Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Zynga inks distribution deal with Game of Thrones Ascent developer Disruptor Beam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/zynga-inks-distribution-deal-with-game-of-thrones-ascent-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/zynga-inks-distribution-deal-with-game-of-thrones-ascent-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/zynga-inks-distribution-deal-with-game-of-thrones-ascent-develop/#commentsZynga inks distribution deal with Game of Thrones Ascent developer Disruptor Beam Zynga announced that it has established a partnership with Boston-based social game developer Disruptor Beam to bring the studio's popular Facebook game Game of Thrones Ascent to its player base at Zynga.com.

Since its open beta launch in February, Game of Thrones Ascent has attracted more than 500,000 players to its strategy-focused take on the world of Westeros. As part of the agreement, Zynga will handle distribution of the game on Facebook and its own web portal, and will work closely with Disruptor Beam through its Zynga Partners program.

Starting with HBO's third season of Game of Thrones, additional Ascent content will be released after each new episode airs, resulting in what Disruptor Beam CEO Jon Radoff calls "a unique transmedia experience that is not currently seen in any other social game."

Continue reading Zynga inks distribution deal with Game of Thrones Ascent developer Disruptor Beam

JoystiqZynga inks distribution deal with Game of Thrones Ascent developer Disruptor Beam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disruptor-beamgame-of-thronesgame-of-thrones-ascentpczyngaTue, 30 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga sees revenues and users decline in Q1, Draw Something 2 out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/zynga-sees-revenues-and-users-decline-in-q1-draw-something-2-ou/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/zynga-sees-revenues-and-users-decline-in-q1-draw-something-2-ou/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/zynga-sees-revenues-and-users-decline-in-q1-draw-something-2-ou/#comments

Social game publisher Zynga has revealed financial results for the first quarter of 2013. The company posted revenue of $263.5 million, a significant decline from the $320.9 million posted during the first quarter last year. Zynga saw its user numbers decline as well. Daily active, monthly active and monthly unique users fell across the board.

Despite these losses, Zynga recorded a net income of $4.1 million, as compared to a $85.3 million loss during the same period last year. The company identified FarmVille 2 as "a breakout hit with daily audience engagement and bookings exceeding the company's expectations." For the second quarter, the publisher is predicting a net loss of $36.5 million to $26.5 million.

Zynga posted a huge loss of over $200 million for 2012, and today's results follow a string of rocky news for the company, including high-profile departures, game shutdowns and multiple studio closures or consolidations. Earlier this year, J.P. Morgan sold the majority of its stock in the company. At the very least, Zynga is looking to keep its current stable of executives on board with the promise of larger salaries.

Alongside its financials, Zynga announced that Draw Something 2 is launching today. Dan Porter, former CEO of Draw Something studio OMGPOP, left Zynga earlier this month.

JoystiqZynga sees revenues and users decline in Q1, Draw Something 2 out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddraw-something-2financialfiscal-2013fiscal-q1fy-2013iosipadiphonemacmobilepczyngaWed, 24 Apr 2013 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Draw Something becomes a game show in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/draw-something-becomes-a-game-show-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/draw-something-becomes-a-game-show-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/draw-something-becomes-a-game-show-in-uk/#comments The plans to adapt Draw Something, the app you probably still have on your phone from last year, into a primetime game show don't seem to have amounted to anything in the US, but a UK version is on the way.

Channel 4's "Draw It!" pits two teams of one contestant and one celebrity together to ... wait, it's not even called Draw Something? Victory Television made a deal with Zynga for the rights to the app, which is very popular, and then adapt it into a TV game show, and they don't even use the name of the app?

Without the name tie-in, this show is literally just Win, Lose, or Draw.

JoystiqDraw Something becomes a game show in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>draw-somethinggame-showmobileukvictory-televisionzyngaThu, 11 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga aims to keep execs with bigger salaries, bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/zynga-aims-to-keep-execs-with-bigger-salaries-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/zynga-aims-to-keep-execs-with-bigger-salaries-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/zynga-aims-to-keep-execs-with-bigger-salaries-bonuses/#comments Zynga will implement new executive pay schemes in 2013, effectively doubling the salaries of many key executives. Bonuses will now be tied to performance, increasing maximum payout potential for the top brass.

In addition to this, Zynga co-founder and head honcho Mark Pincus has lowered his annual salary to $1, Inside Social Games reports. Pincus, we should note, is also ineligible for these new executive bonuses.

It's been a rough year and change for Zynga, which posted massive losses in 2012. Zynga has bled key talent lately, the most recent being Dan Porter, CEO of Draw Something developer OMGPOP. His departure was preceded by game designer Brian Reynolds in January and CFO Dave Wehner back in November.

JoystiqZynga aims to keep execs with bigger salaries, bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mark-pincuszyngaFri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga's real money casino games double down in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/zyngas-real-money-casino-games-double-down-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/zyngas-real-money-casino-games-double-down-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/zyngas-real-money-casino-games-double-down-in-uk/#comments Zynga's realmoney casino games hit the UK April 3UK residents over the age of 18 can now gamble at Zynga's real-money destinations ZyngaPlusPoker and ZyngaPlusCasino. The games are powered by bwin.party, which Zynga calls "one of the largest and most reputable real money gaming operators worldwide." The company plans to bring its virtual casino to Facebook and mobile in the UK this year.

"Our long term vision is to offer our players the next generation of real money games on multiple platforms in regulated markets worldwide," wrote Zynga Chief Revenue Officer Barry Cottle on the company's blog. "This is just the beginning for us and we're looking forward to seeing what our UK players think about ZyngaPlusPoker and ZyngaPlusCasino, and creating the most valuable casino games and social experiences for them."

ZyngaPlusPoker is an online poker room with multiple levels of tournament buy-ins. ZyngaPlusCasino features over 160 slots, including the FarmVille slot machine, along with blackjack, roulette, baccarat and video poker. Both versions share a single wallet. And, not as a joke, we're going to slide this Gamblers Anonymous link here just in case.

JoystiqZynga's real money casino games double down in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamblingpczyngazynga-pokerWed, 03 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Draw Something studio CEO leaves Zynga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/draw-something-studio-ceo-leaves-zynga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/draw-something-studio-ceo-leaves-zynga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/draw-something-studio-ceo-leaves-zynga/#comments It's been so long since we've mentioned a big-name Zynga departure, so here we go: Dan Porter, former CEO of Draw Something developer OMGPOP, which Zynga acquired a year ago for $200 million, has exited the company.

