The question is, however, can you master all four recipes in the next 36 days? There's only one way to find out.
[Source and Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
Have you seen or gotten started on any of these new crafting recipes yet? Which of these new recipes is most appealing to you?
Pink Carnation Tea (Pub):
2 Field Beans Bushels
3 Black Tea Bushels
Completed in 6 hours
Pink Carnation Perfume
Pink Carnation Perfume (Spa):
2 Morning Glory Bushels
2 Sunflower Bushels
Pink Carnation Vinegar
Pink Carnation Vinegar (Winery):
2 White Grape Bushels
4 Rice Bushels
Candied Pink Carnations
Candied Pink Carnations (Bakery):
2 Sugar Cane Bushels
Once each of these recipes is leveled up enough to reach Level 19, each one will receive its own Mastery sign. The question is, however, can you master all four recipes in the next 36 days? There's only one way to find out.
[Source and Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
Have you seen or gotten started on any of these new crafting recipes yet? Which of these new recipes is most appealing to you?
Mafia Wars joins Alabama tornado relief effort with Disaster Relief Truck
After Zynga fans demanded that the company respond to the tornado disaster in six southern states last week, it has teamed up with Direct Relief International to bring a more exciting donation option to Mafia Wars. Digital mobsters can now donate to the cause through buying a Disaster Relief Truck in the game's marketplace for 35 Reward Points.
That amounts to about a $7 donation, 100 percent of which will go directly to the victims of the tornadoes, according to the Mafia Wars Blog. Better yet, the vehicle packs an impressive 112 Attack and 70 Defense. Just yesterday, the company provided a link to donate to the tornado victims through Save the Children. You asked for more ways to contribute through Zynga, and here they've started to emerge. Now, you have no excuse but to make a contribution, so get to it already.
Have you donated to the cause through Mafia Wars yet? What else, if anything, do you think Zynga should do to raise donations for these tornado victims
That amounts to about a $7 donation, 100 percent of which will go directly to the victims of the tornadoes, according to the Mafia Wars Blog. Better yet, the vehicle packs an impressive 112 Attack and 70 Defense. Just yesterday, the company provided a link to donate to the tornado victims through Save the Children. You asked for more ways to contribute through Zynga, and here they've started to emerge. Now, you have no excuse but to make a contribution, so get to it already.
Have you donated to the cause through Mafia Wars yet? What else, if anything, do you think Zynga should do to raise donations for these tornado victims
FarmVille: Purple Magnolia Trees grow from Mystery Seedlings
Just in time for Mothers Day (you know, the day you honor the woman who helped create you?), Purple Magnolia Trees have begun to sprout from Mystery Seedlings in FarmVille. As most new Trees are wont to do these days, sprouting from Mystery Seedlings means that Purple Magnolias are Level 2 Trees. Of course, this lavender beauty can be fully mastered.
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Farm Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Farm Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Farm Coins
Puple Magnolia Tree in-game
And, as with all trees that have Mastery ratings, you can imagine that there is a Purple Magnolia Tree Mastery Sign to look forward to. If you've yet to be so lucky as to find your own Purple Magnolia, they should be circulating News Feeds soon enough and should be available on the Market sometime after that. While this would make a fine Mother's Day gift, just don't forget to give her some real foliage--flowers preferably.
[Source and Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you found any Purple Magnolia Trees through Mystery Seedlings or News Feeds? How else will you be celebrating Mothers Day?
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Farm Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Farm Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Farm Coins
Puple Magnolia Tree in-game
And, as with all trees that have Mastery ratings, you can imagine that there is a Purple Magnolia Tree Mastery Sign to look forward to. If you've yet to be so lucky as to find your own Purple Magnolia, they should be circulating News Feeds soon enough and should be available on the Market sometime after that. While this would make a fine Mother's Day gift, just don't forget to give her some real foliage--flowers preferably.
[Source and Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Have you found any Purple Magnolia Trees through Mystery Seedlings or News Feeds? How else will you be celebrating Mothers Day?
Can social games improve schools? Zynga CEO Mark Pincus thinks so
Could you imagine earning points, badges and levels for good grades in school instead of just a boring letter or number? Zynga CEO Mark Pincus seems to think that this method could improve kids performance in school, as the FarmVille creator has recently given some financial oomph to Grockit, VentureBeat reports. This new San Francisco-based startup, which applies addictive social game mechanics to school work, has partnered with a high-profile charter school network known as KIPP to bring gamified SAT and ACT test preparations to three of its schools in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.
VentureBeat reports that, because the Grockit platform is secure, it's a fine fit for the KIPP network, not to mention that Grockit can provide personalized instruction based on users' strengths and weaknesses. VentureBeat predicts that, if successful, the partnership could create a massive, online SAT/ACT preparation game for KIPP students nationwide.
And according to Grockit CEO Roy Gilber, the company is working on creating high school course programs, a place that some would argue is crying for change. Whether social game mechanics will improve students' interest and performance in school is something we won't see the results of for some time, but we gotta' try something, right?
Why do you think Mark Pincus is interested in such a program? Do you think social game elements are applicable to education? Will they make a positive or negative change?
VentureBeat reports that, because the Grockit platform is secure, it's a fine fit for the KIPP network, not to mention that Grockit can provide personalized instruction based on users' strengths and weaknesses. VentureBeat predicts that, if successful, the partnership could create a massive, online SAT/ACT preparation game for KIPP students nationwide.
And according to Grockit CEO Roy Gilber, the company is working on creating high school course programs, a place that some would argue is crying for change. Whether social game mechanics will improve students' interest and performance in school is something we won't see the results of for some time, but we gotta' try something, right?
Why do you think Mark Pincus is interested in such a program? Do you think social game elements are applicable to education? Will they make a positive or negative change?
Chủ Nhật, 25 tháng 12, 2011
John Carmack: Facebook offers the 'Walmart experience of gaming' [Interview]
You might not be familiar with the name John Carmack, but he is the one of the brains behind the classic video game series Doom (the other brain is John Romero who we recently interviewed), Quake, Wolfenstein 3D. Last year, Carmack released Rage HD for iOS which showed that the iPad and iPhone could be taken seriously as a gaming device. Now, he's working on Rage, a post-apocalyptic shoot-em-up that will arrive on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 later this year.
When you talk to Carmack, you quickly get the sense that he finds an immense sense of pleasure of pushing the boundaries of hardware to create more immersive game experiences. He did that with Doom in the early '90s and then again with Rage HD for IOs. So I was naturally curious to learn what this gaming pioneer has to say about new phenomenon that has turned millions of regular people into game devotees almost overnight -- social games.
What's your take on social games?
I think one of the interesting things we're seeing from both the iOS and Facebook games is that there is a large range of people who want to do something fun on their electronic devices, but they're not the hardcore market that wants to sit all weekend with a controller in their hand and and play a game.
We've got the hardcore people who look down their noses at the casual gaming stuff and say, "That's not a real game. Real games require $500 GPUs."
facebook games walmart experience of gaming john carmack saysHow are social games changing the industry?
I love that it's harkening back to the arcade experience. It seems like "serious gamer" is a lifestyle decision, and I'm not a serious gamer, I'm an engineer, and I'm not spending 20 hours over the weekend playing games. I have a lot of empathy for the people who just want to play a fun game on their phone for a little while.
The MMO social game experience is different from the casual experience, although they have their overlap in different areas. Seeing Angry Birds is a prime example of, "it's just fun to go do that." It doesn't have all the traits of what a triple-A blockbuster game has, but it's got 50 million people that are having fun with it.
Are social games good enough?
It's not a connoisseur experience, but it's important to recognize that most of what people consume in the world is not a connoisseur experience. In some ways, the Facebook games are kind of the Walmart experience of gaming, but Walmart is one of the most successful companies in the entire world.
You get a little bit of the sour grapes from some of the hardcore crowd on social games, from both developers and users. But there are people that are sitting there doing that instead of playing other games and they're having fun. More power to 'em. It's not my market, but they're producing value for a lot of people.
When you talk to Carmack, you quickly get the sense that he finds an immense sense of pleasure of pushing the boundaries of hardware to create more immersive game experiences. He did that with Doom in the early '90s and then again with Rage HD for IOs. So I was naturally curious to learn what this gaming pioneer has to say about new phenomenon that has turned millions of regular people into game devotees almost overnight -- social games.
What's your take on social games?
I think one of the interesting things we're seeing from both the iOS and Facebook games is that there is a large range of people who want to do something fun on their electronic devices, but they're not the hardcore market that wants to sit all weekend with a controller in their hand and and play a game.
We've got the hardcore people who look down their noses at the casual gaming stuff and say, "That's not a real game. Real games require $500 GPUs."
facebook games walmart experience of gaming john carmack saysHow are social games changing the industry?
I love that it's harkening back to the arcade experience. It seems like "serious gamer" is a lifestyle decision, and I'm not a serious gamer, I'm an engineer, and I'm not spending 20 hours over the weekend playing games. I have a lot of empathy for the people who just want to play a fun game on their phone for a little while.
The MMO social game experience is different from the casual experience, although they have their overlap in different areas. Seeing Angry Birds is a prime example of, "it's just fun to go do that." It doesn't have all the traits of what a triple-A blockbuster game has, but it's got 50 million people that are having fun with it.
Are social games good enough?
It's not a connoisseur experience, but it's important to recognize that most of what people consume in the world is not a connoisseur experience. In some ways, the Facebook games are kind of the Walmart experience of gaming, but Walmart is one of the most successful companies in the entire world.
You get a little bit of the sour grapes from some of the hardcore crowd on social games, from both developers and users. But there are people that are sitting there doing that instead of playing other games and they're having fun. More power to 'em. It's not my market, but they're producing value for a lot of people.
FarmVille 2nd Birthday: Cupcake crops sprout up once again
And you know what the best part is? No baking required. Cupcake crops have returned to FarmVille to celebrate its second birthday. Zynga first released the sweets this time last year to celebrate the game's first year of hooking Facebook gamers, so it makes sense for Cupcakes to become FarmVille's honorary birthday crop. And unlike the Birthday Cake crop that costs Farm Cash to plant, these cost mere coins. (Though, the lot of you likely already mastered this crop.) Well, thanks for the freebie, I guess.
Cupcake Crop:
Harvest in 8 Hours
1 XP
Seeds Cost 25 Farm Coins
Sells for 60 Farm Coins
[Source and Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Second Birthday coverage right here.
Have you already mastered this crop last year, or are you a newbie who is excited to plant the ground-growing sweets? What do you think of how Zynga is handling FarmVille's second birthday?
Cupcake Crop:
Harvest in 8 Hours
1 XP
Seeds Cost 25 Farm Coins
Sells for 60 Farm Coins
[Source and Image Credit: FarmVille Freak]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Second Birthday coverage right here.
Have you already mastered this crop last year, or are you a newbie who is excited to plant the ground-growing sweets? What do you think of how Zynga is handling FarmVille's second birthday?
Zynga celebrates FarmVille's 2nd Birthday with, yes, even more items
Lavender Pegasus, Purple Bedazzled Horse and Blue Ponytail Horse
The deluge of items in celebration of FarmVille's second birthday continues, and the big day is still over a week away. Overnight, Zynga released several decorations, trees and animals to the Market, all of which call for Farm Cash, unfortunately. Regardless, the lot of them are interesting, even if they're re-skinned versions of previous items. Getting right to the good stuff, three new magical horses have arrived, one of which is a Lavender Pegasus:
Lavender Pegasus – 35 Farm Cash (On Sale for 25 Farm Cash)
Purple Bedazzled Horse – 26 Farm Cash (On Sale for 20 Farm Cash)
Blue Ponytail Horse -26 Farm Cash (On Sale for 18 Farm Cash)
Purple Gum Ball Tree, Giant Purple Gum Ball Tree, Red Gem Tree and Giant Red Gem Tree
Still busy with the trees released yesterday? Well, consider your weekend booked, as Zynga has released four more birthday trees to the game. Again, these trees are differently-colored versions of previous releases. But hey, as long as they have new Mastery ratings, we're in the clear. Right?
Purple Bubblegum Tree – 7 Farm Cash (3 Farm Cash on Sale)
Giant Purple Bubblegum Tree – 12 Farm Cash (12 Farm Cash on Sale)
Red Gem Tree – 7 Farm Cash (4 Farm Cash on Sale)
Giant Red Gem Tree – 12 Farm Cash (8 Farm Cash Sale)
And again, all of these trees have their own Mastery ratings. Though the rewards are standard fare across the board, who doesn't want some extra XP, coins and automatic bragging rights through those signs?
Purple Bubble Gum Tree:
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Coins, Mastery Sign
Giant Purple Bubble Gum Tree:
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Coins, Mastery Sign
Birthday Tree Mastery Signs
Red Gem Tree:
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Coins, Mastery Sign
Giant Red Gem Tree:
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Coins, Mastery Sign
Pink Whispering WillowFinally, a lone decoration has been introduced to the farm, the Pink Whispering Willow. It may look like a tree, but this is not a tree in traditional FarmVille terms. The pleasantly pink tree is available now for 3 Farm Cash, though that's a sale price.
If you're interested, pick it up now before it bumps back up to 5 Farm Cash. Considering how far away we are from the actual birthday, expect plenty more where this came from.
[Source and Image Credit: FarmVille Freak, FarmVille Feed]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Second Birthday coverage right here.
Have you already picked up any of these items, or do you plan on it? Which of these new birthday items is most exciting? What do you think of this year's birthday celebration?
The deluge of items in celebration of FarmVille's second birthday continues, and the big day is still over a week away. Overnight, Zynga released several decorations, trees and animals to the Market, all of which call for Farm Cash, unfortunately. Regardless, the lot of them are interesting, even if they're re-skinned versions of previous items. Getting right to the good stuff, three new magical horses have arrived, one of which is a Lavender Pegasus:
Lavender Pegasus – 35 Farm Cash (On Sale for 25 Farm Cash)
Purple Bedazzled Horse – 26 Farm Cash (On Sale for 20 Farm Cash)
Blue Ponytail Horse -26 Farm Cash (On Sale for 18 Farm Cash)
Purple Gum Ball Tree, Giant Purple Gum Ball Tree, Red Gem Tree and Giant Red Gem Tree
Still busy with the trees released yesterday? Well, consider your weekend booked, as Zynga has released four more birthday trees to the game. Again, these trees are differently-colored versions of previous releases. But hey, as long as they have new Mastery ratings, we're in the clear. Right?
Purple Bubblegum Tree – 7 Farm Cash (3 Farm Cash on Sale)
Giant Purple Bubblegum Tree – 12 Farm Cash (12 Farm Cash on Sale)
Red Gem Tree – 7 Farm Cash (4 Farm Cash on Sale)
Giant Red Gem Tree – 12 Farm Cash (8 Farm Cash Sale)
And again, all of these trees have their own Mastery ratings. Though the rewards are standard fare across the board, who doesn't want some extra XP, coins and automatic bragging rights through those signs?
