Zynga Taking To The Airwaves

It might be time to draw out the checkbook and consider buying some Zynga (ZNGA) stock shares. Why? Because Zynga and the CBS network are developing a new game show that will be based on the popular Draw Something application. 

 

The "Draw Something" pilot will be produced by Sony Pictures Television, Ryan Seacrest Productions and Embassy Row, reportedly after a multiple-network bidding war, according to "The Hollywood Reporter."Michael Davies of "The Glee Project," and Ryan Seacrest Productions’ CEO Adam Sher are on board to executive produce the pilot.

CBS is so far planning on inviting a mix of celebrities and everyday people to play the game in front of a live audience, for the chance to earn cash prizes. There may also be an option for viewers watching at home to participate and earn prizes as well. No word yet as to whether said teams will be drawing while also marooned on a desert island.

The network has described the show as an unscripted reality show. “Each week, teams of celebrities and everyday users will test their skills in front of a studio audience to earn money and big laughs. Viewers can also play along at home for a chance to win prizes and compete with the celebrities,” CBS said in a press release.

Source csmonitor.com

The shareholders are hopeful that the ‘Draw Something Game Show’ becomes an instant hit on the TV as it has on the mobile phones. Zynga’s (ZNGA) are showing signs of life as they are on the rise the past few days.

If the ‘Draw Something Game Show’ is a success we should continue to see a surge with ZNGA shares.

But, slow down, we don’t know a time frame yet. We don’t know when, or if, the show will be broadcast. We don’t know a time of the day when it will be aired. All these things will play a part in the popularity of the TV version’s success of Draw Something. All these things will affect the shares of Zynga.

If the Draw Something Game Show is a success then why shouldn’t Zynga look into reviving Mafia Wars with a Mafia Wars TV show? Mafia themed movies and shows have been hits for decades so why not cash in on this game over the airwaves?

Zynga We’re Listening - Fast Load After The Fact

Now Your Game Loads Instantly. Check Out Fast Load.

Have we mentioned how much we love having you over to play? You’ve given us some great feedback, and now we have something new we want to share: Fast Load. You all asked us to make it quicker and easier to load your games, so Fast Loadremembers exactly where you left off in the last game you played. Just hit the Fast Load button and get back to playing with no waiting.

Also, we’re doing something new for those of you that have questions about playing on Zynga.com. In addition to the “feedback” button in the lower right corner of the site, you can also post questions in our forum or via Twitter (@zynga) using #zyngaplay hashtag. Our team will respond to your questions on camera and we’ll post a video of the answers right here on the blog. Check back next week for answers to the top questions from players.

We’re always adding new ways to make playing your games more fun and have lots of cool things coming your way soon. Keep sending us your feedback, and load up on fun! 

Check out Fast Load

Play on,

- The Zynga.com crew

Posted on April 06, 2012

I received the above in my email on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. If you noticed the date of when the original zyngablog.typepad.com post was made you can clearly see how much on-top of things the Zynga team is. At least we know now that Zynga is listening because they said they were.

They just aren’t responding until 2 1/2 months after the fact.

What truly is the knee-jerker within this is when Zynga stated (On April 6, 2012) “Our team will respond to your questions on camera and we’ll post a video of the answers right here on the blog. Check back next week for answers to the top questions from players.”

Umm, I can assure you that I will not be checking back on April 13, 2012. I will be a little occupied that day doing whatever it was that I already did. But, thanks for letting me know.

I decided to test this ‘Fast Load’ out so I went to Zynga.com and tried to play Hidden Chronicles. I say ‘tried’ because after 6 opening pop-up images the page got stuck with the following little loading image;

The page never did load completely.

If Zynga meant that it would load within the same 2 1/2 months that it took them to send me the email then it works perfectly.

The Few And The Proud Sales Event

The Few And The Proud sales event is on the docket. This event is where you will need to buy 15 qualifying items from the marketplace. Upon your purchase of 15 qualifying items you will be awarded an Action-Packed.

Other loot items that will only be for a limited time include a Bootcamp, an Ex-Marine, an Armed Vest, and a Tuned-In.

Just more loot items that too many players will never see in their inventories.

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."

-----------------------------------------------------

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.