USA Today reports Porter, who served as VP of Zynga's New York office, leaves as the studio continues work on Draw Something 2. The original Draw Something has enjoyed over 100 million downloads since launching last February.

JoystiqDraw Something studio CEO leaves Zynga originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-porterdraw-somethingmobileOMGPOPzyngaTue, 02 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga's website removes Facebook login requirement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/zyngas-website-removes-facebook-login-requirement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/zyngas-website-removes-facebook-login-requirement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/zyngas-website-removes-facebook-login-requirement/#comments Zynga's website no longer requires a Facebook loginZynga has redesigned its website, no longer requiring gamers to log into the site using the Facebook credentials.

Once upon a time, Facebook and Zynga were the best of pals, with Zynga's titles driving engagement on the big blue social network and Facebook providing a steady stream of new users to play Zynga's offerings. Last year, however, Facebook and Zynga decided to start parting ways, and that's led us to this current situation, where Zynga is pushing its platform beyond the walls of the Facebook system.

Not completely outside, however: Zynga players can still log into Facebook on Zynga.com if they like, and as you can see on the site, the Facebook logo and login box are still prominently displayed. But players are no longer forced to use that process to partake in Zynga's library of games.

JoystiqZynga's website removes Facebook login requirement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designengagementfacebookfbloginpcsocial-gamingsocial-networkuserswebsitezyngaThu, 21 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Draw Something 2 is coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/draw-something-2-is-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/draw-something-2-is-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/draw-something-2-is-coming-soon/#comments Draw Something 2 is coming
No, that's not a threat; it's a fact. Just about a year after Zynga bought developer OMGPOP, CEO Dan Porter has confirmed on Twitter that a sequel to Draw Something is coming soon. Porter says the new version of the game will feature "new ways to draw and connect," and TV host Ryan Seacrest has been posting screenshots that reveal new paint swatches and a number of other additions and upgrades. Don't worry: There's also a price-tag button right on the top bar, so the app will undoubtedly feature lots of in-app purchase options.

The original Draw Something (which was released on mobile platforms and Facebook) saw its daily users drop quickly after the Zynga acquisition, but OMGPOP recently announced the game has seen over 100 million downloads and 11 billion drawings in the year since release.

JoystiqDraw Something 2 is coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-porterdraw-somethingdraw-something-2facebookgamingiosiphonemobileomgpoppcsocialzyngaTue, 19 Mar 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civ 4 lead's consulting gig at Stardock followed Zynga layoffs, still deciding his future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/civ-4-leads-consulting-gig-at-stardock-followed-zynga-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/civ-4-leads-consulting-gig-at-stardock-followed-zynga-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/civ-4-leads-consulting-gig-at-stardock-followed-zynga-layoffs/#comments Soren Johnson, lead designer of Civilization 4, has clarified his role at Stardock following company CEO Brad Wardell's announcement his studio had secured Johnson "at least for a while, to oversee the design of all our games."

Johnson tells Joystiq that Zynga's decision to shutter its Baltimore studio last week left him jobless and he quickly jumped into a role as a consultant at the developer famous for its Galactic Civilization franchise.

"Brad Wardell and I wanted to work together for a while, so I immediately started a consulting job with Stardock to help them with their current projects," Johnson said in an email to Joystiq. " I am, however, still trying to decide what my next permanent position is going to be."

Late last year Stardock launched Elemental: Fallen Enchantress, previously the studio released Rebellion, an expansion to the real-time strategy game Sins of a Solar Empire. Prior to his stint at Zynga, Johnson had worked at Maxis as part of the team that developed Spore.

JoystiqCiv 4 lead's consulting gig at Stardock followed Zynga layoffs, still deciding his future originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Soren-JohnsonStardockZyngaTue, 05 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Soren Johnson joins Stardock, 'at least for a while' [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/soren-johnson-joins-stardock-at-least-for-a-while/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/soren-johnson-joins-stardock-at-least-for-a-while/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/soren-johnson-joins-stardock-at-least-for-a-while/#comments Soren Johnson, who you may remember as Civilization 4's lead designer, has joined Stardock to oversee the design of the developer's entire line of upcoming titles.

"We've brought on board someone many of you know - Soren Johnson (designer of Civilization IV) who has come to Stardock, at least for awhile, to oversee the design of all our games," Stardock CEO Brad Wardell said on his company's official forums. "I think his impact on our upcoming (think 2014/2015/2016) will be pretty obvious."

Up until now, Johnson (not pictured above) had maintained his post at Zynga as design director, after joining the company in September of 2011. Prior to that, Johnson spent over four years as a lead designer and programmer at Electronic Arts, working on such games as Spore. We've reached out to Stardock for more information about Johnson's role in the company, and what the temporary qualifier in the announcement may signify, if anything.

Update: A Stardock representative has clarified to Joystiq that Soren Johnson is only working as a consultant at the developer, and is not on staff. Joystiq has contacted Johnson for clarification on his position at Zynga.

JoystiqSoren Johnson joins Stardock, 'at least for a while' [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Civilization-4Electronic-ArtsSoren-JohnsonStardockZyngaFri, 01 Mar 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Proletariat Inc. rises up from Zynga Boston shutdown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/proletariat-inc-rises-up-from-zynga-boston-shutdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/proletariat-inc-rises-up-from-zynga-boston-shutdown/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/proletariat-inc-rises-up-from-zynga-boston-shutdown/#comments Proletariat Inc rises up from Zynga Boston shutdownProletariat Inc. is a new Beantown-based studio formed out of the closure of Zynga Boston. The team of five is currently finishing up an arcade-style word-find game, Letter Rush for iOS, which should be out by next week.

"We have all known each other and worked with one another for so long that we've developed an organic way of making games together," said CEO Seth Sivak. Prior to Zynga Boston, members of the team had worked at Harmonix, Turbine and Insomniac. "We all want to make successful games, both creatively and as a business. This team has been on both sides and knows how to find that balance."

The team of five had worked on Indiana Jones Adventure World for Zynga, but were originally part of Conduit Labs, which was acquired by Zynga in 2010. The social media giant is currently picking itself up from the storm drain following a multi-year bender.