Purple Bubble Gum Tree:
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Coins, Mastery Sign
Giant Purple Bubble Gum Tree:
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Coins, Mastery Sign
Birthday Tree Mastery Signs
Red Gem Tree:
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Coins, Mastery Sign
Giant Red Gem Tree:
Mastery Level 1: 75 harvests / Rewards: 25 XP and 500 Coins
Mastery Level 2: 150 harvests / Rewards: 75 XP and 1,500 Coins
Mastery Level 3: 225 harvests / Rewards: 250 XP and 5,000 Coins, Mastery Sign
Pink Whispering WillowFinally, a lone decoration has been introduced to the farm, the Pink Whispering Willow. It may look like a tree, but this is not a tree in traditional FarmVille terms. The pleasantly pink tree is available now for 3 Farm Cash, though that's a sale price.
If you're interested, pick it up now before it bumps back up to 5 Farm Cash. Considering how far away we are from the actual birthday, expect plenty more where this came from.
[Source and Image Credit: FarmVille Freak, FarmVille Feed]
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Second Birthday coverage right here.
Have you already picked up any of these items, or do you plan on it? Which of these new birthday items is most exciting? What do you think of this year's birthday celebration?
Zynga makes Cafe World 'Fresh and Clean' in interface revamp [Video]
As Outkast would put it, Cafe World is about to get "So fresh and so clean, clean." Zynga has completely overhauled the Cafe World interface into something the team believes is more manageable and just plain prettier to look at. The changes to the interface eliminate that bar of buttons above your neighbor bar, and move those functions to the upper right and lower right corners of the game screen.
In doing that, Zynga has condensed those functions into single buttons that cause option bubbles to appear--just like in FarmVille, CityVille and even Empires & Allies. Actually, Cafe World now looks more like those games. Period. And that's definitely not a bad thing. Zynga even promises updates to the Cafe Editor, a simpler neighbor bar and faster load times. But we'll be the judge of that once these massive changes finally land. Until then, enjoy the show.
Are you excited to see Cafe World get an interface overhaul? What other changes do you think need to be made to the game?
In doing that, Zynga has condensed those functions into single buttons that cause option bubbles to appear--just like in FarmVille, CityVille and even Empires & Allies. Actually, Cafe World now looks more like those games. Period. And that's definitely not a bad thing. Zynga even promises updates to the Cafe Editor, a simpler neighbor bar and faster load times. But we'll be the judge of that once these massive changes finally land. Until then, enjoy the show.
Are you excited to see Cafe World get an interface overhaul? What other changes do you think need to be made to the game?
FarmVille Sneak Peek: Candy Cane Sheep and Pigs, Clown Pony et al
Candy Cane Pig
Trust us when we say this: FarmVille's second birthday is far from over. FarmVille Feed has found even more items that more than likely will release in time for the big event. First, a new pattern for Sheep and Pigs has been found, Candy Cane. FarmVille estimates that the Pig version of the new pattern might be made available through Mastery, though both versions could just as easily be released for Farm Cash. Either way, I'm not sure I'm digging those creepy eyes.
Clown Pony and Foal
A new horse is headed to the game as well, and it looks down right silly. The Clown Pony is nothing more than a white pony with a rainbow Afro, a red squeaky nose and a red bow tie. But it all comes together to make for one goofy animal. And when they're thrown into the Horse Stable, a Clown Foal is bound to be born, multi-colored Afro and all.
Ice Cream Trees
We always save the best for last, so here are Ice Cream Trees. (I know, we all suddenly crave a waffle cone over here in the office too.) The new tree will likely hit the Market soon for between 5 and 10 Farm Cash, but not before sprouting up in Mystery Seedlings, FarmVille Feed guesses. Even the trunk is a waffle cone, and the matured tree gets a bunch of delicious-looking toppings like jimmies (sprinkles, rather?) and hot fudge. I think a trip to Ben and Jerry's is in order--who's in?
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Which of these unreleased items are you most psyched about? Since they'll all likely go for Farm Cash, which would want to drop the digital bills on most?
Trust us when we say this: FarmVille's second birthday is far from over. FarmVille Feed has found even more items that more than likely will release in time for the big event. First, a new pattern for Sheep and Pigs has been found, Candy Cane. FarmVille estimates that the Pig version of the new pattern might be made available through Mastery, though both versions could just as easily be released for Farm Cash. Either way, I'm not sure I'm digging those creepy eyes.
Clown Pony and Foal
A new horse is headed to the game as well, and it looks down right silly. The Clown Pony is nothing more than a white pony with a rainbow Afro, a red squeaky nose and a red bow tie. But it all comes together to make for one goofy animal. And when they're thrown into the Horse Stable, a Clown Foal is bound to be born, multi-colored Afro and all.
Ice Cream Trees
We always save the best for last, so here are Ice Cream Trees. (I know, we all suddenly crave a waffle cone over here in the office too.) The new tree will likely hit the Market soon for between 5 and 10 Farm Cash, but not before sprouting up in Mystery Seedlings, FarmVille Feed guesses. Even the trunk is a waffle cone, and the matured tree gets a bunch of delicious-looking toppings like jimmies (sprinkles, rather?) and hot fudge. I think a trip to Ben and Jerry's is in order--who's in?
[Image Credit: FarmVille Feed]
Which of these unreleased items are you most psyched about? Since they'll all likely go for Farm Cash, which would want to drop the digital bills on most?
Thứ Sáu, 23 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille fan survey hints at future limited edition item themes
If you're into letting your voice be heard in FarmVille, be sure to be on the lookout for a "Feedback" prompt underneath the gameplay area, in the same area where you'd find Sponsored Links for free Farm Cash activities. A new survey is now available to complete that hints at many possible future limited edition items themes, and we're asked which ones we like the most.
The possible themes were even given some examples as to items that could become available, but unfortunately, many sound identical to items already available in the game. Here are our choices, taken directly from the survey:
Australia (Aussie animals, Sydney opera, boomerang,...)
Wonders of the world (Egypt's Pyramids, China's Great Wall, Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa,...)
Greece (white roof house, ancient Greek sculpture, Mediterranean landscape,...)
Mid-summer dream (fairy forest, secret garden and magic waterfall,...)
Argentina (soccer clubs, gaucho cowboy ranching, Iguassu falls,...)
Horseback riding (corral fences, riding school, horse show arena,...)
Summer vacation (lake cabin, tire swing, whitewater raft,...)
Industrial Farm (high-tech buildings, irrigation, canals,...)
Hawaii plantation (tropical crops, trees, buildings,...)
Water park (water slide, pool floats, water guns,...)
Out of all of these, I can see users clinging to those like the Horseback Riding theme, as the game's many horse collectors would then have a more grand area on their farms within which to show off their prized collectibles. Personally, I'd love to see the Water Park theme come to life, especially if we were given the opportunity to build our own water slide, similar to how we've been given Moat or Train Track pieces to put together in the past.
While this survey is preliminary, and we have no guarantee that any of these themes (let alone all of them) will actually come to life in the game, it is interesting to be in on some of the thought process that Zynga's dealing with for future game updates. Who knows? Perhaps the theme you vote for will be released in the near future!
Which of these themes did you pick as your favorite in the survey? Are there any particular items you'd love to see in a specific theme, or are you open to all of these ideas?
The possible themes were even given some examples as to items that could become available, but unfortunately, many sound identical to items already available in the game. Here are our choices, taken directly from the survey:
Australia (Aussie animals, Sydney opera, boomerang,...)
Wonders of the world (Egypt's Pyramids, China's Great Wall, Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa,...)
Greece (white roof house, ancient Greek sculpture, Mediterranean landscape,...)
Mid-summer dream (fairy forest, secret garden and magic waterfall,...)
Argentina (soccer clubs, gaucho cowboy ranching, Iguassu falls,...)
Horseback riding (corral fences, riding school, horse show arena,...)
Summer vacation (lake cabin, tire swing, whitewater raft,...)
Industrial Farm (high-tech buildings, irrigation, canals,...)
Hawaii plantation (tropical crops, trees, buildings,...)
Water park (water slide, pool floats, water guns,...)
Out of all of these, I can see users clinging to those like the Horseback Riding theme, as the game's many horse collectors would then have a more grand area on their farms within which to show off their prized collectibles. Personally, I'd love to see the Water Park theme come to life, especially if we were given the opportunity to build our own water slide, similar to how we've been given Moat or Train Track pieces to put together in the past.
While this survey is preliminary, and we have no guarantee that any of these themes (let alone all of them) will actually come to life in the game, it is interesting to be in on some of the thought process that Zynga's dealing with for future game updates. Who knows? Perhaps the theme you vote for will be released in the near future!
Which of these themes did you pick as your favorite in the survey? Are there any particular items you'd love to see in a specific theme, or are you open to all of these ideas?
FarmVille: Formerly iOS exclusive Silver Pony now available to all players
Back in June of 2010, FarmVille received a set of iPhone/iPad exclusive items in its store. While users on any platform could look at the items, they wouldn't be able to actually purchase them on anything other than one of those mobile devices. If you only play FarmVille on Facebook, you were out of luck, but in the case of one item, that's no longer true. The Silver Pony is now available to purchase as a permanent addition to the game's store, but there's a catch: it costs 24 Farm Cash.
If you remember, the original cost of one of these animals was just 5,000 coins if you purchased it while it was exclusive. Apparently, this massive price hike is what we get for wanting items to be available more readily. This is just as bad as (if not worse than) the 2009-2010 price hike on Ornament Trees which we discussed last December. In that case, the price of a single tree went from 1,500 coins to 15-20 Farm Cash.
If this teaches us anything, it's that Zynga apparently thinks we're a lot more oblivious than we are. I truly feel sorry for those who weren't able to purchase a Silver Pony for just 5,000 coins, as they're now left to shell out major Farm Cash to complete their horse/pony collections (unless you grow a Silver Foal into an adult). Perhaps with enough public outcry, the price will be lowered, but as that wasn't the case with the trees above, I wouldn't get my hopes up here.
Were you able to secure a Silver Pony while they were available on the iOS version of the game, or are you trying to decide whether or not the Farm Cash price is worth it now?
If you remember, the original cost of one of these animals was just 5,000 coins if you purchased it while it was exclusive. Apparently, this massive price hike is what we get for wanting items to be available more readily. This is just as bad as (if not worse than) the 2009-2010 price hike on Ornament Trees which we discussed last December. In that case, the price of a single tree went from 1,500 coins to 15-20 Farm Cash.
If this teaches us anything, it's that Zynga apparently thinks we're a lot more oblivious than we are. I truly feel sorry for those who weren't able to purchase a Silver Pony for just 5,000 coins, as they're now left to shell out major Farm Cash to complete their horse/pony collections (unless you grow a Silver Foal into an adult). Perhaps with enough public outcry, the price will be lowered, but as that wasn't the case with the trees above, I wouldn't get my hopes up here.
Were you able to secure a Silver Pony while they were available on the iOS version of the game, or are you trying to decide whether or not the Farm Cash price is worth it now?
Cafe World: Astounding Cafe Expansion now available for (tons of) Cafe Cash
At the end of June, Cafe World finally saw the launch of a new Astounding Cafe expansion, that will give users the chance to place more tables, decorations, and other helpful goodies in their cafe without having everything as cluttered as it (probably) currently is now. However, at the time, you could only earn the Astounding Cafe expansion by purchasing a $35 package including the expansion, a mega stove and a limited edition recipe.
Due to understandably popular demand, Zynga has decided to release the Astounding Cafe expansion as a single purchase item, but the price is high enough to completely invalidate their claim that they released it because they were "listening" to users' complaints. The price? 150 City Cash. I'll give you a chance to pick your jaw up off the floor...
With the current conversion of City Cash to US dollars, we see that the expansion costs just over $27. If you're like me, you'd likely scoff at the very thought of spending that much just for more room in your cafe, but apparently Zynga is convinced that users will pay. As of this writing, there's no coin option available for receiving this expansion, so your best bet is to start patiently waiting (again) for the expansion, as though it didn't currently exist at all. If nothing else, if everyone boycotts this ridiculously high price, perhaps they won't feel they can get away with such prices in the future. Cheaper gameplay options? I think we could all agree with that idea.
Will you purchase the Astounding Cafe expansion for the whopping price of 150 Cafe Cash? Do you think it's reasonable for Zynga to ask for $27 US for a single in-game item/feature?
Due to understandably popular demand, Zynga has decided to release the Astounding Cafe expansion as a single purchase item, but the price is high enough to completely invalidate their claim that they released it because they were "listening" to users' complaints. The price? 150 City Cash. I'll give you a chance to pick your jaw up off the floor...
With the current conversion of City Cash to US dollars, we see that the expansion costs just over $27. If you're like me, you'd likely scoff at the very thought of spending that much just for more room in your cafe, but apparently Zynga is convinced that users will pay. As of this writing, there's no coin option available for receiving this expansion, so your best bet is to start patiently waiting (again) for the expansion, as though it didn't currently exist at all. If nothing else, if everyone boycotts this ridiculously high price, perhaps they won't feel they can get away with such prices in the future. Cheaper gameplay options? I think we could all agree with that idea.
Will you purchase the Astounding Cafe expansion for the whopping price of 150 Cafe Cash? Do you think it's reasonable for Zynga to ask for $27 US for a single in-game item/feature?
FarmVille: Groovy Cow available as free gift for a limited time
Hear that? Sounds like you should mooooove it quickly over to the FarmVille free gifts page (sorry, I couldn't resist a good pun) while you have the chance. This Groovy Cow is actually a really groovy gift, as it is decently rare, being seen before as a lost animal back in June of 2010. Now, you've got a few hours to send as many of these Groovy Cows as you can, and ask, beg or otherwise plead with your friends to send you some back.
Remember, there's actually a two-for-one deal here, as the more players that have Groovy Cows on their farms, the more chances you have at Groovy Calves, which are even cuter than the adults, if you can believe it.
Again, this isn't a permanent addition to the game's free gifts page, although it is available to send just as easily. If you have any requests left for the day, make sure to spread the love, (wo)man. I'm sure your friends would appreciate receiving this fun-loving cow just as much as you would.
Did you already have a stockpile of Groovy Cows on your farm? Will you use this free gift opportunity to gather anymore, maybe for your farm in the English Countryside?
Remember, there's actually a two-for-one deal here, as the more players that have Groovy Cows on their farms, the more chances you have at Groovy Calves, which are even cuter than the adults, if you can believe it.
Again, this isn't a permanent addition to the game's free gifts page, although it is available to send just as easily. If you have any requests left for the day, make sure to spread the love, (wo)man. I'm sure your friends would appreciate receiving this fun-loving cow just as much as you would.
Did you already have a stockpile of Groovy Cows on your farm? Will you use this free gift opportunity to gather anymore, maybe for your farm in the English Countryside?
