Facebook Subscriptions

Gaming companies, including Zynga, are among the first to test a new option for Facebook application developers. This new option is being dubbed as Facebook subscriptions. It’s purpose is to make payments for virtual goods easier for the gaming companies and Facebook.

This brings up the question; Will Facebook remain a free service? The answer is likely yes, it will. But, parts of it may soon cost a premium.

Facebook launches game subscriptions

Facebook noted on their developer blog: "Many developers successfully monetize their apps with one-time purchases of virtual items. Beginning in July, we are launching subscriptions as another way for you to build your businesses on Facebook. With subscriptions, you can establish a recurring revenue stream and offer updated content or premium experiences for a monthly fee."

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Update: Zynga has given us this statement regarding Facebook subscriptions:

"Zynga supports any improvement to the Facebook platform and player experience that makes it easier to play and pay. We're proud of the long term partnership we have with Facebook and today's announcement doesn't change the economic relationship between the two companies. We'll be working with Facebook over the coming months as they phase out Facebook credits and will be sharing more details on this when we report our Q2 earnings, including any possible changes to our accounting going forward after the implementation of the announced changes."

"We believe Facebook's new payment product to support pricing in local currency will streamline payment methods on their Platform and ultimately offer more flexible pricing options. And, while its early days, we are looking forward to be bringing players more options to engage in our games through our subscription model and have already begun testing subscriptions in a number of our games on Facebook."

-Zynga spokesperson

Source: gamesindustry.biz

Remember, both Facebook and Zynga (and many other companies who have apps on Facebook) now have shareholders to make happy. The only way the shareholders will be made happy is if the companies are profitable.

Therefore, It is no longer about providing you with good services. It has become about finding new ways of making money. They are trying to sell you what they can anyway they can and they would sell you the air that you breath if they could.