Continue reading Proletariat Inc. rises up from Zynga Boston shutdown

JoystiqProletariat Inc. rises up from Zynga Boston shutdown originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneletter-rushmobileproletariat-inczyngazynga-bostonTue, 26 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga East shuttered, studios in Texas and New York consolidated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/zynga-east-shuttered-studios-in-texas-and-new-york-consolidated/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/zynga-east-shuttered-studios-in-texas-and-new-york-consolidated/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/zynga-east-shuttered-studios-in-texas-and-new-york-consolidated/#comments Zynga shut down its Baltimore studio, Zynga East, and planned to combine studios in Texas and New York, putting roughly 30 people out of work today. Zynga will consolidate its two studios in Austin, Texas, and relocate the studio in McKinney, Texas, to Dallas. Zynga's New York City offices will merge, transferring staff to the area's mobile studio.

"In an effort to leverage resources as we focus on creating franchises and driving profitability, Zynga has made changes to four of our US offices," Zynga COO David Ko told Joystiq. He concluded: "While these decisions are always difficult, these steps will affect approximately 1 percent of our workforce and enable us to focus our resources on the most significant growth opportunities."

Zynga lost chief game designer and head of Zynga East Brian Reynolds in January, and shut down CityVille 2 development. This continues a trend of financial problems, game closures and executive departures at Zynga.

JoystiqZynga East shuttered, studios in Texas and New York consolidated originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BaltimoreclosurelayoffsmobilepcZyngaZynga-EastMon, 25 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Draw Something crests 100 million downloads after one year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/draw-something-crests-100-million-downloads-after-one-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/draw-something-crests-100-million-downloads-after-one-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/draw-something-crests-100-million-downloads-after-one-year/#comments Draw Something crests 100 million downloads after one yearAfter launching last February, Draw Something has penciled in 100 million downloads, Zynga has announced. The publisher released an infographic to celebrate the news, revealing some interesting facts about the game. Over the last year, 11 billion drawings have been made, with players spending over 28,000 combined years with the game. Furthermore, 22 million pizzas have been drawn, beating out the 11 million drawings of Lady Gaga.

This goes a long way toward confirming our long-held theory that pizza is precisely two times better than Lady Gaga.

JoystiqDraw Something crests 100 million downloads after one year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddraw-somethingiosipadiphonemobileomgpopzyngaTue, 19 Feb 2013 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA and Zynga settle The Ville lawsuits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/ea-and-zynga-settle-the-ville-lawsuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/ea-and-zynga-settle-the-ville-lawsuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/ea-and-zynga-settle-the-ville-lawsuits/#comments Highlights from EA's lawsuit against ZyngaElectronic Arts and Zynga have settled their legal kerfuffle, which began when the former sued the social games giant for what it called a "clear violation" of copyright laws over similarities between games. Details on the settlement are lacking, but InsideSocialGames has a statement from Zynga that it has resolved its respective claims with EA and "reached a settlement" in the Northern District of California.

The legal drama kicked off last August when EA sued Zynga over the similarities between Zynga's recently released The Ville and EA's The Sims Social. The evidence against Zynga was stacked pretty high. This was the first time a giant like EA had stepped into the ring to take on the culture of cloning, which Zynga had been accused of in the past.

A month later, Zynga filed a counterclaim against EA over the similarities between CityVille and SimCity Social. We'll update with settlement terms when he receive them.

JoystiqEA and Zynga settle The Ville lawsuits originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artslawsuitpcthe-simsthe-sims-3the-villezyngaFri, 15 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brett Ratner buddies up with Zynga on Farmville animated series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/brett-ratner-buddies-up-with-zynga-on-farmville-animated-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/brett-ratner-buddies-up-with-zynga-on-farmville-animated-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/brett-ratner-buddies-up-with-zynga-on-farmville-animated-series/#comments If you think the the absence of Brett Ratner is the only thing holding Farmville back from becoming a truly exciting cross-platform brand, then you're probably Brett Ratner. The brash bad boy director of Rush Hour fame is adapting Zynga's game for television. Ratner will serve as executive producer on the half-hour animated series, aided by Canadian television production firm Six Eleven Media.

"FarmVille is one of the most exciting brands out there today and its cross-platform opportunities are endless," Ratner said in a statement to the Wall Street Journal. "I am thrilled to be expanding the brand with existing fans and also engaging a whole new audience."

Zynga is no stranger to cross-promotion, having already struck up a deal with Hasbro to produce a line of board games based on its properties last year, one of which was - you guessed it - Farmville. Zynga also just reported a $209.4 million loss for 2012, subsequently shutting down three of its games, including CityVille 2.

JoystiqBrett Ratner buddies up with Zynga on Farmville animated series originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidanimated-seriesbrett-ratnercartoonfarmvilleiosipadiphonemacmobilepcshowtelevisionTVTV-showzyngaThu, 07 Feb 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga closing three games including CityVille 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/zynga-closing-three-games-including-cityville-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/zynga-closing-three-games-including-cityville-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/zynga-closing-three-games-including-cityville-2/#comments Zynga closing three games including CityVille 2, says FarmVille 2 is doing greatIn a conference call yesterday, Zynga revealed plans to close three titles: The Friend Game, Party Place, and CityVille 2. The closure of CityVille 2 especially stands out since the game launched a few short months ago and lead designer Brian Reynolds announced he was leaving the social game giant in January.

In the company's 2012 financial statement, Zynga posted a loss of $209.4 million.

On a positive note, Zynga said FarmVille 2 is exceeding expectations by 100% last quarter and generating $100 million in gross bookings since launch.

Zynga admitted to analysts that FarmVille 2 may have cannibalized some of CityVille 2's attention, having launched a month before CityVille's sequel. The company said that in the future it will make sure to have fewer titles in general, and leave more space between planned game launches. Zynga is also excited about upcoming mobile and "midcore" titles (defined as "hardcore" games that can be played for only a few minutes at a time), and CEO Mark Pincus says 2013 will be a "pivotal year" for Zynga, with a goal to "make it easier and better to play across mobile and social."

JoystiqZynga closing three games including CityVille 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-reynoldscityvillecityville-2earningsfacebookfarmvillefarmville-2onlineparty-placepcsocialthe-friend-gamezyngaWed, 06 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga posts $209.4 million loss for 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zynga-posts-209-4-million-loss-for-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zynga-posts-209-4-million-loss-for-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/zynga-posts-209-4-million-loss-for-2012/#comments Though 2012 was a rough year Zynga - with the company seeing studio closures, layoffs and departures - the casual game developer and publisher fared better financially than it did in 2011. Zynga ended 2011 in the red to the tune of $404.3 million, while the company has posted a net loss of just $209.4 million in 2012. Year-end revenues stacked up at $1.28 billion; a 12 percent increase over 2011.