FarmVille Parisian Items: Camargue Horse, Chateau, Mime Gnome and more
Tonight's FarmVille update is a small one, but it still comes with a handful of items in the Parisian item theme. There's a single new animal (attention all horse collectors!), a single building, and three new decorations available for your shopping pleasure. How chic!
The new animal is the Camargue Horse, and it costs 24 Farm Cash. For this price, you'll receive an incredibly plain horse, coming in a light gray body color with a cream colored mane. It can spawn the Camargue Foal, if you place it in a Horse Stable however, so there's at least one reason why the disappointing color palette can be looked past. As for the new building, you can now make a major splurge on a Chateau. This large building rewards you with 1500 experience points, but costs 60 Farm Cash, so the reward seems a bit small in comparison. The building, however, is huge, so keep that in mind if free space on your land is lacking.
Finally, you can pick up three new decorative items to add the finishing touches to your Parisian themed area. First is the Parisian Flowerbed, which costs 10,000 coins. Meanwhile, you can light your imaginary streets with Parisian Lamps, costing 2 Farm Cash each, or can add to your Gnome collection by picking up the adorable Mime Gnome for 15 Farm Cash.
Take a look back this selection, farmers. Notice something? There's only one item here costing coins, which, simply put, is fairly disappointing. What's more, when we see such small releases like these, it often leaves us to believe that the theme has come to an end. Is that the case here? Have we been left with just one coin item to send the theme to retirement? We truly hope not, but we'll make sure to let you know either way.
What do you think of these French-themed items? Is the large Chateau worth the very high price tag, or will you simply save your Farm Cash for something else instead?
The new animal is the Camargue Horse, and it costs 24 Farm Cash. For this price, you'll receive an incredibly plain horse, coming in a light gray body color with a cream colored mane. It can spawn the Camargue Foal, if you place it in a Horse Stable however, so there's at least one reason why the disappointing color palette can be looked past. As for the new building, you can now make a major splurge on a Chateau. This large building rewards you with 1500 experience points, but costs 60 Farm Cash, so the reward seems a bit small in comparison. The building, however, is huge, so keep that in mind if free space on your land is lacking.
Finally, you can pick up three new decorative items to add the finishing touches to your Parisian themed area. First is the Parisian Flowerbed, which costs 10,000 coins. Meanwhile, you can light your imaginary streets with Parisian Lamps, costing 2 Farm Cash each, or can add to your Gnome collection by picking up the adorable Mime Gnome for 15 Farm Cash.
Take a look back this selection, farmers. Notice something? There's only one item here costing coins, which, simply put, is fairly disappointing. What's more, when we see such small releases like these, it often leaves us to believe that the theme has come to an end. Is that the case here? Have we been left with just one coin item to send the theme to retirement? We truly hope not, but we'll make sure to let you know either way.
What do you think of these French-themed items? Is the large Chateau worth the very high price tag, or will you simply save your Farm Cash for something else instead?
Thứ Ba, 20 tháng 12, 2011
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Restaurant: Everything you need to know
As we told you earlier, one of the biggest themed items farmers can expect from FarmVille's new Lighthouse Cove would be the Restaurant, which serves as this third farm's Crafting Cottage. The base Restaurant, with just two Crafting tables, can be purchased from the game's store for 100,000 coins, and as of this writing, you're only allowed to have one Restaurant in your Lighthouse Cove farm.
With this starter Restaurant, you'll have an item that is far less impressive than that of the game's preview image, but will still have access to a few recipes. Here's a rundown of those, including the crops you'll need to grow to craft them.
Cheddar Cheese - 2 Red Clover, 1 Hay and 2 Rhubarb Bushels
Blackberry Ice Cream - 3 Darrow Blackberry, 2 Chandler Blueberry and 3 Strawberry Bushels
Creamed Corn - 3 Butter & Sugar Corn, 3 Tarragon and 1 Pepper Bushels
Once you level up recipes six times, you'll be able to upgrade your restaurant to level 2 (which also changes it visually). At that point, you'll unlock three Level 2 recipes:
Wild Blueberry Pie - 2 Chandler Blueberry, 3 Wheat and 2 Rhubarb Bushels
Black Raspberry Wine - 3 Raspberry, 2 White Grape and 3 Chandler Blueberry Bushels
Fruit Cider - 2 Cove Cranberry, 3 Red Currant and 3 Lady Slipper Bushels
As you might expect, there are far more recipes to unlock than this, as you level up your Restaurant and unlock new ones to craft. We'll make sure to update you when we know what those recipes are, so keep checking back.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of the look of the Restaurant in FarmVille? Are you going to focus on crafting just to level up its appearance to that of the teaser image, or will you craft casually and let the upgrades happen along the way?
With this starter Restaurant, you'll have an item that is far less impressive than that of the game's preview image, but will still have access to a few recipes. Here's a rundown of those, including the crops you'll need to grow to craft them.
Cheddar Cheese - 2 Red Clover, 1 Hay and 2 Rhubarb Bushels
Blackberry Ice Cream - 3 Darrow Blackberry, 2 Chandler Blueberry and 3 Strawberry Bushels
Creamed Corn - 3 Butter & Sugar Corn, 3 Tarragon and 1 Pepper Bushels
Once you level up recipes six times, you'll be able to upgrade your restaurant to level 2 (which also changes it visually). At that point, you'll unlock three Level 2 recipes:
Wild Blueberry Pie - 2 Chandler Blueberry, 3 Wheat and 2 Rhubarb Bushels
Black Raspberry Wine - 3 Raspberry, 2 White Grape and 3 Chandler Blueberry Bushels
Fruit Cider - 2 Cove Cranberry, 3 Red Currant and 3 Lady Slipper Bushels
As you might expect, there are far more recipes to unlock than this, as you level up your Restaurant and unlock new ones to craft. We'll make sure to update you when we know what those recipes are, so keep checking back.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of the look of the Restaurant in FarmVille? Are you going to focus on crafting just to level up its appearance to that of the teaser image, or will you craft casually and let the upgrades happen along the way?
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Introduction Goals: Everything you need to know
After you've made your way into the Lighthouse Cove in FarmVille, you'll be met with a series of introductory goals, that serve to introduce you to some crops, and the crop growth limit. We'll start with Welcome to Lighthouse Cove.
Plow 3 Plots
Plant 10 Chandler Blueberries
As you can see, we're given a very easy goal to get us started in the game's third farm. Just finish these two tasks, and you'll receive 50 XP, 2,500 coins and two each of Logs, Steel Beams and Stones, the building materials native to Lighthouse Cove.
After this introductory goal, you'll launch straight into another trio, this time of limited time goals that will only be around for a week. The first is called Ahead of Schedule.
Get 3 Wool Blankets
Harvest 10 Chandler Blueberries
Complete 1 Pet Run
The Wool Blankets are earned through a general news item posted to your wall. Unfortunately, it does look like you'll have to build another Pet Run from scratch for this goal, as traveling to a farm with a completed Pet Run removes your access to these goals, as of this writing. Finishing this goal gives you 100 XP, a Tourist Gnome and 2,500 coins.
Pick It Up
Get 6 Oat Sacks
Harvest 45 Daylilies
Buy 1 Storage Cellar
Storage Cellars cost just one coin from the store. Meanwhile, Daylilies are a new crop that take 16 hours to grow. Finally, the Oat Sacks are earned through a general news feed item. Finish this goal and you'll earn 200 XP, one Scottie dog and 2,500 coins.
Happy Trees
Get 6 Tree Fertilizers
Harvest 45 Butter & Sugar Corns
Store 20 Trees in an Orchard
Luckily, you can purchase trees that aren't native to the Lighthouse Cove - like old fruit trees that cost just a few hundred coins each, so feel free to fill an Orchard with those. The Fertilizers, meanwhile, are earned through another news feed item. Once you finish this goal, you'll earn 300 XP, 1 Red Oak Tree and 2,500 coins.
Once you finish this trio of goals, you'll have finished the first "Chapter" in the Lighthouse Cove goal series. We're told that new "tasks" will be released in Lighthouse Cove every week, for an undisclosed amount of weeks, however, so we'll make sure to give you a look at every new set of guys just as soon as they're released.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of these new Lighthouse Cove goals? Do they serve their purpose of introducing you to this new farm, or should they be more difficult?
Plow 3 Plots
Plant 10 Chandler Blueberries
As you can see, we're given a very easy goal to get us started in the game's third farm. Just finish these two tasks, and you'll receive 50 XP, 2,500 coins and two each of Logs, Steel Beams and Stones, the building materials native to Lighthouse Cove.
After this introductory goal, you'll launch straight into another trio, this time of limited time goals that will only be around for a week. The first is called Ahead of Schedule.
Get 3 Wool Blankets
Harvest 10 Chandler Blueberries
Complete 1 Pet Run
The Wool Blankets are earned through a general news item posted to your wall. Unfortunately, it does look like you'll have to build another Pet Run from scratch for this goal, as traveling to a farm with a completed Pet Run removes your access to these goals, as of this writing. Finishing this goal gives you 100 XP, a Tourist Gnome and 2,500 coins.
Pick It Up
Get 6 Oat Sacks
Harvest 45 Daylilies
Buy 1 Storage Cellar
Storage Cellars cost just one coin from the store. Meanwhile, Daylilies are a new crop that take 16 hours to grow. Finally, the Oat Sacks are earned through a general news feed item. Finish this goal and you'll earn 200 XP, one Scottie dog and 2,500 coins.
Happy Trees
Get 6 Tree Fertilizers
Harvest 45 Butter & Sugar Corns
Store 20 Trees in an Orchard
Luckily, you can purchase trees that aren't native to the Lighthouse Cove - like old fruit trees that cost just a few hundred coins each, so feel free to fill an Orchard with those. The Fertilizers, meanwhile, are earned through another news feed item. Once you finish this goal, you'll earn 300 XP, 1 Red Oak Tree and 2,500 coins.
Once you finish this trio of goals, you'll have finished the first "Chapter" in the Lighthouse Cove goal series. We're told that new "tasks" will be released in Lighthouse Cove every week, for an undisclosed amount of weeks, however, so we'll make sure to give you a look at every new set of guys just as soon as they're released.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
What do you think of these new Lighthouse Cove goals? Do they serve their purpose of introducing you to this new farm, or should they be more difficult?
FarmVille Repairing the Lighthouse Cove: Everything you need to know
One of the biggest elements of FarmVille's new Lighthouse Cove farm will come in actually repairing the dock and lighthouse after a huge storm wiped them out. This is done via item collection, using the three new tools found in the Lighthouse Cove proper: Logs, Stones and Steel Beams. As of this writing, there look to be 10 different levels for upgrades you can provide to the "Lighthouse Cove" itself, with the starting level requiring just three each of those Logs, Stones and Steel Beams. This removes the seaweed and debris from the water, but does little else.
As you continually repair, or level up your Lighthouse Cove (of course, each level takes more and more of each building material), you'll see visual transformations reflecting those repairs. This is important to note, as repairing the cove will be the only way to draw out animals like dolphins, which serve an (as of now) still unknown purpose. Your friends can send you more of these parts, or you can purchase them outright for Farm Cash.
On top of all of this, the Lighthouse Cove can actually be "harvested," once per day, giving you a chance to find "sea" bushels, like Clams. These bushels are then placed into a Market Stall for your friends to use, if they so choose.
We're sure that the upgrades given to the Lighthouse Cove will have a much larger effect on the game sometime in the future, but for right now, just focus on getting through the first few levels, while still trying to complete all of those new goals as well.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you started repairing your Lighthouse Cove area, or are you waiting for the free passes to be handed out to FarmVille players? What will be the first thing you do when landing in Lighthouse Cove?
As you continually repair, or level up your Lighthouse Cove (of course, each level takes more and more of each building material), you'll see visual transformations reflecting those repairs. This is important to note, as repairing the cove will be the only way to draw out animals like dolphins, which serve an (as of now) still unknown purpose. Your friends can send you more of these parts, or you can purchase them outright for Farm Cash.
On top of all of this, the Lighthouse Cove can actually be "harvested," once per day, giving you a chance to find "sea" bushels, like Clams. These bushels are then placed into a Market Stall for your friends to use, if they so choose.
We're sure that the upgrades given to the Lighthouse Cove will have a much larger effect on the game sometime in the future, but for right now, just focus on getting through the first few levels, while still trying to complete all of those new goals as well.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you started repairing your Lighthouse Cove area, or are you waiting for the free passes to be handed out to FarmVille players? What will be the first thing you do when landing in Lighthouse Cove?
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Bonus Challenge Goals: Everything you need to know
While you're busy working on the first "introductory" chapter of goals in FarmVille's new Lighthouse Cove, keep in mind that three additional goals will soon fall onto your plate in the form of Bonus Challenges. Here's a complete look at these goals, which have a full month long time limit (that is, once they're given to you, not from today).
Bonus Challenge 1
Get 3 Hobby Horses
Harvest 70 Cove Cranberries
Improve the Cove to Level 4
As we told you earlier this evening, you'll "improve" your Cove by repairing the Lighthouse Cove dock and lighthouse area using Steel Beams, Logs and Stones. Once you reach level four, you'll apparently have the ability to draw out dolphins, so watch out for that! Finishing this first goal gives you 500 XP, a Fisherman / Fishing Gnome and 2,500 coins.
Bonus Challenge 2
Harvest 90 Chandler Blueberries
Expand to a Harbor Homestead
Make Wild Blueberry Pie Twice
Here's where things get a bit complicated. While Wild Blueberry Pies are fairly self-explanatory, and must be crafted inside the Level 2 Restaurant, the Harbor Homestead is the third homestead expansion option in Lighthouse Cove, and it costs 50 Farm Cash. To make matters worse, the two expansion before it? Yeah, they cost Farm Cash too - 30 and 40 Farm Cash each, to be specific. I'm sure there will be coin options released eventually, but keep this in mind for now. Once you finish this goal, you'll receive 1,000 XP, a Tulip Poplar Tree and 2,500 coins.
Bonus Challenge 3
Harvest Lighthouse Cove
Make Black Raspberry Wine Twice
Harvest the Zoo
Unfortunately, it looks like you might have to build another Zoo to finish this goal, on top of those you may have on other farms. Check out our guide to building a Zoo for more details. Also, as you might have guessed, the Black Raspberry Wine is another crafting recipe, also requiring a Level 2 Restaurant. Finishing this final Bonus Challenge goal gives you 500 XP, a Gorilla, ten Animal Feeds and 2,500 coins.
Zynga has said previously that new content will be added to the Lighthouse Cove every week (for a few weeks, anyhow), so keep checking back with us and we'll make sure to keep you up to date as new items are added.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Are these Bonus Challenges worth doing? Do you appreciate a real challenge in your goals, or do you wish these goals were less complex?
