Social games monster Zynga has announced that Facebook Credits are now the exclusive form of payment that will be accepted. Zynga games will retain their own in-game currency, but going forward, Zynga users will now be presented with purchasing options via: Facebook Credits, bank transfer, prepaid game cards, and/or third party offers.
While most, if not all of the major Facebook developers have previously committed to Facebook Credits exclusivity, Zynga is the last to do so. Previously this year CrowdStar, Rockyou, Playdom, LOLapps, and Wooga all signed exclusive deals with Facebook.
The lone remaining title that in Zynga’s stables that has not made the exclusive switch is Zynga Poker. An interesting little side bit. I’m wondering if Zynga might just be keeping this one title free and clear…i.e. the “just in case” parcel. And let’s be honest, both of these companies make each other a boatload of cash, so Zynga’s certainly in the position to negotiate a bit of wiggle room.
This also raises the issue of Zynga’s dependency on Facebook as a revenue-generating platform. There’s been struggle and strife between the two previously, and it looks like Zynga’s finally succumb to Facebook’s desire to have them working exclusively with Facebook Credits…at least on their platform. Zynga games outside of Facebook, i.e. on FarmVille.com and Yahoo! will not have the Facebook Credits option available. Further market fragmentation?
J-E-T-S!!!
Jets! Jets! Jets! Ok, nothing really outstanding about this one, but with the New York Jets entry into social gaming via Arkadium (who’s only now making their way into the social gaming waters) could be the foreshadowing of things to come.
Arkadium and the Jets have recently launched the Ultimate Fan game on Facebook. Unlike EA’s NFL Superstars, the Ultimate Fan game doesn’t simulate actual football, but rather the fan experience. Players can purchase virtual goods to show off their ultimate fandom.
“As big brands continue to move onto Facebook, we are thrilled to be working with the New York Jets, one of the most forward-thinking professional sports teams in the world,” said Jessica Rovello, Arkadium President. “Together we have created what we believe will be the perfect social complement to this year’s football season.”
According to Arkadium, the Ultimate Fan app is the first “revenue generating” app officially backed by an NFL Team.
Tags: arkadium, Facebook, new york jets, Zynga