The difference between Zynga's overall Q4 revenue in 2012 and 2011 is negligible: $311.1 million as compared with $311.2 million, respectively. Online game revenues were down by three percent year-over-year, while advertising revenue was up by 35 percent, cresting $36 million. Year-over-year net losses are dramatically different, however, with Q4 2012's loss of $48.5 million an 88 percent decrease from the $435 million loss posted in Q4 of 2011.

Looking forward, Zynga anticipates a net loss for Q1 2013, somewhere in the ballpark of $12 million to $32 million.

JoystiqZynga posts $209.4 million loss for 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012androidfinancialsfiscal-2012iosipadiphonemacmobilepcQ4-2012ZyngaTue, 05 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brian Reynolds departs Zynga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/brian-reynolds-departs-zynga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/brian-reynolds-departs-zynga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/brian-reynolds-departs-zynga/#comments Game designer Brian Reynolds has left Zynga. Lead designer on games such as Firaxis Games' Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and Big Huge Games' Rise of Nations, Reynolds was brought on at Zynga to be chief designer. During his three and a half years at Zynga he's credited as chief game designer on FrontierVille.

"Brian Reynolds has decided to move on and pursue other opportunities," an email sent to Zynga employees this afternoon reads.

Reynolds joined Zynga in 2009. His departure is the latest bad milestone consisting of financial issues, games closures and executive departures at the company.

Update: Zynga has released an official statement confirming the departure.

"Brian has a long history in the game industry and has been a great partner to the creative leaders at Zynga. I want to thank him for his leadership of the Zynga Baltimore studio in the design and development of FrontierVille, which brought many innovations to social gaming," said Zynga President of Games Steve Chiang. "We appreciate Brian's contribution and we're proud of the deep bench of creative leaders who are leading the next wave of game innovation at Zynga. We wish Brian the best in his next chapter."

JoystiqBrian Reynolds departs Zynga originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-reynoldszyngaTue, 29 Jan 2013 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[J.P. Morgan reduces Zynga ownership to less than one percent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/j-p-morgan-reduces-zynga-ownership-to-less-than-one-percent/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/j-p-morgan-reduces-zynga-ownership-to-less-than-one-percent/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/j-p-morgan-reduces-zynga-ownership-to-less-than-one-percent/#comments Multinational banking conglom-o J.P. Morgan has reduced the amount of Zynga stock in its possession from 6.7 million shares to 2.6 million, All Things D reports. This represents a shift in its ownership of the developer/publisher from 6.7 percent to less than half of one percent, with the whole of its Zynga stock currently worth $6.73 million, based on Friday's closing value of $2.59 per share.

When J.P. Morgan actually sold 4.1 million of its shares is unclear, as the last official announcement regarding the scope of its investment in Zynga was released in January of last year. By extension, the price that J.P. Morgan received per share is also unknown.

In just the last few months, Zynga has shut down 11 games and closed studios in Japan and Boston, among other various events that haven't boded especially well for the value of its stock. J.P. Morgan's reduced ownership isn't a particularly strong vote of confidence either, though trading was up last week due to Zynga's hawkish acquisition of online gambling patents.

JoystiqJ.P. Morgan reduces Zynga ownership to less than one percent originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>investmentjp-morganmacmobilepcsharesstockZyngaSat, 12 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga shutting down 11 games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/zynga-shutting-down-11-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/zynga-shutting-down-11-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/zynga-shutting-down-11-games/#comments As part of ongoing efforts to cut costs and get back on track, Zynga is pulling the plug on 11 of its games, reports TechCrunch. The site reports that these games have all either been pulled from their respective app stores, shut down or are no longer accepting new players. Notable games being sent to the glue factoryville include Mafia Wars 2, PetVille and Indiana Jones Adventure World.

Among these games are also most of those operated by Zynga Japan, including Machitsuku, Mojitomo and Montopia. Zynga announced the studio's closure last month.

JoystiqZynga shutting down 11 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfree-to-playiosipadiphonemobilepczyngaWed, 02 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga Japan closing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/zynga-japan-closing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/zynga-japan-closing/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/zynga-japan-closing/#comments As was originally suggested by Zynga CEO Mark Pincus back in October, Zynga Japan will be closing its doors as part of a company wide "Cost Reduction Plan" this January. The decision was made official by an announcement on Zynga Japan CEO Kenji Matsubara's Facebook profile, where he thanked users for playing his company's games.

Three of Zynga Japan's games have already been discontinued: City builder Machitsuku, Scrabble clone Mojitomo and monster training RPG Montopia. Zynga Japan's mobile card battling game Ayakashi (available in the US as Ayakashi: Ghost Guild) will continue to operate beyond the developer's official closure at the end of January, 2013.

Other branches affected by the Cost Reduction Plan include Zynga Austin, which suffered a significant reduction in staff, along with Zynga Boston, which was closed entirely.

JoystiqZynga Japan closing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidclosureiosiphoneKenji-MatsubaraMachitsukumobileMojitomoMontopiaZyngaZynga-JapanSat, 22 Dec 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Horn goes on a free quest on iOS today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/horn-goes-on-a-free-quest-on-ios-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/horn-goes-on-a-free-quest-on-ios-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/horn-goes-on-a-free-quest-on-ios-today/#comments A free version of Phosphor Games' pretty 3D action-adventure mobile game Horn is available on iOS today. Horn Free focuses on the "Prologue" section of Horn proper, allowing players to face an endless series of Titans in the new Quest mode and unlock new sets of customizable weapons and armor.

The premium version of Horn pretty much gets all the new stuff found in Horn Free: Quest mode, available as under the Challenges section for instant boss fight gratification, and new loot. This latest update also optimizes both versions of Horn for play on iPad Minis and the new iPad. We've followed up for info on whether this new content is in the Android version.