Bonus Challenge 1
Get 3 Hobby Horses
Harvest 70 Cove Cranberries
Improve the Cove to Level 4
As we told you earlier this evening, you'll "improve" your Cove by repairing the Lighthouse Cove dock and lighthouse area using Steel Beams, Logs and Stones. Once you reach level four, you'll apparently have the ability to draw out dolphins, so watch out for that! Finishing this first goal gives you 500 XP, a Fisherman / Fishing Gnome and 2,500 coins.
Bonus Challenge 2
Harvest 90 Chandler Blueberries
Expand to a Harbor Homestead
Make Wild Blueberry Pie Twice
Here's where things get a bit complicated. While Wild Blueberry Pies are fairly self-explanatory, and must be crafted inside the Level 2 Restaurant, the Harbor Homestead is the third homestead expansion option in Lighthouse Cove, and it costs 50 Farm Cash. To make matters worse, the two expansion before it? Yeah, they cost Farm Cash too - 30 and 40 Farm Cash each, to be specific. I'm sure there will be coin options released eventually, but keep this in mind for now. Once you finish this goal, you'll receive 1,000 XP, a Tulip Poplar Tree and 2,500 coins.
Bonus Challenge 3
Harvest Lighthouse Cove
Make Black Raspberry Wine Twice
Harvest the Zoo
Unfortunately, it looks like you might have to build another Zoo to finish this goal, on top of those you may have on other farms. Check out our guide to building a Zoo for more details. Also, as you might have guessed, the Black Raspberry Wine is another crafting recipe, also requiring a Level 2 Restaurant. Finishing this final Bonus Challenge goal gives you 500 XP, a Gorilla, ten Animal Feeds and 2,500 coins.
Zynga has said previously that new content will be added to the Lighthouse Cove every week (for a few weeks, anyhow), so keep checking back with us and we'll make sure to keep you up to date as new items are added.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Are these Bonus Challenges worth doing? Do you appreciate a real challenge in your goals, or do you wish these goals were less complex?
FarmVille Lighthouse Cove Crops: Everything you need to know
Just as was the case with the launch of the English Countryside in FarmVille, Lighthouse Cove has been given plenty of new crops to get you started. If you're looking for a way to earn more mastery signs, or if you enjoy crafting recipes inside your new Restaurant, you'll want to take a look at these crops to see what to expect as you play in this third farm.
Darrow Blackberry
Costs: 30 coins
Growth Time: 4 Hours
Earns: 60 coins
XP Gained: 0
Hay
Costs: 30 coins
Growth Time: 1 Day
Earns: 135 coins
XP Gained: 3
Chandler Blueberry
Costs: 45 coins
Growth Time: 8 Hours
Earns: 85 coins
XP Gained: 1
Lady Slipper
Costs: 50 coins
Growth Time: 8 hours
Earns: 100 coins
XP Gained: 1
Kennebec Potato
Costs: 60 coins
Growth Time: 1 Day
Earns: 155 coins
XP Gained: 3
Cove Cranberry
Costs: 65 coins
Growth Time: 1 Day
Earns: 170 coins
XP Gained: 3
Daylily
Costs: 70 coins
Growth Time: 16 Hours
Earns: 150 coins
XP Gained: 2
Butter & Sugar Corn
Costs: 90 coins
Growth Time: 12 Hours
Earns: 145 coins
XP Gained: 2
Tarragon
Costs: 110 coins
Growth Time: 10 Hours
Earns: 160 coins
XP Gained: 1
Red Clover
Costs: 120 coins
Growth Time: 1 Day
Earns: 225 coins
XP Gained: 3
Cauliflower
Costs: 125 coins
Growth Time: 2 Days
Earns: 350 coins
XP Gained: 4
Dill
Costs: 135 coins
Growth Time: 12 Hours
Earns: 190 coins
XP Gained: 2
While there's plenty of XP to be earned with some of these crops, keep in mind that if you want to complete all of the goals already available in Lighthouse Cove, your options for planting crops will be fairly limited, as you'll be "forced" to grow what the goals require. Even with that being the case, these crops look to be the permanent options for this new farm, so you don't have to rush to master them all. Just plant them when you have some free time and you'll earn all of those new mastery signs eventually.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Which of these crops do you think will be your favorite? Do you grow crops based on what they look like, or based on their stats?
Darrow Blackberry
Costs: 30 coins
Growth Time: 4 Hours
Earns: 60 coins
XP Gained: 0
Hay
Costs: 30 coins
Growth Time: 1 Day
Earns: 135 coins
XP Gained: 3
Chandler Blueberry
Costs: 45 coins
Growth Time: 8 Hours
Earns: 85 coins
XP Gained: 1
Lady Slipper
Costs: 50 coins
Growth Time: 8 hours
Earns: 100 coins
XP Gained: 1
Kennebec Potato
Costs: 60 coins
Growth Time: 1 Day
Earns: 155 coins
XP Gained: 3
Cove Cranberry
Costs: 65 coins
Growth Time: 1 Day
Earns: 170 coins
XP Gained: 3
Daylily
Costs: 70 coins
Growth Time: 16 Hours
Earns: 150 coins
XP Gained: 2
Butter & Sugar Corn
Costs: 90 coins
Growth Time: 12 Hours
Earns: 145 coins
XP Gained: 2
Tarragon
Costs: 110 coins
Growth Time: 10 Hours
Earns: 160 coins
XP Gained: 1
Red Clover
Costs: 120 coins
Growth Time: 1 Day
Earns: 225 coins
XP Gained: 3
Cauliflower
Costs: 125 coins
Growth Time: 2 Days
Earns: 350 coins
XP Gained: 4
Dill
Costs: 135 coins
Growth Time: 12 Hours
Earns: 190 coins
XP Gained: 2
While there's plenty of XP to be earned with some of these crops, keep in mind that if you want to complete all of the goals already available in Lighthouse Cove, your options for planting crops will be fairly limited, as you'll be "forced" to grow what the goals require. Even with that being the case, these crops look to be the permanent options for this new farm, so you don't have to rush to master them all. Just plant them when you have some free time and you'll earn all of those new mastery signs eventually.
Check out the rest of our FarmVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Which of these crops do you think will be your favorite? Do you grow crops based on what they look like, or based on their stats?
Adventure World Cheats & Tips Guide
In Zynga's Adventure World, you'll explore volcanoes, search ruins, fight monsters, trek across mountains, wade through swamps, and eventually discover El Dorado itself! Adventure World is 40 times bigger than any of Zynga's other games, and its jam-packed with difficult puzzles and mysteries. That's where our Adventure World Cheats & Tips Guide comes in.
Adventure World is nothing like FarmVille, CityVille, or any of Zynga's other games. But luckily we have the Adventure World cheats and tips to get you through the game without a hitch. Whether you're an Adventure World know-it-all or you're just getting started, I guarantee you'll learn all kinds of cheats, tricks, and more from our Adventure World Cheats & Tips Guide.
Older posts can be found at the bottom of the list.
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Radio Tower Expedition Guide
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Native Negotiations Expedition Guide
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Crash Site Expedition Guide
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Last Stand Expedition Guide
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Temple of the Mask Expedition Guide
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Great Stampede Expedition Guide
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Trail of Fire Guide
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Haunted Village Guide
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Poacher Ploy Expedition
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Poacher Peak Expedition
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Poacher Problem Guide adventure world cheats rewardsAdventure World Cheat & Tips:
Rewards Guide
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Quaking Mine Guide
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Danger Mine Guide
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Mountain Chase Guide
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Cave of Montezuma Guide
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Tool Upgrade Guide
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Deep Jungle Quests Guide
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Base Camp Expansion Guide
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Expedition Mastery Guide adventure world cheats zynga faq questionsAdventure World Cheats & Tips:
FAQ - Zynga answers our questions
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Snake Marsh Expedition Guide
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Prologue Quests Guide adventure world cheats previewAdventure World Cheats & Tips:
Preview
Check out our other guides:
cityville cheats guideCityVille Cheats & Tips Guide empires allies cheatsEmpires & Allies Cheats & Tips Guide
Click here to play Adventure World on Facebook Now >
Do you have any more Adventure World Cheats & Tips? Or looking for friends to play the game with? Leave a post in the comments below!
Adventure World is nothing like FarmVille, CityVille, or any of Zynga's other games. But luckily we have the Adventure World cheats and tips to get you through the game without a hitch. Whether you're an Adventure World know-it-all or you're just getting started, I guarantee you'll learn all kinds of cheats, tricks, and more from our Adventure World Cheats & Tips Guide.
Older posts can be found at the bottom of the list.
adventure world cheats radio tower expedition Adventure World Cheats & Tips:
Radio Tower Expedition Guide
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Native Negotiations Expedition Guide
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Crash Site Expedition Guide
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Last Stand Expedition Guide
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Temple of the Mask Expedition Guide
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Great Stampede Expedition Guide
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Trail of Fire Guide
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Haunted Village Guide
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Poacher Ploy Expedition
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Poacher Peak Expedition
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Poacher Problem Guide adventure world cheats rewardsAdventure World Cheat & Tips:
Rewards Guide
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Quaking Mine Guide
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Danger Mine Guide
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Mountain Chase Guide
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Cave of Montezuma Guide
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Tool Upgrade Guide
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Deep Jungle Quests Guide
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Base Camp Expansion Guide
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Expedition Mastery Guide adventure world cheats zynga faq questionsAdventure World Cheats & Tips:
FAQ - Zynga answers our questions
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Jungle Run Expedition Guide adventure world cheats snake marshAdventure World Cheats & Tips:
Snake Marsh Expedition Guide
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Prologue Quests Guide adventure world cheats previewAdventure World Cheats & Tips:
Preview
Check out our other guides:
cityville cheats guideCityVille Cheats & Tips Guide empires allies cheatsEmpires & Allies Cheats & Tips Guide
Click here to play Adventure World on Facebook Now >
Do you have any more Adventure World Cheats & Tips? Or looking for friends to play the game with? Leave a post in the comments below!
Idle Games shows first game Idle Worship's true social colors [Video]
Since co-founding social game hit maker Playdom, Rick Thompson has grown tired of the friend bar beneath Faecbook games. No, scratch that: He's grown tired of the way traditional Facebook games operate ... period. His contempt for this arguably tired form of Facebook game has helped spawn Idle Games and its first ever Facebook game, Idle Worship.
We first heard word of the potentially revolutionary social game way back in April, and Idle Games has launched the game into a closed beta test before presenting it to the audience of TechCrunch Disrupt, an event in San Francisco celebrating tech startups ran by TechCrunch. The overall gameplay of Idle Worship hasn't changed since we first heard about it, but now we have fancy video that reveals more of what the game is all about.
Through Idle Games's Idle Engine, Idle Worship does away with the friend found in almost all social games. Instead, your island of Mudlings (the people you oversee with either benevolence or tyranny) will be surrounded by not only your friends' islands, but players' islands based on how their Facebook profiles match up with your own.
Going even further, the game will slowly curate which of your friendships are stronger by bringing more active friends closer to your island, which is always at the center, and pushing your inactive friends away from your island. And, according to Idle Games CEO Jeffrey Hyman, your interactions with your friends will send ripples throughout the entire game in real time.
Through innovations like these, Hyman aims for Idle Games to become "the Pixar of casual games," according to TechCrunch. To better understand what we mean, check out Hyman's presentation below, and sign up for the ongoing closed beta test of the game right here.
Do you plan on signing up for the closed beta test of Idle Worship? What excites you most (or doesn't excite you) about the game?
We first heard word of the potentially revolutionary social game way back in April, and Idle Games has launched the game into a closed beta test before presenting it to the audience of TechCrunch Disrupt, an event in San Francisco celebrating tech startups ran by TechCrunch. The overall gameplay of Idle Worship hasn't changed since we first heard about it, but now we have fancy video that reveals more of what the game is all about.
Through Idle Games's Idle Engine, Idle Worship does away with the friend found in almost all social games. Instead, your island of Mudlings (the people you oversee with either benevolence or tyranny) will be surrounded by not only your friends' islands, but players' islands based on how their Facebook profiles match up with your own.
Going even further, the game will slowly curate which of your friendships are stronger by bringing more active friends closer to your island, which is always at the center, and pushing your inactive friends away from your island. And, according to Idle Games CEO Jeffrey Hyman, your interactions with your friends will send ripples throughout the entire game in real time.
Through innovations like these, Hyman aims for Idle Games to become "the Pixar of casual games," according to TechCrunch. To better understand what we mean, check out Hyman's presentation below, and sign up for the ongoing closed beta test of the game right here.
Do you plan on signing up for the closed beta test of Idle Worship? What excites you most (or doesn't excite you) about the game?
Have the (retro) time of your life in Dirty Dancing on Facebook
When we first found that a Dirty Dancing Facebook game was in the works, I admittedly almost thought I was dreaming. But nay, it is, in fact, real and has officially launched on the platform. Toronto-based developer Social Game Universe and Lionsgate have released a retro-inspired social homage to one of the arguably greatest '80s flicks of all time. (Personally, it's not my schtick, but even I wouldn't argue with the 10.9 million fans of Dirty Dancing on Facebook.)
"We wanted to create a game that would not only capture the essence and aesthetic of the Dirty Dancing film, but also offer Facebook gamers an opportunity to experience it in a whole new way," Social Game Universe CEO Nathon Gunn said in a release. "By enabling players to partner with their Facebook friends to generate love and romance at Kellerman's, they can add their own unique spin to the game, creating a different social experience for each player."
Just like we heard before, players will essentially curate an 8-bit version of the Kellerman's Resort from the movie through little blasts of lovey-dovey stuff called Romance Waves, which will make your guests stay longer. Players, guided by either Johnny or Baby from the classic film (Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, respectively), perform dance rehearsals with combinations of different dance techniques to garner more Romance Waves.
Upon starting the game, each player chooses their own style of dance from a small selection, which becomes their permanent style. When recruiting friends asynchronously for dance rehearsals comprised of three dancers, you will unlock new dance combinations and collect even more Romance Waves to keep guests falling in love, sticking around longer, and spending coins on your various attractions.
Dirty Dancing Facebook in Action
To keep faithful to its legendary source material, every Romance Wave blast will let out clips from songs featured in Dirty Dancing's Oscar-winning soundtrack. And as players discover new dance rehearsal combinations, they will unlock secret combinations for big Romance Wave rewards. Of course, you can also boost your progress by spending Watermelons, the game's paid currency, on decorations and attractions to get your guests to spend.
This all creates a cycle of finding new dance routines through combining your friends' dance styles in new ways, bursts of Romance and expanding and restoring your version of the Kellerman's Resort. As you keep you and your friends' feet tapping and romancing, you can take pictures of your resort and share them with friends as well as help them out by visiting. And hey, if you're patiently waiting for the next Dirty Dancing flick to hit in 2013, maybe this will hold you over.
