Big Fish Games announced yesterday that they are now offering their free-to-play MMO title, Faunasphere on Facebook. The title stands above the crowd insomuch as it’s now a cross platform title, having the stand alone browser version linked to the Facebook based game so that players can have a seamless experience, regardless of the platform.
“As a standalone site, Faunasphere has demonstrated incredible user growth and consistently high average spend per user. We are excited to see it perform at scale on Facebook, the world’s largest social network,” comments VP of Social Games at Big Fish Games Will O’Brien.
According to Big Fish Games, both versions of Faunasphere will operate under the same microtransactions system, whereby users can buy additional virtual goods and items for their fauna and commission scientific tests to learn more about the hidden skills their selected character(s) may exhibit. Big Fish Games is also touting the title as a “real” MMO on the Facebook platform, finally introducing the casual games community outside the normal realm of Mafia Wars, Happy Aquariums, and/or FarmVilles.
“MMOs are the original social game,” said Toby Ragaini, Big Fish Games vice president, MMO. “What’s great about bringing MMOs to Facebook is that you have a built-in network of friends to play with. People who play other social games on Facebook will enjoy the increased immersive experience that Faunasphere offers, thanks to the ability to have real-time, synchronous interactions with friends and fellow players. And because Faunasphere was designed for the casual gamer, it’s a perfect fit for the Facebook audience.”
Big Fish Games raised $83 million in 2008, and is continuing to invest in social games and that Faunasphere is just one of many efforts it has in the pipeline for this year. Obviously, Big Fish Games is taking cues from Zynga, hoping to cash in on the massive success of social gaming on the Facebook platform.
Tags: big fish games, casual game, casual games, social games, social gaming, Zynga