Continue reading Horn goes on a free quest on iOS today

JoystiqHorn goes on a free quest on iOS today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhornhorn-freeiosipadiphonemobilephosphor-gameszyngaTue, 11 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook and Zynga agree to new terms, create potential for official Facebook games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/facebook-and-zynga-agree-to-new-terms-create-potential-for-offi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/facebook-and-zynga-agree-to-new-terms-create-potential-for-offi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/facebook-and-zynga-agree-to-new-terms-create-potential-for-offi/#comments Facebook and Zynga have worked out a new set of terms in their partnership, enabling both parties to make and promote their own games. Before the alteration, Zynga was required to use Facebook's monetization platform, and Facebook couldn't create its own titles to compete with Zynga's. The latest agreement undoes both stipulations and opens up both sides for more independence.

At this time, neither side has announced that it wants to change the way things work, so Zynga will likely still use Facebook's payments system, and Facebook hasn't announced plans to make any official games. A spokesperson for Facebook reiterated that "we will continue to work with Zynga, just as we do with developers of all sizes." It's not a break-up, in other words, but they are free to see other people.

JoystiqFacebook and Zynga agree to new terms, create potential for official Facebook games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementbreakupcontractfacebookfarmvillegameslegalmobilemonetizationnewspcreuterssocialzyngaThu, 29 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga's holiday charity drive turns in-app purchases into Toys for Tots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/zyngas-holiday-charity-drive-turns-in-app-purchases-into-toys-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/zyngas-holiday-charity-drive-turns-in-app-purchases-into-toys-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/zyngas-holiday-charity-drive-turns-in-app-purchases-into-toys-f/#comments Zynga's holiday charity drive turns inapp purchases into Toys for TotsZynga's charity campaign "Oh, What Fun!" runs today through December 31, with 100 percent of select, holiday-themed in-app purchases in seven games directly benefiting Toys for Tots.

Participating games are CityVille, CastleVille, Words With Friends, Pioneer Trail, Bubble Safari, Draw Something and FarmVille, each with specific items to purchase for the charity, such as FarmVille's cheer-ewe-up horse for $1. As always, we're happy to see Zynga isn't sheepish about using puns. We're laughing so hard, there's a cramp in our calf. Sorry, we're really milking this one.

Some of the items have time limits within the charity drive, with FarmVille's ending on December 5 and Pioneer Trail's not beginning until December 17. Check out the full list of games, items and timeframes after the break.

Continue reading Zynga's holiday charity drive turns in-app purchases into Toys for Tots

JoystiqZynga's holiday charity drive turns in-app purchases into Toys for Tots originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcharityiosipadiphonemacmobilepctoys-for-totsZyngaWed, 28 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga CFO quits for senior finance job at Facebook, more changes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/zynga-cfo-quits-for-senior-finance-job-at-facebook-more-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/zynga-cfo-quits-for-senior-finance-job-at-facebook-more-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/zynga-cfo-quits-for-senior-finance-job-at-facebook-more-changes/#comments Zynga CFO quits to take senior finance job at Facebook, more changesZynga's Chief Financial Officer Dave Wehner has resigned to take a senior finance position at Facebook, causing a wave of corporate changes at Zynga. The most notable shift places Mark Vranesh, the former CFO who was demoted when Wehner joined Zynga in 2010, back into his previous role alongside his current position as chief accounting officer.

Former Chief Mobile Officer David Ko is now chief operations officer. The COO position has been vacant since August 2012, when John Schappert resigned. Barry Cottle, former executive vice president of business and corporate development, is now chief revenue officer, and Steven Chiang, previous executive vice president of games, is now president of games.

In an internal memo, Zynga CEO Mark Pincus wished Wehner the best of luck.

"These changes come at an important time," Pincus wrote. "We are positioning ourselves for long-term growth and I'm confident that we have the breadth and depth of management talent to deliver on our mission of connecting the world through games. We are also today reaffirming our 2012 financial outlook that we communicated on October 24, 2012."

This corporate shake-up follows a larger rumble in October that saw Zynga lay-off five percent of its full-time workforce, including closing its Boston Studio, significantly reducing staff in Austin, retiring 13 games, reducing investment in The Ville and considering closures in Japan and the UK. Zynga reported a loss of $52.7 million in Q3 2012, compared with a profit of $12.5 million in Q3 2011.

Continue reading Zynga CFO quits for senior finance job at Facebook, more changes

JoystiqZynga CFO quits for senior finance job at Facebook, more changes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barry-Cottledave-wehnerdavid-koJohn-Schappertmacmark-pincusmark-vraneshmobilepcsteven-chiangZyngaTue, 13 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/wizards-of-the-coast-sued-over-electronic-trading-card-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/wizards-of-the-coast-sued-over-electronic-trading-card-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/wizards-of-the-coast-sued-over-electronic-trading-card-patent/#comments Wizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringementWizards of the Coast is being sued by Texas-based Wildcat Intellectual Property Holdings over an alleged patent infringement. Courthouse News reports Wildcat believes Wizards of the Coast's 2002 game Magic: The Gathering Online infringes upon the former's 'Electronic Trading Card' patent, and is seeking an injunction to prohibit the transgression.

The patent in question, US Patent No 6200216, was filed by Wildcat on March 6 1995 and issued on March 13 2001. It describes. among other components, "taking the traditional trading card metaphor and uniquely updating and enhancing it for application in consumer digital media." Wildcat claims the patent applies to its game 'Unit Commander' which it calls "the ultimate mercenary trading card game."

Wildcat's allegations seem to date back to a lawsuit filed last year against Wizards of the Coast and 11 other companies, including Nintendo, EA, Sony Computer Entertainment America, Sony Online Entertainment, Konami, and Zynga. The complaint pertains to the same patent infringement Wildcat is presently suing Wizards of the Coast over.

According to The Cardboard Connection, as of August 2 of this year Chaotic USA and Nintendo were dismissed without prejudice, leaving both open to being sued by Wildcat again separately. It's unclear if Wildcat's present case against Wizards of the Coast is a retooling of the previous one following a similar dismissal.

Continue reading Wizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringement

JoystiqWizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAkonamilawsuitpatentpcSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americasony-online-entertainmentwildcatwizards-of-the-coastzyngaMon, 05 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga's online gambling initiative to launch in the UK next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/27/zyngas-online-gambling-initiative-to-launch-in-the-uk-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/27/zyngas-online-gambling-initiative-to-launch-in-the-uk-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/27/zyngas-online-gambling-initiative-to-launch-in-the-uk-next-year/#comments Zynga CEO Mark Pincus is making good on his promise to expand the social/mobile developer's grasp into the world of online gambling in the first half of 2013, according to Gamasutra. As expected, the roll-out will take place in Not America -- the United Kingdom, specifically.