Click here to play Dirty Dancing on Facebook Now >
If you've tried the game already on Facebook, what do you think of it so far? Will you be playing this in anticipation of the next film?
"We wanted to create a game that would not only capture the essence and aesthetic of the Dirty Dancing film, but also offer Facebook gamers an opportunity to experience it in a whole new way," Social Game Universe CEO Nathon Gunn said in a release. "By enabling players to partner with their Facebook friends to generate love and romance at Kellerman's, they can add their own unique spin to the game, creating a different social experience for each player."
Just like we heard before, players will essentially curate an 8-bit version of the Kellerman's Resort from the movie through little blasts of lovey-dovey stuff called Romance Waves, which will make your guests stay longer. Players, guided by either Johnny or Baby from the classic film (Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, respectively), perform dance rehearsals with combinations of different dance techniques to garner more Romance Waves.
Upon starting the game, each player chooses their own style of dance from a small selection, which becomes their permanent style. When recruiting friends asynchronously for dance rehearsals comprised of three dancers, you will unlock new dance combinations and collect even more Romance Waves to keep guests falling in love, sticking around longer, and spending coins on your various attractions.
Dirty Dancing Facebook in Action
To keep faithful to its legendary source material, every Romance Wave blast will let out clips from songs featured in Dirty Dancing's Oscar-winning soundtrack. And as players discover new dance rehearsal combinations, they will unlock secret combinations for big Romance Wave rewards. Of course, you can also boost your progress by spending Watermelons, the game's paid currency, on decorations and attractions to get your guests to spend.
This all creates a cycle of finding new dance routines through combining your friends' dance styles in new ways, bursts of Romance and expanding and restoring your version of the Kellerman's Resort. As you keep you and your friends' feet tapping and romancing, you can take pictures of your resort and share them with friends as well as help them out by visiting. And hey, if you're patiently waiting for the next Dirty Dancing flick to hit in 2013, maybe this will hold you over.
Click here to play Dirty Dancing on Facebook Now >
If you've tried the game already on Facebook, what do you think of it so far? Will you be playing this in anticipation of the next film?
Game of the Day: Bomboozle 2
bomboozle 2 game of the dayMatch like-colored blobs together in groups of three or more to frantically collect oodles of points. If match you match five or more blobs, you'll receive a bomb to unleash carnage on a massive scale. But if you only match 3, a pesky skull will drop into play that can only be destroyed by one of those devastating bombs. Run out of possible moves though, and the fun's all over.
As you progress, you discover new blobs that make Bomboozle 2 even trickier. Fortunately, as you keep bursting blob chains, you'll fill up your power up meters located at the bottom of the boards. As you'll soon discover, these can be invaluable in a tight spot. So be sure to flip, rearrange, and explode your way out of trouble. There are a bunch of different ways to play Bomboozle, so choose a mode and have fun!
Click here to play Bomboozle 2!
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Pro Tips:
Sure the bomb explosions are awesome, but don't over use them. If you ever see a combo of 4 or more, make that your next move rather than a bomb.
Try to save your bombs for when they are all within range of each other. That way when you do detonate a bomb, it will set off a chain reaction and clear the board.
Like bombs, don't use your power ups (located at the bottom of the board) too often. Save them up for when you really need them. For example, if you have a ton of skulls at the bottom of the board and a couple treasure chests at the top, that would be a great time to use the board flip power up.
As you progress, you discover new blobs that make Bomboozle 2 even trickier. Fortunately, as you keep bursting blob chains, you'll fill up your power up meters located at the bottom of the boards. As you'll soon discover, these can be invaluable in a tight spot. So be sure to flip, rearrange, and explode your way out of trouble. There are a bunch of different ways to play Bomboozle, so choose a mode and have fun!
Click here to play Bomboozle 2!
bomboozle 2 game of the day bomboozle 2 game of the day
Pro Tips:
Sure the bomb explosions are awesome, but don't over use them. If you ever see a combo of 4 or more, make that your next move rather than a bomb.
Try to save your bombs for when they are all within range of each other. That way when you do detonate a bomb, it will set off a chain reaction and clear the board.
Like bombs, don't use your power ups (located at the bottom of the board) too often. Save them up for when you really need them. For example, if you have a ton of skulls at the bottom of the board and a couple treasure chests at the top, that would be a great time to use the board flip power up.
Have the (retro) time of your life in Dirty Dancing on Facebook
When we first found that a Dirty Dancing Facebook game was in the works, I admittedly almost thought I was dreaming. But nay, it is, in fact, real and has officially launched on the platform. Toronto-based developer Social Game Universe and Lionsgate have released a retro-inspired social homage to one of the arguably greatest '80s flicks of all time. (Personally, it's not my schtick, but even I wouldn't argue with the 10.9 million fans of Dirty Dancing on Facebook.)
"We wanted to create a game that would not only capture the essence and aesthetic of the Dirty Dancing film, but also offer Facebook gamers an opportunity to experience it in a whole new way," Social Game Universe CEO Nathon Gunn said in a release. "By enabling players to partner with their Facebook friends to generate love and romance at Kellerman's, they can add their own unique spin to the game, creating a different social experience for each player."
Just like we heard before, players will essentially curate an 8-bit version of the Kellerman's Resort from the movie through little blasts of lovey-dovey stuff called Romance Waves, which will make your guests stay longer. Players, guided by either Johnny or Baby from the classic film (Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, respectively), perform dance rehearsals with combinations of different dance techniques to garner more Romance Waves.
Upon starting the game, each player chooses their own style of dance from a small selection, which becomes their permanent style. When recruiting friends asynchronously for dance rehearsals comprised of three dancers, you will unlock new dance combinations and collect even more Romance Waves to keep guests falling in love, sticking around longer, and spending coins on your various attractions.
Dirty Dancing Facebook in Action
To keep faithful to its legendary source material, every Romance Wave blast will let out clips from songs featured in Dirty Dancing's Oscar-winning soundtrack. And as players discover new dance rehearsal combinations, they will unlock secret combinations for big Romance Wave rewards. Of course, you can also boost your progress by spending Watermelons, the game's paid currency, on decorations and attractions to get your guests to spend.
This all creates a cycle of finding new dance routines through combining your friends' dance styles in new ways, bursts of Romance and expanding and restoring your version of the Kellerman's Resort. As you keep you and your friends' feet tapping and romancing, you can take pictures of your resort and share them with friends as well as help them out by visiting. And hey, if you're patiently waiting for the next Dirty Dancing flick to hit in 2013, maybe this will hold you over.
Click here to play Dirty Dancing on Facebook Now >
If you've tried the game already on Facebook, what do you think of it so far? Will you be playing this in anticipation of the next film?
"We wanted to create a game that would not only capture the essence and aesthetic of the Dirty Dancing film, but also offer Facebook gamers an opportunity to experience it in a whole new way," Social Game Universe CEO Nathon Gunn said in a release. "By enabling players to partner with their Facebook friends to generate love and romance at Kellerman's, they can add their own unique spin to the game, creating a different social experience for each player."
Just like we heard before, players will essentially curate an 8-bit version of the Kellerman's Resort from the movie through little blasts of lovey-dovey stuff called Romance Waves, which will make your guests stay longer. Players, guided by either Johnny or Baby from the classic film (Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, respectively), perform dance rehearsals with combinations of different dance techniques to garner more Romance Waves.
Upon starting the game, each player chooses their own style of dance from a small selection, which becomes their permanent style. When recruiting friends asynchronously for dance rehearsals comprised of three dancers, you will unlock new dance combinations and collect even more Romance Waves to keep guests falling in love, sticking around longer, and spending coins on your various attractions.
Dirty Dancing Facebook in Action
To keep faithful to its legendary source material, every Romance Wave blast will let out clips from songs featured in Dirty Dancing's Oscar-winning soundtrack. And as players discover new dance rehearsal combinations, they will unlock secret combinations for big Romance Wave rewards. Of course, you can also boost your progress by spending Watermelons, the game's paid currency, on decorations and attractions to get your guests to spend.
This all creates a cycle of finding new dance routines through combining your friends' dance styles in new ways, bursts of Romance and expanding and restoring your version of the Kellerman's Resort. As you keep you and your friends' feet tapping and romancing, you can take pictures of your resort and share them with friends as well as help them out by visiting. And hey, if you're patiently waiting for the next Dirty Dancing flick to hit in 2013, maybe this will hold you over.
Click here to play Dirty Dancing on Facebook Now >
If you've tried the game already on Facebook, what do you think of it so far? Will you be playing this in anticipation of the next film?
Thứ Tư, 14 tháng 12, 2011
Infographic: 35 percent of social gamers never played video games
First, it's understood that social games are dominated by soap-loving casual gamers. Then, we find that the amount of hardcore gamers on Facebook are growing. After that, it's found that a large amount of social game fans actually own game consoles. Now, an infographic by Mashable reports that a whopping "35 percent of social gamers have no previous gaming experience."
If anything, we now know that social game fans are the most diverse group of gamers the industry has ever seen. Well, it's either that or at least one of the upteen studies, infographics or surveys on the topic is completely wrong. Mashable's Zachary Sniderman also found in his research, titled "The Economics of Social Gaming," that one in every five Americans over the age of six has played a social game. That figure amounts to nearly 60 million Americans.
Of course, the infographic finds that Facebook is the dominant social game platform, with 83 percent of social gamers using the social network to get their daily farming fix. What's most interesting is the finding that 28 percent of U.S. and UK-based social game fans have paid real money for virtual currency. This is leaps and bounds beyond usual the 3 to 5 percent figure thrown around to estimate the amount of paying social gamers
Keep in mind while reading this fancy-looking infographic that the term "social gamer" could mean anything from fans of free-to-play games like MapleStory to Facebook games and perhaps even mobile social games. At this point, what's important to take away is that social game fans could very well be the most diverse type of gamer from demographics to play habits.
What do you think of these new numbers compared to studies released in the past? Are you part of the 35 percent that has never played a traditional game before social games?
If anything, we now know that social game fans are the most diverse group of gamers the industry has ever seen. Well, it's either that or at least one of the upteen studies, infographics or surveys on the topic is completely wrong. Mashable's Zachary Sniderman also found in his research, titled "The Economics of Social Gaming," that one in every five Americans over the age of six has played a social game. That figure amounts to nearly 60 million Americans.
Of course, the infographic finds that Facebook is the dominant social game platform, with 83 percent of social gamers using the social network to get their daily farming fix. What's most interesting is the finding that 28 percent of U.S. and UK-based social game fans have paid real money for virtual currency. This is leaps and bounds beyond usual the 3 to 5 percent figure thrown around to estimate the amount of paying social gamers
Keep in mind while reading this fancy-looking infographic that the term "social gamer" could mean anything from fans of free-to-play games like MapleStory to Facebook games and perhaps even mobile social games. At this point, what's important to take away is that social game fans could very well be the most diverse type of gamer from demographics to play habits.
What do you think of these new numbers compared to studies released in the past? Are you part of the 35 percent that has never played a traditional game before social games?
Lady Gaga says gaga-game over to Moshi Monsters' Lady Goo Goo
Lady Gaga has finally seen the Lady Goo Goo music video that garnered millions of views on YouTube, and she didn't like it. Developer Mind Candy announced that Lady Gaga slapped the Moshi Monsters creator with an injunction over "The Moshi Dance," preventing the song's release as a single on iTunes through Mind Candy's new Moshi Music division.
Lady Gaga's lawyers were granted the injunction during an Oct. 10 hearing at the New Rolls building in London, England. More specifically, the injunction keeps Mind Candy from "promoting, advertising, selling, distributing or otherwise making available to the public The Moshi Dance OR any musical work or video which purports to be performed by a character by the name of Lady Goo Goo, or which otherwise uses the name Lady Goo Goo or any variant thereon," according to a release.
Mind Candy says that the lawyer's basis for the injunction was that kids may not be able to tell the difference between the cartoon Lady Goo Goo and the very real Lady Gaga. "This court ruling is a huge disappointment," Mind Candy founder and CEO Michael Acton Smith said in a release. "It's pretty obvious that kids will be able to tell the difference between the two characters. The shame is that millions of kids fell in love with Lady Goo Goo's debut single on YouTube and now won't be able to enjoy her musical exploits. It was all done in the name of fun and we would have thought that Lady Gaga could have seen the humour behind this parody."
Well, we can certainly understand Mind Candy's reasoning: There is no way kids would mistake this terribly annoying song (this writer is also much older than seven) for the real Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" (also fairly unbearable). However, it's clear that Mind Candy looked to turn a profit from the parody, which is right about when the lawyers swoop down in any situation. In other news, Moshi Monsters has over 50 million players with plans for yet another Nintendo DS game--they're doing just fine.
Were you a fan of Lady Goo Goo's "The Moshi Dance"? Do you think Lady Gaga's lawyers were right in ordering for an injunction against Mind Candy over the parody?
Lady Gaga's lawyers were granted the injunction during an Oct. 10 hearing at the New Rolls building in London, England. More specifically, the injunction keeps Mind Candy from "promoting, advertising, selling, distributing or otherwise making available to the public The Moshi Dance OR any musical work or video which purports to be performed by a character by the name of Lady Goo Goo, or which otherwise uses the name Lady Goo Goo or any variant thereon," according to a release.
Mind Candy says that the lawyer's basis for the injunction was that kids may not be able to tell the difference between the cartoon Lady Goo Goo and the very real Lady Gaga. "This court ruling is a huge disappointment," Mind Candy founder and CEO Michael Acton Smith said in a release. "It's pretty obvious that kids will be able to tell the difference between the two characters. The shame is that millions of kids fell in love with Lady Goo Goo's debut single on YouTube and now won't be able to enjoy her musical exploits. It was all done in the name of fun and we would have thought that Lady Gaga could have seen the humour behind this parody."
Well, we can certainly understand Mind Candy's reasoning: There is no way kids would mistake this terribly annoying song (this writer is also much older than seven) for the real Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" (also fairly unbearable). However, it's clear that Mind Candy looked to turn a profit from the parody, which is right about when the lawyers swoop down in any situation. In other news, Moshi Monsters has over 50 million players with plans for yet another Nintendo DS game--they're doing just fine.
Were you a fan of Lady Goo Goo's "The Moshi Dance"? Do you think Lady Gaga's lawyers were right in ordering for an injunction against Mind Candy over the parody?
RockYou to cast Hooked into Facebook's waters next week [Exclusive]
Between Zoo World and Gourmet Ranch (among other titles), Facebook developer RockYou lays claim to over five million monthly active players. Hoping to add to that player base, we've received exclusive info from developers on the company's newest title--Hooked--set to launch in beta sometime next week.
Hooked is the first title from RockYou's new studio in Redwood City, California, and it offers casino-style video poker and slots in the popular 60-second "blitz" gameplay format. The game's theme is an "undersea fantasy world" (just check out those adorable card fish in the logo), and it will offer various gameplay modes depending on each user's desired play style.
You'll be able to play in synchronous multiplayer, along with a solo mode. Both modes offer a variety of weekly leaderboards that will compare your stats to your friends. When the game launches in beta next week, early adopters will be given extra incentive to come back through "Tickets," which seem to be a type of currency that we'll be able to use on a variety of different features that won't yet be available at launch, but will come soon after release.
One feature we do know of however will be cross-platform capabilities, as a mobile version of Hooked will launch shortly after the launch of Hooked on Facebook. The specific mobile platforms weren't made clear to us, but we'll make sure to follow up with that as we know more. Looking forward to playing Hooked when it launches on Facebook? Check back with us next week as we'll hopefully be able to take a look at RockYou's new title in all of its underwater, animated glory.
Do you like 60-second, fast-paced gameplay setups, or do you enjoy games that aren't rushed, allowing you to really take your time?
Hooked is the first title from RockYou's new studio in Redwood City, California, and it offers casino-style video poker and slots in the popular 60-second "blitz" gameplay format. The game's theme is an "undersea fantasy world" (just check out those adorable card fish in the logo), and it will offer various gameplay modes depending on each user's desired play style.
You'll be able to play in synchronous multiplayer, along with a solo mode. Both modes offer a variety of weekly leaderboards that will compare your stats to your friends. When the game launches in beta next week, early adopters will be given extra incentive to come back through "Tickets," which seem to be a type of currency that we'll be able to use on a variety of different features that won't yet be available at launch, but will come soon after release.
One feature we do know of however will be cross-platform capabilities, as a mobile version of Hooked will launch shortly after the launch of Hooked on Facebook. The specific mobile platforms weren't made clear to us, but we'll make sure to follow up with that as we know more. Looking forward to playing Hooked when it launches on Facebook? Check back with us next week as we'll hopefully be able to take a look at RockYou's new title in all of its underwater, animated glory.
Do you like 60-second, fast-paced gameplay setups, or do you enjoy games that aren't rushed, allowing you to really take your time?
Woodland Heroes hits Facebook with furiously furry (and cute) strategy
Facebook games (and their developers) kind of have a thing for cute, furry creatures. Well, it seems more like an obsession at this point, and while start up studio Orlando, Fla.-based Row Sham Bow isn't exactly helping the situation with Woodland Heroes on Facebook. Though, at least its debut social game takes the furriness in a decidedly new direction ... one that involves catapulting pigs.
Woodland Heroes pits players against the evil King Bear as he tears across the raccoons' treasured forest land with massive armies. The game has you fighting back enemy forces with giant weapons made of sticks and stones (get it?) that launch everything from pigs to acorns in a modern if adorable take on Battleship meets Risk. (Players have to defend captured territories.)
The game, which seems to have launched in early October, looks to straddle the ground between hardcore strategy social games with its combat system and progression and casual games with its approachable characters. According to the company's website, Row Sham Bow is comprised largely of industry veterans, namely from EA Sports.
"Fascinated by the free-to-play space," the company looks to bring fun to social games. Well, raccoons facing bears in epic battles, flinging pigs and boulders at one another is certainly a step in the right direction. Now, all Row Sham Bow needs is to approach Trey Parker and Matt Stone for what would make for an awesome Facebook game.
Click here to play Woodland Heroes on Facebook Now >
Have you hopped into the strategy sub genre of games on Facebook yet? What do you think of Row Sham Bow's debut in Facebook games?
Woodland Heroes pits players against the evil King Bear as he tears across the raccoons' treasured forest land with massive armies. The game has you fighting back enemy forces with giant weapons made of sticks and stones (get it?) that launch everything from pigs to acorns in a modern if adorable take on Battleship meets Risk. (Players have to defend captured territories.)
The game, which seems to have launched in early October, looks to straddle the ground between hardcore strategy social games with its combat system and progression and casual games with its approachable characters. According to the company's website, Row Sham Bow is comprised largely of industry veterans, namely from EA Sports.
"Fascinated by the free-to-play space," the company looks to bring fun to social games. Well, raccoons facing bears in epic battles, flinging pigs and boulders at one another is certainly a step in the right direction. Now, all Row Sham Bow needs is to approach Trey Parker and Matt Stone for what would make for an awesome Facebook game.
Click here to play Woodland Heroes on Facebook Now >
Have you hopped into the strategy sub genre of games on Facebook yet? What do you think of Row Sham Bow's debut in Facebook games?
Something is a brewin' for the Angry Birds this Halloween [Video]Something is a brewin' for the Angry Birds this Halloween [Video]
These days, the Angry Birds are almost always up to something. Coming hot off of their tour on the big screen (not that big screen), Rovio has released a teaser trailer for an upcoming update to its mega popular casual game. While we're given no gameplay footage or even a hint as to what version this update will arrive at, we can certainly deduce a lot from this trailer.
The clip sees three tiny blue birds dressed up to trick-or-treat (likely the largely useless cluster birds) come across a spooky camp ground and a bucket with, well, something inside of it. Since the update is undoubtedly Halloween-themed, we're going to guess that this is an update to Angry Birds Seasons. And it almost seems as if a new bird or enemy will join the peeved off little birds.
Remember, this would mark the first anniversary of the Seasons spin-off game, which almost randomly launched as Angry Birds Halloween in 2010. Considering how close we are to the joyous day of gorging on candy and dressing up like idiots, expect Rovio to release more details on this new Angry Birds content shortly.
[Via Pocket Gamer]
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of the teaser trailer for this Angry Birds update? What type of new feature or hook do you think/hope this Halloween content will bring?
The clip sees three tiny blue birds dressed up to trick-or-treat (likely the largely useless cluster birds) come across a spooky camp ground and a bucket with, well, something inside of it. Since the update is undoubtedly Halloween-themed, we're going to guess that this is an update to Angry Birds Seasons. And it almost seems as if a new bird or enemy will join the peeved off little birds.
Remember, this would mark the first anniversary of the Seasons spin-off game, which almost randomly launched as Angry Birds Halloween in 2010. Considering how close we are to the joyous day of gorging on candy and dressing up like idiots, expect Rovio to release more details on this new Angry Birds content shortly.
[Via Pocket Gamer]
Check out the rest of our Halloween coverage right here.
What do you think of the teaser trailer for this Angry Birds update? What type of new feature or hook do you think/hope this Halloween content will bring?
Gardens of Time nabs Best Social Network Game at GDC Online 2011
Playdom has apparently spotted a hit in Gardens of Time on Facebook. The hidden-object game was awarded Best Social Network Game at this year's Game Developers Choice Online Awards last week. Gardens of Time ran against strong competitors like CityVille (Zynga), Dragons of Atlantis (Kabam), FrontierVille (Zynga) and Ravenwood Fair (Lolapps).
According to Playdom, "the award honors the best game launched on a social network, judged in terms of overall depth, execution and quality." While hidden-object games certainly aren't a new genre, but they are new to Facebook, with Gardens of Time being one of the first to hit the platform and garner a healthy 11.1 million monthly players. And Playdom is celebrating.
As a token of thanks to its loyal object finders, the developer is giving all Gardens of Time players an exclusive Fireworks Wagon decoration. (Click here to receive the gift.) Gardens of Time blazed the trail for hidden-object Facebook games in April 2011 to a peak of 14 million monthly players speaking 14 languages.
Of course, the game has, well, inspired other developers to get in on the action. To combat Playdom's head start in the hidden-object sub genre on Facebook, Zynga just announced Hidden Chronicles, though no release date has been given yet. Here's to Playdom hopefully bringing more untapped genres to Facebook (like secret agents?).
Are you a fan of Gardens of Time? Do you think the game deserved the award for Best Social Network Game?
According to Playdom, "the award honors the best game launched on a social network, judged in terms of overall depth, execution and quality." While hidden-object games certainly aren't a new genre, but they are new to Facebook, with Gardens of Time being one of the first to hit the platform and garner a healthy 11.1 million monthly players. And Playdom is celebrating.
As a token of thanks to its loyal object finders, the developer is giving all Gardens of Time players an exclusive Fireworks Wagon decoration. (Click here to receive the gift.) Gardens of Time blazed the trail for hidden-object Facebook games in April 2011 to a peak of 14 million monthly players speaking 14 languages.
Of course, the game has, well, inspired other developers to get in on the action. To combat Playdom's head start in the hidden-object sub genre on Facebook, Zynga just announced Hidden Chronicles, though no release date has been given yet. Here's to Playdom hopefully bringing more untapped genres to Facebook (like secret agents?).
Are you a fan of Gardens of Time? Do you think the game deserved the award for Best Social Network Game?
Snooki, Apps Genius to class it up with eight Facebook, mobile games
Known (by me) as this generation's Jerry Springer without the audience, Jersey Shore has already inspired a Facebook game to mild success. Now, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has teamed up with Apps Genius to develop, sell and distribute up to eight social games and mobile applications on Facebook, Google+, Android and iOS.
The first app, still shrouded in mystery, is set to land this November, while three more games are planned for release throughout the following year. We've certainly heard of games branded around TV shows, but this many games surrounding a single celebrity is certainly setting a precedent.
"These games and applications are my new favorite accessories, and I love them to death," Snooki said in a release. "Having worked on these from the beginning, I know Jersey Shore viewers and my other fans will love them. I can't wait to release the first one that we have been working on with Apps Genius."
That sounds like Snooki all right. The Jersey Shore star and New York Times bestselling author (wait, seriously?) will essentially spearhead Apps Genius's new Celebrity Entertainment division. The Red Bank, New Jersey-based company hopes this will inspire new celebs to hop on board. Well, after the stable of Pauly D games releases, of course.
Are you a Jersey Shore fan (come on, you can admit it)? What do you think of Snooki's plans to release a whopping eight games and apps surrounding, well, her?
The first app, still shrouded in mystery, is set to land this November, while three more games are planned for release throughout the following year. We've certainly heard of games branded around TV shows, but this many games surrounding a single celebrity is certainly setting a precedent.
"These games and applications are my new favorite accessories, and I love them to death," Snooki said in a release. "Having worked on these from the beginning, I know Jersey Shore viewers and my other fans will love them. I can't wait to release the first one that we have been working on with Apps Genius."
That sounds like Snooki all right. The Jersey Shore star and New York Times bestselling author (wait, seriously?) will essentially spearhead Apps Genius's new Celebrity Entertainment division. The Red Bank, New Jersey-based company hopes this will inspire new celebs to hop on board. Well, after the stable of Pauly D games releases, of course.
Are you a Jersey Shore fan (come on, you can admit it)? What do you think of Snooki's plans to release a whopping eight games and apps surrounding, well, her?
Facebook updates formula for active users, player numbers plummet
Just before the weekend, Facebook threw everyone for a loop with a new approach to calculating just how "active" monthly active users are of its thousands of apps, namely social games. And as a result, the numbers of monthly active players of just about every Facebook game and developer have dropped significantly. And we say "significantly" because of Facebook's reasoning behind the change.
"Given that most apps work this way, we're changing our active user figures for Apps on Facebook to publicly report the number of users that authenticate with the app," Facebook's Rushi Desai writes. "We believe this shift from "visitors" to "authenticated users" more accurately reflects the usage of an application, and it brings our measurement methodology for apps into alignment with how we measure engagement on Facebook."
What Facebook is essentially saying is that it is no longer counting the users who visit an app or game's Canvas, but refuse to authenticate the app and leave the page before ever entering the game. Instead, Facebook will now only count the amount of users that actively log into the app or game per month.
CityVille MAU
The company goes on to say that the one-time drop will result in a perceived decline in the number of active users of its many social games and apps, but the number of users actually engaging with the apps is unchanged. But that's just it: Regardless of whether the same rough portion of players have been "actively engaging" with games like CityVille this month, this still means that nearly 20 million people merely visited the app in the last month and did not play the game. And that goes for not just CityVille, but Facebook games across the board.
This is certainly a positive change for all, as it promotes a more accurate measure of just how many players are actually playing these still-massive social games. However, the change reveals how many players are actually logging into these games every month as opposed to merely visiting. And no matter how you slice it, the numbers are smaller than previously imagined.
[Via Inside Facebook]
[Image Credit: AppData]
Do you agree that this new measure is revealing as to just how many active players there are of most Facebook games? Do you think this change will help or hurt Facebook game developers in the long run?
"Given that most apps work this way, we're changing our active user figures for Apps on Facebook to publicly report the number of users that authenticate with the app," Facebook's Rushi Desai writes. "We believe this shift from "visitors" to "authenticated users" more accurately reflects the usage of an application, and it brings our measurement methodology for apps into alignment with how we measure engagement on Facebook."
What Facebook is essentially saying is that it is no longer counting the users who visit an app or game's Canvas, but refuse to authenticate the app and leave the page before ever entering the game. Instead, Facebook will now only count the amount of users that actively log into the app or game per month.
CityVille MAU
The company goes on to say that the one-time drop will result in a perceived decline in the number of active users of its many social games and apps, but the number of users actually engaging with the apps is unchanged. But that's just it: Regardless of whether the same rough portion of players have been "actively engaging" with games like CityVille this month, this still means that nearly 20 million people merely visited the app in the last month and did not play the game. And that goes for not just CityVille, but Facebook games across the board.
This is certainly a positive change for all, as it promotes a more accurate measure of just how many players are actually playing these still-massive social games. However, the change reveals how many players are actually logging into these games every month as opposed to merely visiting. And no matter how you slice it, the numbers are smaller than previously imagined.
[Via Inside Facebook]
[Image Credit: AppData]
Do you agree that this new measure is revealing as to just how many active players there are of most Facebook games? Do you think this change will help or hurt Facebook game developers in the long run?
AddictingGames on iPhone is the top free App Store app after 48 hours
Nickelodeon Games and AddictingGames look like they're on a roll, as the AddictingGames (AG) iPhone app became the number one free app on the App Store within just 48 hours of its launch. The app, which is more like a suite of games, packs 18 of the game portal's best games--well, those that work best with touch controls.
The company looks to constantly update the AG app with new games, and already three new games are slated to hit the app on Oct. 20 in a Halloween-themed update. The app features Facebook Connect integration, which allows players to share their high scores and achievements. Players can also share games they've discovered in the app, which should come more in handy as the list of available games grows.
The iOS version of AddictingGames comes just months after Nickelodeon Games released a Facebook app for its stable of 4,000 games this past spring to a healthy 1.3 million monthly players. Included in the AG iPhone app (we've been told that an iPad-optimized version is on the way) are games like Catopult, Achoo! and a game developed exclusively for iOS: Potty Copter.
Now, whether AddictingGames can hold the top spot for the rest of the month (and for when we highlight the top 10 free iOS and Android games) will be even more impressive. The app's Facebook-driven social features are still taking shape, but you can see whether we dug AG on iPhone in our preview right here.
Have you downloaded the AG app for iPhone or your iPod Touch yet? What do you think of flash game portal-style games on social games and now on mobile?
The company looks to constantly update the AG app with new games, and already three new games are slated to hit the app on Oct. 20 in a Halloween-themed update. The app features Facebook Connect integration, which allows players to share their high scores and achievements. Players can also share games they've discovered in the app, which should come more in handy as the list of available games grows.
The iOS version of AddictingGames comes just months after Nickelodeon Games released a Facebook app for its stable of 4,000 games this past spring to a healthy 1.3 million monthly players. Included in the AG iPhone app (we've been told that an iPad-optimized version is on the way) are games like Catopult, Achoo! and a game developed exclusively for iOS: Potty Copter.
Now, whether AddictingGames can hold the top spot for the rest of the month (and for when we highlight the top 10 free iOS and Android games) will be even more impressive. The app's Facebook-driven social features are still taking shape, but you can see whether we dug AG on iPhone in our preview right here.
Have you downloaded the AG app for iPhone or your iPod Touch yet? What do you think of flash game portal-style games on social games and now on mobile?
First Elvis, now John Belushi to be revived in a Facebook game, too?
We couldn't make this stuff up if we tried, folks. And--get this--John Belushi will be featured in the same social game as Elvis, old cars and apparently soap opera stars (or something like that). Entertainment Games announced that, thanks to the license agreement it scored with CMG Worldwide, John Belushi will star in its first, mysterious "retro-based social game."
When it finally unleashes what sounds like a social game nostalgia bomb, it will be available on Facebook, Google+, mobile phones and simply in the browser. According to a release, we're quite close to the release of the still unnamed social game, which is said to focus heavily on story and will be built on the Heyday platform, which Entertainment Games acquired earlier this year.
"Everyone remembers the comic genius of John Belushi," Entertainment Games president Gene Mauro said in a release. "He brought laughter to the world, and it's truly exciting to cast him in new roles and feature him on virtual goods in our new social game. We're honored to be associated with CMG Worldwide and John Belushi and look forward to announcing more of our game's celebrity cast members as we approach our product launch."
The Langhorne, Penn.-based company is certainly taking the branded games strategy to a whole new level. Rather than focusing on a particular brand (or even a single celebrity, for that matter), Entertainment Games looks to harness the pull of a slew of old-time celebrities. That said, at least we know the audience that the company is going for with this release. I'm looking at you, baby boomers.
What do you expect from this game given the retro star treatment it seems to have reeled in? Do you think nostalgia is enough to get you to play a new social game?
When it finally unleashes what sounds like a social game nostalgia bomb, it will be available on Facebook, Google+, mobile phones and simply in the browser. According to a release, we're quite close to the release of the still unnamed social game, which is said to focus heavily on story and will be built on the Heyday platform, which Entertainment Games acquired earlier this year.
"Everyone remembers the comic genius of John Belushi," Entertainment Games president Gene Mauro said in a release. "He brought laughter to the world, and it's truly exciting to cast him in new roles and feature him on virtual goods in our new social game. We're honored to be associated with CMG Worldwide and John Belushi and look forward to announcing more of our game's celebrity cast members as we approach our product launch."
The Langhorne, Penn.-based company is certainly taking the branded games strategy to a whole new level. Rather than focusing on a particular brand (or even a single celebrity, for that matter), Entertainment Games looks to harness the pull of a slew of old-time celebrities. That said, at least we know the audience that the company is going for with this release. I'm looking at you, baby boomers.
What do you expect from this game given the retro star treatment it seems to have reeled in? Do you think nostalgia is enough to get you to play a new social game?
Asura's Wrath maker says mobile social games are 'all rubbish'
At least they're "junk" in Japan, according to Hiroshi Matsuyama (pictured), CEO of Fukuoka, Japan-based developer CyberConnect 2. During an interview with Gamasutra, the chief overseeing upcoming traditional console games like Asura's Wrath for publisher Capcom and a Naruto game for Namco Bandai, said, "Another thing that I dislike is social games. Everybody is talking about social this, and social that. Even Bandai Namco. I don't like that."
However, don't think that Matsuyama's ire for social games is uninformed--the guy has reached Level 250 in DeNA's Kaito Royale for smartphones. "They're not fun at all. But, I have to play it," Matsuyama told Gamasutra. "The reality is that it has over 3 million users, and it's true that they're making money. I need to be aware of those businesses, so of course I play them. GREE's Dragon Collection. I've played that, too. [Matsuyama pulls out two smartphones] This is my iPhone, and this is my Android phone, and I play these games on both of these phones -- but they're all rubbish."
Ouch, Matsuyama. Keep in mind, however, the CyberConnect 2 president is referring specifically to Japanese mobile social games. Though, Matsuyama name dropped Infinity Blade for iOS (and soon on Mobage) as a favorite mobile game of his. Regardless, Matsuyama appears to think that, frankly, both Gree and DeNA have work to do before their games are suitable.
This point of view certainly isn't unique to Japan, as designers far and wide in the U.S. have called social games out for shallow gameplay, predatory design or just not being social enough. It seems that, regardless of the fact that social games are making a killing, they have a long way to go before earning the respect of traditional game designers. That is, of course, as their colleagues leave in droves for the social games scene.
Do you think social games deserve the respect of traditional game designers in their current state? Should social game creators even be working toward earning that respect?
However, don't think that Matsuyama's ire for social games is uninformed--the guy has reached Level 250 in DeNA's Kaito Royale for smartphones. "They're not fun at all. But, I have to play it," Matsuyama told Gamasutra. "The reality is that it has over 3 million users, and it's true that they're making money. I need to be aware of those businesses, so of course I play them. GREE's Dragon Collection. I've played that, too. [Matsuyama pulls out two smartphones] This is my iPhone, and this is my Android phone, and I play these games on both of these phones -- but they're all rubbish."
Ouch, Matsuyama. Keep in mind, however, the CyberConnect 2 president is referring specifically to Japanese mobile social games. Though, Matsuyama name dropped Infinity Blade for iOS (and soon on Mobage) as a favorite mobile game of his. Regardless, Matsuyama appears to think that, frankly, both Gree and DeNA have work to do before their games are suitable.
This point of view certainly isn't unique to Japan, as designers far and wide in the U.S. have called social games out for shallow gameplay, predatory design or just not being social enough. It seems that, regardless of the fact that social games are making a killing, they have a long way to go before earning the respect of traditional game designers. That is, of course, as their colleagues leave in droves for the social games scene.
Do you think social games deserve the respect of traditional game designers in their current state? Should social game creators even be working toward earning that respect?
MapleStory Adventures hits home on Facebook in new content update
Remain calm: Nexon hasn't added the chance for home wreckers to ruin things just yet--only homes. The Korean developer of MapleStory Adventures, the Facebook edition of its hit online game, has allowed players to shack up in their very own homes. This major content update brings multifaceted living spaces to the game's 1.7 million monthly players, which players can visit daily.
At any point during play, you can now press the "Go Home" button on the right hand side of your screen to enter your house. From here, you can craft various items and enchant your own equipment to upgrade its effectiveness. The home space also features a peach tree that you can pick daily for extra experience, and a mail box to collect daily bonus items from.
Players can visit each friends' five times daily and help them reduce item crafting times or harvest their peach trees. But even for just visiting, players will score an experience bonus. Along with the homes, Nexon seems to have added a Heart Level, which we imagine works like Reputation does in most Facebook games. The update certainly helps MapleStory Adventures feel more like a full game like its predecessor. Now, for those additional class choices--I've got dibs on the Archer.
Have you tried MapleStory Adventures since the new update? What do you think of Nexon's first ever Facebook game?
At any point during play, you can now press the "Go Home" button on the right hand side of your screen to enter your house. From here, you can craft various items and enchant your own equipment to upgrade its effectiveness. The home space also features a peach tree that you can pick daily for extra experience, and a mail box to collect daily bonus items from.
Players can visit each friends' five times daily and help them reduce item crafting times or harvest their peach trees. But even for just visiting, players will score an experience bonus. Along with the homes, Nexon seems to have added a Heart Level, which we imagine works like Reputation does in most Facebook games. The update certainly helps MapleStory Adventures feel more like a full game like its predecessor. Now, for those additional class choices--I've got dibs on the Archer.
Have you tried MapleStory Adventures since the new update? What do you think of Nexon's first ever Facebook game?
Disney My Store: Gree gets a Disney-branded game before Playdom?
Technically, yes: Japanese social gamers now have a game that features Disney's iconic characters before the Western world. According to Serkan Toto, Gree has announced Disney My Store, a mobile social game for feature phones that will allow players to create shops complete with Disney products like Mickey Mouse plush dolls and Lightning McQueen toy cars.
Earlier this year, Walt Disney Japan worked with DeNAto release Disney My Land on the Mobage mobile social game network, but now it's Gree's turn. Alright, so the game doesn't feature the characters in the flesh, so to speak, but it is a game centered around said characters. That's more than we can say for Disney in the U.S. and abroad when it comes to social games.
Disney My Store allows players to sell their Disney-themed goods to their friends, dress up avatars just like their favorite Disney characters and work in their friends' stores. Of course, players will get to send each other gifts and trade items to sell in their respective stores--of which 300 will be available at launch.
Serkan Toto reports that the game will also be used to advertise real-life Disney Store items, and that Walt Disney Japan will use the game to spread word of new Disney movies that hit theaters. In the U.S. and abroad, however, Disney Interactive has dragged its feet in bringing its insanely lucrative characters to social games. But since the company slapped its name on Playdom's recent Gnome Town to positive results, Disney Interactive announced that a number of Disney-branded games will hit Western social networks in the next year. Well, it's 'bout time.
Why do you think Disney waited so long to bring its brand into Western social games? What Disney character do you hope gets a Facebook game first?
Earlier this year, Walt Disney Japan worked with DeNAto release Disney My Land on the Mobage mobile social game network, but now it's Gree's turn. Alright, so the game doesn't feature the characters in the flesh, so to speak, but it is a game centered around said characters. That's more than we can say for Disney in the U.S. and abroad when it comes to social games.
Disney My Store allows players to sell their Disney-themed goods to their friends, dress up avatars just like their favorite Disney characters and work in their friends' stores. Of course, players will get to send each other gifts and trade items to sell in their respective stores--of which 300 will be available at launch.
Serkan Toto reports that the game will also be used to advertise real-life Disney Store items, and that Walt Disney Japan will use the game to spread word of new Disney movies that hit theaters. In the U.S. and abroad, however, Disney Interactive has dragged its feet in bringing its insanely lucrative characters to social games. But since the company slapped its name on Playdom's recent Gnome Town to positive results, Disney Interactive announced that a number of Disney-branded games will hit Western social networks in the next year. Well, it's 'bout time.
Why do you think Disney waited so long to bring its brand into Western social games? What Disney character do you hope gets a Facebook game first?
Internet safety expert accuses The Sims Social of promoting cybersex
I hope you packed some dry clothes, because we're about to lead you down one slippery slope. (Zing!) Charles Conway, self-proclaimed UK-based Internet safety expert and editor of Scam Detectives, alleges that EA and Playfish's enormously popular The Sims Social promotes cyber sex between children and adults (fat chance). And it's all thanks to The Sims Social's Woo-Hoo feature.
While playing the game, players can build asynchronous relationships with one another that can quickly grow into romantic relationships. Ultimately, those relationships will draw the players' avatars closer and can result in them having Woo-Hoo. And like any social activity in the game, players are rewarded Social Points for this that they can use to buy new items.
"Even if Facebook did verify the age of it's users (which it doesn't), at what age does it become acceptable for a child to engage in "virtual sex" for rewards," Conway asks. "Does it ever become acceptable? Isn't sex for rewards the very definition of prostitution? How is playing this game different to children having "cybersex" in a chatroom?"
The list of questions goes on. Sure, Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social is an allusion to having sex, but the "sexual" act displayed is arguably far from lewd--way less provocative than what children have access to on basic cable. More importantly, Woo-Hoo does not allow players to directly communicate within the game in real time like a chat room would.
"When 40% of kids admit that they have Facebook 'friends' that they don't know in 'real life,' there's a real risk of a predator using a game like this to build a relationship with a child that could lead to real world abuse," Conway writes. However, what is not pointed out is that all social relationships requested between The Sims Social players--including romantic ones--require the consent of the player from the start and at every stage of advancement.
If a player feels uncomfortable during any point of the "relationship," they can halt its progress. As for Playfish and EA restricting adult content (which suggestiveness is debatable), there are a number of Facebook games that arguably promote drug trafficking, serial murder and nearly genocidal manslaughter. Maybe it's time for Facebook to meet with the ESRB and PEGI.
Do you think that Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social promotes cybersex or prostitution? Would you agree with a rating system for Facebook games like one that exists for traditional games?
While playing the game, players can build asynchronous relationships with one another that can quickly grow into romantic relationships. Ultimately, those relationships will draw the players' avatars closer and can result in them having Woo-Hoo. And like any social activity in the game, players are rewarded Social Points for this that they can use to buy new items.
"Even if Facebook did verify the age of it's users (which it doesn't), at what age does it become acceptable for a child to engage in "virtual sex" for rewards," Conway asks. "Does it ever become acceptable? Isn't sex for rewards the very definition of prostitution? How is playing this game different to children having "cybersex" in a chatroom?"
The list of questions goes on. Sure, Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social is an allusion to having sex, but the "sexual" act displayed is arguably far from lewd--way less provocative than what children have access to on basic cable. More importantly, Woo-Hoo does not allow players to directly communicate within the game in real time like a chat room would.
"When 40% of kids admit that they have Facebook 'friends' that they don't know in 'real life,' there's a real risk of a predator using a game like this to build a relationship with a child that could lead to real world abuse," Conway writes. However, what is not pointed out is that all social relationships requested between The Sims Social players--including romantic ones--require the consent of the player from the start and at every stage of advancement.
If a player feels uncomfortable during any point of the "relationship," they can halt its progress. As for Playfish and EA restricting adult content (which suggestiveness is debatable), there are a number of Facebook games that arguably promote drug trafficking, serial murder and nearly genocidal manslaughter. Maybe it's time for Facebook to meet with the ESRB and PEGI.
Do you think that Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social promotes cybersex or prostitution? Would you agree with a rating system for Facebook games like one that exists for traditional games?
DoubleDown Casino's Photo Booth Friends: Play slots with faces friends
Now, you can literally play slots with your friends ... as in use their likeness to win big. DoubleDown Interactive has announced Photo Booth Friends, the newest slot game to hit its popular DoubleDown Casino Facebook game. Photo Booth Friends allows players to customize their slot reels with up to 11 of their friends' faces, but they can also be picked at random.
Of course, matching your friends' faces nets you lots of chips to play more with, which you can brag about or share through Facebook News Feed posts. According to DoubleDown Interactive, this is the 18th game the developer has introduced to the DoubleDown Casino app, all of which we just recently had an in-depth peek at. The Seattle, Wash.-based studio also hinted that more games will be released within the overarching app later this year.
"We've made a significant investment to develop a truly social slot game, one that takes full advantage of the many social features provided by Facebook," Double Down Interactive CEO Greg Enell said in a release. "We've done it with Photo Booth Slots by providing a unique slot game that's full of social and viral features, culminating in an experience that's all about winning with friends. I'm confident that our millions of players will embrace this slot, once again proving that we are the world's premiere developer and distributor of virtual casino games."
Photo Booth Friends Snapshot Bonus
Players can hit up the new mode of slots by entering DoubleDown Casino and going directly to the slot machines section of the game from the lobby. While DoubleDown Casino enjoys an impressive 1 million daily players and 3.4 million monthly players, according to AppData, its competition is about to heat up with both Zynga and PopCap preparing casino-style social games. But with nearly 30 percent of its player base playing daily, DoubleDown Casino has its feet firmly in the red and gold carpet.
Have you tried Photo Booth Friends in DoubleDown Casino yet? What do you think of slot and casino games on Facebook thus far, and will you jump ship to Zynga or PopCap's casino game when they release?
Of course, matching your friends' faces nets you lots of chips to play more with, which you can brag about or share through Facebook News Feed posts. According to DoubleDown Interactive, this is the 18th game the developer has introduced to the DoubleDown Casino app, all of which we just recently had an in-depth peek at. The Seattle, Wash.-based studio also hinted that more games will be released within the overarching app later this year.
"We've made a significant investment to develop a truly social slot game, one that takes full advantage of the many social features provided by Facebook," Double Down Interactive CEO Greg Enell said in a release. "We've done it with Photo Booth Slots by providing a unique slot game that's full of social and viral features, culminating in an experience that's all about winning with friends. I'm confident that our millions of players will embrace this slot, once again proving that we are the world's premiere developer and distributor of virtual casino games."
Photo Booth Friends Snapshot Bonus
Players can hit up the new mode of slots by entering DoubleDown Casino and going directly to the slot machines section of the game from the lobby. While DoubleDown Casino enjoys an impressive 1 million daily players and 3.4 million monthly players, according to AppData, its competition is about to heat up with both Zynga and PopCap preparing casino-style social games. But with nearly 30 percent of its player base playing daily, DoubleDown Casino has its feet firmly in the red and gold carpet.
Have you tried Photo Booth Friends in DoubleDown Casino yet? What do you think of slot and casino games on Facebook thus far, and will you jump ship to Zynga or PopCap's casino game when they release?
Thứ Hai, 12 tháng 12, 2011
Disney XD Games
Disney Friends for Change Games
To support the “Disney Friends for Change Games” on Disney Channel and Disney XD, Disneychannelgames.biz has launched an online destination at Disneyxd.biz, where kids and families can take part in the Games from home and help the planet — by making personal pledges of their own, playing online versions of the Games, and making art that matters! When kids play online versions of the Games at Disneyxd.biz, they can donate the points they earn to one of the four charities involved. At the end of the Games, the charity with the most points given by the Disney.com online community will receive $100K.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
In addition to playing online games for charity, kids can view exclusive video content and participate in a number of funonline activities. Kids can create online art on the Friends for Change Group Wall at Disneyxd.biz, where they can see the transformative power of friends everywhere pitching in to make a difference. The Disneyxd.biz site will also feature exclusive videos from the “Disney Friends for Change Games,” including a special wrap-up show hosted by Tiffany Thorntonand Jason Earles. Kids can also download the official 2011 Friends for Change anthem “We Can Change the World” featuring Bridgit Mendler on Disneyxd.biz
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
Over 30 Disney Channel Games and Disney XD Games stars from around the globe will compete in “Disney Friends for Change Games.” Four teams will play on behalf of a global charity — Fauna and Flora International, World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy and UNICEF. For five weeks beginning Friday, June 24, Disney Channelwill present “Disney Friends for Change Games” in interstitials during its Friday, Saturday and Sunday primetime original series programming, and Disney XD will present a special episode from the games Monday nights beginning June 27 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). The Games will culminate with a special half-hour episode Sunday, July 31 on Disney Channel.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
About Disney’s Friends for Change
Disney’s Friends for Change is a multi-platform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Through PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney donates $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection. Friends for Change currently has over 4 million actions taking place from kids in 33 countries throughoutthe United States, Europe, Latin America, Japan, India and China. For more information, please visit Disneyxd.biz.
- Disney XD gets its game on
Astral-owned Disney XD Canada is delving deeper into the gaming space in a month-long promotion that will see the multi-platform brand take viewers behind the scenes of June’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), offer up two new games on DisneyXD.biz every week and give away five video game consoles to Disney XD viewers.
The Level Up contest runs through the month of September and is set to feature the star of What’s, Up Warthogs!, Eduard Witzke, reporting from this year’s E3 in eight short interstitial reports entitled Ed’s E3. New episodes of Ed’s E3 will premiere every Tuesday and Thursday from September 1 and will air throughout the Disney XD schedule. Additionally, a weekly entry word will appear in each episode, which can be used to enter the Level Up contest online to win one of five game consoles.
On top of entering the Level Up contest on DisneyXD.ca, viewers can explore a dedicated minisite to re-watch episodes of Ed’s E3 as well as test their skills on brand-new Disney XD games. Two new games will be unveiled each week with a bonus game available for those who can work out the special DisneyXD.biz game code.
To support the “Disney Friends for Change Games” on Disney Channel and Disney XD, Disneychannelgames.biz has launched an online destination at Disneyxd.biz, where kids and families can take part in the Games from home and help the planet — by making personal pledges of their own, playing online versions of the Games, and making art that matters! When kids play online versions of the Games at Disneyxd.biz, they can donate the points they earn to one of the four charities involved. At the end of the Games, the charity with the most points given by the Disney.com online community will receive $100K.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
In addition to playing online games for charity, kids can view exclusive video content and participate in a number of funonline activities. Kids can create online art on the Friends for Change Group Wall at Disneyxd.biz, where they can see the transformative power of friends everywhere pitching in to make a difference. The Disneyxd.biz site will also feature exclusive videos from the “Disney Friends for Change Games,” including a special wrap-up show hosted by Tiffany Thorntonand Jason Earles. Kids can also download the official 2011 Friends for Change anthem “We Can Change the World” featuring Bridgit Mendler on Disneyxd.biz
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
Over 30 Disney Channel Games and Disney XD Games stars from around the globe will compete in “Disney Friends for Change Games.” Four teams will play on behalf of a global charity — Fauna and Flora International, World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy and UNICEF. For five weeks beginning Friday, June 24, Disney Channelwill present “Disney Friends for Change Games” in interstitials during its Friday, Saturday and Sunday primetime original series programming, and Disney XD will present a special episode from the games Monday nights beginning June 27 (9:30 p.m., ET/PT). The Games will culminate with a special half-hour episode Sunday, July 31 on Disney Channel.
Friends for Change
Courtesy of Disney
About Disney’s Friends for Change
Disney’s Friends for Change is a multi-platform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Through PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney donates $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection. Friends for Change currently has over 4 million actions taking place from kids in 33 countries throughoutthe United States, Europe, Latin America, Japan, India and China. For more information, please visit Disneyxd.biz.
- Disney XD gets its game on
Astral-owned Disney XD Canada is delving deeper into the gaming space in a month-long promotion that will see the multi-platform brand take viewers behind the scenes of June’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), offer up two new games on DisneyXD.biz every week and give away five video game consoles to Disney XD viewers.
The Level Up contest runs through the month of September and is set to feature the star of What’s, Up Warthogs!, Eduard Witzke, reporting from this year’s E3 in eight short interstitial reports entitled Ed’s E3. New episodes of Ed’s E3 will premiere every Tuesday and Thursday from September 1 and will air throughout the Disney XD schedule. Additionally, a weekly entry word will appear in each episode, which can be used to enter the Level Up contest online to win one of five game consoles.
On top of entering the Level Up contest on DisneyXD.ca, viewers can explore a dedicated minisite to re-watch episodes of Ed’s E3 as well as test their skills on brand-new Disney XD games. Two new games will be unveiled each week with a bonus game available for those who can work out the special DisneyXD.biz game code.
Disney XD News
DISNEY XD TO PREMIERE “FORT BOYARD – ULTIMATE CHALLENGE,” A REALITY ADVENTURE SERIES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 17
Geno Segers (Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”) and popular British television presenter Laura Hamilton (“Dancing On Ice”) host an exciting competition requiring brainpower, courage and teamwork, “Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge,” a 10-part series premiering MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with a thrilling finale MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Based on the international game show phenomenon “Fort Boyard,” the series is set in a 19th century sea fort off the coast of France. It introduces six teams — 24 teens from the United States and the United Kingdom — who team up for a tournament where only one team will ultimately get the key to unlock the historic fort’s hidden treasures and win the honor of calling themselves “the conquerors of Fort Boyard.”
The reality adventure series marks the first kids’ version of the popular game show which premiered more than 20 years ago and has since been produced in over 38 countries worldwide.
In the premiere episode, team members from the Red Vipers and Yellow Scorpions compete in the first round of challenges to find out which team has what it takes to move on to become the conquerors of the fort.
“Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge” is produced by Zodiak Media Group’s production companies The Foundation and Adventure Line Productions, who created the concept for the original “Fort Boyard” and have been producing the series for 22 years.
The executive producers are Nigel Pickard and Ged Allen for The Foundation, Pierre Godde for Adventure Line Productions and Jamila Metran for CiTV. The producer is Steve Pinhay.
The series will be televised on Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world (excluding France and the Nordics) and CiTV in the UK.
About “Fort Boyard”
“Fort Boyard” is the most successful adventure game show in the world, having sold to over 30 territories, while dominating France 2′s primetime summer schedule every year since 1990. The action takes place in an imposing fortress built in the middle of the ocean. This provides the perfect backdrop for strenuous, against-the-clock physical challenges and mind-boggling riddles, featuring strange characters and fearsome animals. All this and more awaits those attempting to reach the Treasure Room! Only the fittest and most intelligent contestants can hope to conquer Fort Boyard.
About Disney XD:
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., disney channel XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 22 other Disney XD Games channels around the world.
Geno Segers (Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings”) and popular British television presenter Laura Hamilton (“Dancing On Ice”) host an exciting competition requiring brainpower, courage and teamwork, “Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge,” a 10-part series premiering MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET/PT), with a thrilling finale MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD. Based on the international game show phenomenon “Fort Boyard,” the series is set in a 19th century sea fort off the coast of France. It introduces six teams — 24 teens from the United States and the United Kingdom — who team up for a tournament where only one team will ultimately get the key to unlock the historic fort’s hidden treasures and win the honor of calling themselves “the conquerors of Fort Boyard.”
The reality adventure series marks the first kids’ version of the popular game show which premiered more than 20 years ago and has since been produced in over 38 countries worldwide.
In the premiere episode, team members from the Red Vipers and Yellow Scorpions compete in the first round of challenges to find out which team has what it takes to move on to become the conquerors of the fort.
“Fort Boyard – Ultimate Challenge” is produced by Zodiak Media Group’s production companies The Foundation and Adventure Line Productions, who created the concept for the original “Fort Boyard” and have been producing the series for 22 years.
The executive producers are Nigel Pickard and Ged Allen for The Foundation, Pierre Godde for Adventure Line Productions and Jamila Metran for CiTV. The producer is Steve Pinhay.
The series will be televised on Disney XD cable and satellite channels around the world (excluding France and the Nordics) and CiTV in the UK.
About “Fort Boyard”
“Fort Boyard” is the most successful adventure game show in the world, having sold to over 30 territories, while dominating France 2′s primetime summer schedule every year since 1990. The action takes place in an imposing fortress built in the middle of the ocean. This provides the perfect backdrop for strenuous, against-the-clock physical challenges and mind-boggling riddles, featuring strange characters and fearsome animals. All this and more awaits those attempting to reach the Treasure Room! Only the fittest and most intelligent contestants can hope to conquer Fort Boyard.
About Disney XD:
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., disney channel XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 22 other Disney XD Games channels around the world.
BBCW launches CBeebies games app
Games based on popular CBeebies Games series Charlie & Lola, Teletubbies, 3rd & Bird and Numberjacks are available through a new app launched by BBC Worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
CBeebies On The Go is available for free on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to pre-school children in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and South Korea.
Developed by Tag Apps, it includes matching pairs picture games for the Teletubbies and Charlie & Lola, a Kerwhizz jigsaw game and a 3rd & Bird tap-the-fruit challenge. It also holds a number of short video clips from popular shows.
Director of CBeebies investment at BBCW, Henrietta Hurford-Jones, said the team had “worked hard to build a product that upholds the core values of learning through play”.
She added: “This new kids’ app is a first for the Channels business, so the learnings from this pilot phase will help shape any future plans to roll CBeebies Games On The Go out to new territories and different devices.”
More than 53m homes have access to the CBeebies channel worldwide.
Disney-branded Facebook games coming in 2012, Playdom head says
Can we all just say, “finally?” During a panel named “The Rise of Social Games” at the f8 Facebook Developers Conference in San Francisco, Disney Interactive and Playdom head John Pleasants revealed that two to four Facebook games surrounding Disney xd brands will hit Facebook in 2012. The general topic of the panel was the fact that branded social games are taking off.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
Pleasants was joined on the panel by Kabam CEO Kevin Chou, EA Interactive head Barry Cottle and Zynga CBO Owen Van Natta. Facebook director of games partnerships Sean Ryan moderated the panel with the preface that branded games will take over the Facebook platform. And he might be right: EA just released The Sims Social, Zynga will soon re-brand its new Adventure World with Indiana Jones and Kabam recently announced The Godfather: Five Families.
Playdom, which Disney acquired in July 2010 for a whopping $740 million, is ahead of the pack with two branded games on Facebook: ESPNU College Town and ESPN Sports Bar & Grill. Both games performed well, thanks to advertising through the ESPN TV network. While Disney owns the ESPN brand, notice how neither of those actually involve the insanely popular Disney characters we’ve come to love.
Honestly, we’re surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Consider this: Disney has its own cable TV channel through which it could, in theory, advertise whatever it wants. Pleasants didn’t get into why it’s taken this long for disney channel games to throw its cast of characters into Facebook games, but did reveal the power of the Disney name.
Gnome Town, which Playdom launched in the summer–and we enjoyed quite a bit–peaked at 530,000 daily players. But just plopping the Disney logo on top of the existing one made users more likely to spend in the game just through trust of the company’s name, according to Pleasants. “We think it’s an advantage, if you put game play first,” Pleasants said.
It’s comforting to hear this emphasized by these developers. (Kabam’s Chou shared the same sentiment.) Branded games on Facebook are OK in my book, but the last thing anyone wants to see is the genre become a branding machine.
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