Facilitating this expansion is bwin.party Digital Entertainment, an existing online gambling operator that has partnered with Zynga to aid in its transition from fake addictions to the real deal. Zynga's first title in this new space will be a slots simulator based on the Farmville franchise, which may explain why the Zynga Slots team was the only one to survive this week's layoffs at Zynga Austin.

JoystiqZynga's online gambling initiative to launch in the UK next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013bwin.partybwin.party-digital-entertainmentgamblingmacmobileonline-gamblingpcrelease-windowUKzyngazynga-austinzynga-slotsSat, 27 Oct 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga posts loss of $52.7 million in Q3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/zynga-posts-loss-of-52-7-million-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/zynga-posts-loss-of-52-7-million-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/zynga-posts-loss-of-52-7-million-in-q3/#comments Zynga has released its financial results for the third quarter of 2012, and while business-wide revenue is up year-over-year - $316 million vs. $306 million over the same period in 2011 - net income has fallen by a significant margin. Specifically, the social-gaming developer has reported a loss of $52.7 million over the course of Q3 2012, as compared with the $12.5 million in profit it experienced during Q3 2011.

The picture is much the same for the company's year-to-date financial situation, which places total revenue for 2012 at $970.1 million (well above 2011's $828.8 million), but still reports an overall loss of $160.8 million. By this time last year, Zynga was in the black to the tune of $30.6 million dollars.

The statement also makes mention of yesterday's events, with the closure of Zynga Boston and significant reduction of staff at Zynga Austin, both of which were part of a grander Cost Reduction Plan: "Zynga expects to complete a reduction in force of approximately 150 employees or approximately 5 percent of its current workforce, and implement additional cost reduction measures, including steps to rationalize its product pipeline, reduce marketing and technology expenditures and consolidate certain facilities."

It's worth noting that the "150 employees" referenced are full-time employees, and any contract/part-time workers terminated under the Cost Reduction Plan will not be counted towards that total.

JoystiqZynga posts loss of $52.7 million in Q3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsmacmobilepcQ3-2012ZyngaWed, 24 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga CEO Mark Pincus: Boston closing, Austin reducing, 5% of full-time staff laid off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/zynga-ceo-mark-pincus-letter-to-employees-losing-5-of-full-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/zynga-ceo-mark-pincus-letter-to-employees-losing-5-of-full-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/zynga-ceo-mark-pincus-letter-to-employees-losing-5-of-full-ti/#comments Zynga CEO Mark Pincus Boston closing, Austin reducing, 5% of fulltime staff laid off
Zynga is laying off 5 percent of its full-time workforce, closing its Boston studio and significantly reducing staff at its Austin studio, CEO and founder Mark Pincus writes in a letter to employees. Zynga is proposing closures of its Japan and UK studios, retiring 13 older games and "significantly reducing" its investment in The Ville.

"In addition to these studios, we are also making a small number of partner team reductions," Pincus writes. "In all, we will unfortunately be parting ways with approximately 5 percent of our full time workforce. We don't take these decisions lightly as we recognize the impact to our colleagues and friends who have been on this journey with us. We appreciate their amazing contributions and will miss them."

As part of a larger restructuing, Zynga is cutting "spending on data hosting, advertising and outside services, primarily contractors." Pincus says these measures will "improve profitability" and allow the company to "reinvest in great games."

Pincus will host a webcast tomorrow, following its earnings report. There is no word of the Zynga Chicago studio losing staff, as was rumored earlier today. Read Pincus' full letter below.

Continue reading Zynga CEO Mark Pincus: Boston closing, Austin reducing, 5% of full-time staff laid off

JoystiqZynga CEO Mark Pincus: Boston closing, Austin reducing, 5% of full-time staff laid off originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmark-pincusmobilepcZyngazynga-austinzynga-bostonTue, 23 Oct 2012 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Zynga shedding staff in Boston, Austin, Chicago [Update: Letter from CEO]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/rumor-zynga-boston-austin-chicago-closing-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/rumor-zynga-boston-austin-chicago-closing-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/rumor-zynga-boston-austin-chicago-closing-down/#comments Twitter is on fire with messages that Zynga offices in Boston, Austin and Chicago are closing down. We have contacted Zynga and its employees for clarification.

An employee at Zynga Austin tells Joystiq, "So what I know as of now that The Ville and Bingo teams were cut. I don't know anything about Chicago at the moment." Zynga Austin is responsible for The Ville, Zynga Bingo and Slots, meaning this cut leaves just the Slots team. There are about 70 people left at Zynga Austin, the employee says.

Zynga Boston General Manager Fareed Mosavat is tweeting out job offers in the city, writing, "The outpouring of support for us has been incredible. Love this Boston scene."

Zynga Boston is behind Facebook game Adventure World, and comprises employees from Zynga's acquisition of Conduit Labs in 2010. In March 2011 it acquired Floodgate Entertainment, and by September 2011 Zynga Boston had 35 employees, some recruited from MMO developer Turbine.

Update: Zynga CEO Mark Pincus sent out a letter to employees that confirms the closure of its Boston studio and a significant reduction at its Austin studio, resulting in a loss of 5 percent of its full-time employees, among other changes. Read the letter here.

JoystiqRumor: Zynga shedding staff in Boston, Austin, Chicago [Update: Letter from CEO] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closurelayofflayoffsmacpcZyngazynga-austinzynga-bostonzynga-chicagoTue, 23 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga settles lawsuit with Kojobo, PyramidVille now PyramidValley]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/zynga-settles-lawsuit-with-kojobo-pyramidville-now-pyramidvalle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/zynga-settles-lawsuit-with-kojobo-pyramidville-now-pyramidvalle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/zynga-settles-lawsuit-with-kojobo-pyramidville-now-pyramidvalle/#comments Zynga settles lawsuit with Kojobo, PyramidVille now PyramidValleyWay back in May, Zynga filed suit against French social/mobile developer Kojobo over its usage of the suffix "Ville" in its Facebook game PyramidVille, saying that it was confusing to consumers and that Kojobo's game could easily be mistaken as one of Zynga's 'Ville properties.

Well as of today, the two developers have settled the matter out of court, with no money being exchanged in the process, according to Gamasutra. While neither party is talking specifics, the major extent of the settlement appears to be that Kojobo has renamed PyramidVille to PyramidValley and PyramidVille Adventure to PyramidValley Adventure.

Originally, Zynga had sought damages totaling three times the amount of money Kojobo made from PyramidVille, whatever that figure may have been. Now, it looks as though Zynga is content with Kojobo's renaming of its properties, and Kojobo is content with not being sued into oblivion.

JoystiqZynga settles lawsuit with Kojobo, PyramidVille now PyramidValley originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonekojobomacmobilepcpyramidvalleypyramidvalley-adventurepyramidvillepyramidville-adventurezyngaThu, 18 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga moving forward in lawsuit against former Cityville GM over theft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/zynga-moving-forward-in-lawsuit-against-former-cityville-gm-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/zynga-moving-forward-in-lawsuit-against-former-cityville-gm-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/zynga-moving-forward-in-lawsuit-against-former-cityville-gm-over/#comments Zynga get restraining order against former Cityville GMZynga has earned the requisite crystals to move forward on its lawsuit against former CityVille general manager Alan Patmore, who it accuses of stealing company secrets for use at his new employer Kixeye. All Things D reports the social games company has been granted its request to depose Patmore, have forensic experts search his electronic devices and extend the restraining order preventing Patmore from destroying or deleting any information he obtained.

"Patmore does not dispute that he took 763 files from Zynga, which contained confidential game designs from teams around the company, and that he transferred those files to his computer at Kixeye where he's currently the VP of Product," Zynga attorney Jay Monahan said in a statement.

All Things D also received a statement from Kixeye CEO Will Harbin, who obviously didn't feel like pulling any punches: "Zynga is burning to the ground and bleeding top talent and instead of trying to fix the problems - better work environment and better products - they are resorting to the only profit center that has ever really worked for them: their legal department."

Zynga claims the files Patmore allegedly took would help someone replicate its business, along with projections and plans for 10 unreleased games. Harbin concluded his statement by asking why his company would want to emulate Zynga's business when The Ville publisher has seen a 75 percent decline in its stock since its debut?

JoystiqZynga moving forward in lawsuit against former Cityville GM over theft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-patmorekixeyelawsuitpczyngaWed, 17 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga suing former Cityville GM over theft of trade secrets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/zynga-suing-former-cityville-gm-over-theft-of-trade-secrets/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/zynga-suing-former-cityville-gm-over-theft-of-trade-secrets/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/zynga-suing-former-cityville-gm-over-theft-of-trade-secrets/#comments A former Zynga general manager has allegedly stolen trade secrets, the social games company claims in a new lawsuit. Zynga believes Alan Patmore, who previously worked on Cityville, uploaded a number of company assets to a Dropbox account from his company computer, both on the day before and day of his departure from the company. Said assets included, among other things, information on Zynga's game mechanics, internal assessments of Cityville's performance, monetization plans, company emails and design documents (including the final design document for an as yet unreleased game).

Zynga feels Patmore, who now works for social game company Kixeye, will use the information to directly compete with his former employer. Specifically, Zynga states that the stolen data "could be used to improve a competitor's internal understanding and know-how of core game mechanics and monetization techniques, its execution, and ultimately its market standing to compete more effectively with Zynga."

Furthermore, the company claims that, upon leaving the company, Patmore refused to sign a "termination certification," which "merely reaffirmed" his contractual obligations, among them not to take any of the company's "sensitive data."

Continue reading Zynga suing former Cityville GM over theft of trade secrets

JoystiqZynga suing former Cityville GM over theft of trade secrets originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-patmorecityvillekixeyelawsuitlegalpczyngaTue, 16 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga's business valued at 'nothing'; CityVille 2 'coming soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/zyngas-business-valued-at-nothing-cityville-2-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/zyngas-business-valued-at-nothing-cityville-2-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/zyngas-business-valued-at-nothing-cityville-2-coming-soon/#comments Zynga's business valued at 'nothing' CityVille 2 'coming soon'With the walls closing in, Zynga announced CityVille 2 is in closed beta. The company couldn't share any info but to say it "delivers a truly social and visually rich city building experience." It will launch soon. Not that investors seem to currently care.

As the LA Times notes, Zynga's combined cash, securities and real estate assets are currently worth about $2.46 a share, according to analysts. But, its stock is currently trading below that price (as of this writing: $2.43), which means the company's games business is essentially worth "nothing."

These dark tidings come as brothers Paul and David Bettner, known for Words with Friends, leave Zynga. This is on top of so many high-profile departures we'd be bombarding you every other day with a post, but let's just close this off by saying some milestone moments were the departures of chief creative officer Mike Verdu, chief operating officer John Schappert and Draw Something studio OMGPOP's Wilson Kriegel.

Forbes points out Zynga's stock is down 74 percent this year, making it one of the worst-performing stocks among U.S. companies with market caps over a billion dollars. And, to think, when Zynga went public last December everything looked like it was going to be sunshine and lollipops... oh, wait, no it didn't.

JoystiqZynga's business valued at 'nothing'; CityVille 2 'coming soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cityvillecityville-2pcstockzyngaTue, 09 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga with Friends' Paul and David Bettner leave Zynga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/zynga-with-friends-paul-and-david-bettner-leave-zynga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/zynga-with-friends-paul-and-david-bettner-leave-zynga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/05/zynga-with-friends-paul-and-david-bettner-leave-zynga/#comments Words with Friends' Paul and David Bettner leave ZyngaBrothers Paul and David Bettner, best known for coming up with Words with Friends, have left Zynga. The duo are the latest high-profile departures from Zynga following vacancies left by CCO Mike Verdu and COO John Schappert.

"We are still very excited about the future and feel like we are at the beginning," Paul Bettner told Gamesbeat during a phone interview. Neither would comment on why they chose to leave Zynga nor would they comment on their time at the company.

The duo originally came on board with Zynga when the company purchased their Texas-based studio Newtoy, effectively rebranding it Zynga With Friends. Before the Zynga acquisition, the Bettners had previously helped ship Halo Wars at developer Ensemble Studios before its closure.

JoystiqZynga with Friends' Paul and David Bettner leave Zynga originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchess-with-friendsdavid-bettnerhanging-with-friendsiosipadiphonemacmobilepaul-bettnerpcwords-with-friendszyngazynga-with-friendsFri, 05 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hasbro's Zynga board games now available, paradoxical]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/hasbros-zynga-board-games-now-available-paradoxical/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/hasbros-zynga-board-games-now-available-paradoxical/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/hasbros-zynga-board-games-now-available-paradoxical/#comments Hasbro's Zynga board games now available, paradoxicalLest you hadn't heard, Hasbro and Zynga recently teamed up to create board game versions of its popular video games. That includes a CityVille-themed version of Monopoly, a weird mash-up of FarmVille and Hungry Hungry Hippos, and Draw Something (the board game mechanics of which should be self-explanatory).

Bizarrely, the collection also includes a board game version of Words with Friends. Words with Friends is often cited as being very similar - practically to the point of infringement - to Scrabble, the classic word game published by ... Hasbro. Just to reiterate: this is the board game version of a video game version of a different board game published by a company that should be, in theory, a competitor.

Try not to let your head explode.

Continue reading Hasbro's Zynga board games now available, paradoxical

JoystiqHasbro's Zynga board games now available, paradoxical originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamescityvilledraw-somethingfarmvillehasbroscrabblewords-with-friendszyngaThu, 04 Oct 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Words with Friends charity game pits Edward Norton vs Snoop Lion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/words-with-friends-charity-game-pits-edward-norton-vs-snoop-lion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/words-with-friends-charity-game-pits-edward-norton-vs-snoop-lion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/words-with-friends-charity-game-pits-edward-norton-vs-snoop-lion/#comments Words with Friends charity game pits Edward Norton vs Snoop Lion, othersEdward Norton, Snoop Lion (formerly Dogg), Kristen Bell and five other really popular people are taking part in the Words with Friends Celebrity Challenge, which will give $500,000 to a charity chosen by the winning celebrity. The Celebrity Challenge begins tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET with a Words with Friends match between Snoop Lion and Jonah Hill, streaming live with commentary.

Participating famous people are Kristen Bell, Sophia Bush, Jonah Hill, John Legend, Snoop Lion, Eva Longoria, Edward Norton and Paul Pierce. Anyone can join any of these "teams" and be entered for a chance to play a game against that celebrity.

For what it's worth, Edward Norton is supremely confident that he'll win for his charity, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Fund. His first round is against Paul Pierce, captain of the Boston Celtics, who is playing for his own charity, The Truth Fund.

"I think it's great that he has a cause he supports, and I hope the amount he gets from just the first round is going to make him happy because I don't think it's going to go past there," Norton tells The AP. Norton is most concerned about playing against Snoop Lion, citing his experience with wordplay. Norton also lived and worked in Osaka, Japan, after graduating Yale University in 1991, since you seem interested.

JoystiqWords with Friends charity game pits Edward Norton vs Snoop Lion originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebritycharitymobilepcwords-with-friendsZyngaWed, 26 Sep 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Zynga paid over $20M for A Bit Lucky; Draw Something executive leaves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/report-zynga-paid-over-20m-for-a-bit-lucky-draw-something-exe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/report-zynga-paid-over-20m-for-a-bit-lucky-draw-something-exe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/report-zynga-paid-over-20m-for-a-bit-lucky-draw-something-exe/#comments Zynga reportedly paid between $20-$25 million for "mid-core" developer A Bit Lucky, a pair of sources familiar with the deal tell Bloomberg. Zynga announced the acquisition of the developer a couple days ago, part of an initiative by the publisher to create deeper gameplay experiences that are attractive to a wide range of players, but can also be enjoyed by core gamers.

Also revealed in the past 24 hours: Wilson Kriegel, former chief revenue officer of Draw Something studio OMGPOP, has left the company. Zynga acquired the studio only a half year ago for $200 million.

JoystiqReport: Zynga paid over $20M for A Bit Lucky; Draw Something executive leaves originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>draw-somethingOmgPopzyngaWed, 19 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga acquires 'mid-core' developer A Bit Lucky]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/zynga-acquires-mid-core-developer-a-bit-lucky/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/zynga-acquires-mid-core-developer-a-bit-lucky/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/zynga-acquires-mid-core-developer-a-bit-lucky/#comments Zynga hit with insider trading lawsuit as execs cash out before crashZynga announced today it has acquired A Bit Lucky, a "mid-core" game developer, according to the company blog. The studio previously created Lucky Train and Lucky Space, but is currently working on a multiplayer, multiplatform game called Solstice Arena.

The company's mid-core initiative is explained as seeking deeper gameplay experiences that are attractive to a wide range of players and enjoyed by core gamers. Examples of hires to fit this initiative include Mortal Kombat co-creator John Tobias, joining Mark Turmell at Zynga San Diego as creative director. The company also has Spore and Civilization 4 designer Soren Johnson working on a game at Zynga East in Baltimore.

The company wouldn't comment on whether this is the beginning of a chain of acquisitions to change its current perception with investors, following a string of recent bad news that included lawsuits, scandals, high-profile departures and an ever-hurting stock price.

JoystiqZynga acquires 'mid-core' developer A Bit Lucky originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-bit-luckymobilepczyngaMon, 17 Sep 2012 20:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga files counterclaim against EA, EA calls it 'predictable subterfuge']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/zynga-files-counterclaim-against-ea-ea-calls-it-predictable-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/zynga-files-counterclaim-against-ea-ea-calls-it-predictable-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/15/zynga-files-counterclaim-against-ea-ea-calls-it-predictable-su/#comments Zynga officially responds to EA lawsuit, alleges antitrust violationsZynga has officially responded to EA's recent lawsuit over its claims of a "clear violation" of copyright regarding The Ville. General Counsel for Zynga Reggie Davis issued the following statement:

"Today we responded to EA's claims which we believe have no merit. We also filed a counterclaim which addresses actions by EA we believe to be anticompetitive and unlawful business practices, including legal threats and demands for no-hire agreements. We look forward to getting back to focusing all our efforts on delighting our players."

Reached for comment, EA spokesman John Reseburg told Joystiq, "This is a predictable subterfuge aimed at diverting attention from Zynga's persistent plagiarism of other artists and studios. Zynga would be better served trying to hold onto the shrinking number of employees they've got, rather than suing to acquire more."

Continue reading Zynga files counterclaim against EA, EA calls it 'predictable subterfuge'

JoystiqZynga files counterclaim against EA, EA calls it 'predictable subterfuge' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-trustcopyrightEAElectronic-Artslawsuitpcthe-villeZyngaSat, 15 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST