Mark Pincus house 1
That is, if you're packing at least $1.97 million. Zillow reports that Zynga CEO Mark Pincus put his two San Francisco, Calif. homes on the real estate market just before the FarmVille maker is expected to hit the stock market on Dec. 16. One house, located in Cole Valley, is going for a cool $1.97 million, while the other in the classy Presidio District is asking for a mind-boggling $8.95 million.
Well, mind-boggling for folks like us that think $1 million is filthy rich--this dude is likely a billionaire. Both homes are enough to be featured on some special video game-themed episode of Cribs. The Cole Valley house (pictured above) looks low key from outside, but its interior screams, "I have enough money to take napalm to this place and build it again." Seriously, the master bedroom doubles as a projection room.
Mark Pincus home 2
The Presidio District pad above looks richie rich both outside and in. According to Zillow, this home is being billed as the "Gold Standard" of homes. The building features not one, but two front-facing balconies over the street and six bedrooms. (The Pincus's are a family of four.) Mrs. Alison Pincus decorated both homes using pieces from her own business, One Kings Lane, a high-end home furnishings website.
According to what Zillow's heard, the Pincus family never lived in the $8.95 million dream house due to scares from Vera Svenchina. A former stripper-turned-amateur filmmaker, the Russian women reportedly threatened Pincus and his family, driving the CEO behind CityVille to file for a restraining order. For what it's worth, enjoy the depressingly beautiful eye candy right here.
[Via SFist]
What do you think of Mark Pincus's two high-end homes? What do you expect from Zynga's IPO tomorrow?
Thứ Tư, 4 tháng 1, 2012
Mystery Manor shrouds the iPad in ... hidden-object puzzles for free
Gotcha, didn't we? There will probably be plenty more (arguably better) "gotcha" and "ah-ha" moments where that came from in Mystery Manor on the iPad. Russian developer Game Insight has released its hit social puzzle game to Apple's ubiquitous tablet for the fine price of, well, nothing. Titled "Mystery Manor: Hidden Adventure," the hidden-object puzzler looks to build on the franchise's 8 million existing fans across Facebook, Orkut and VKontakte combined.
This take on Mystery Manor takes place in--you guessed it--a mansion full of mystery, spooks and laughs. According to Game Insight, Hidden Adventure, first announced last month, features hand-drawn graphics, four game modes and a "captivating detective storyline." (That last bit we'd have to see to believe.) The play hooks appear to be largely unchanged from its social counterpart, but with the added novelty of touch controls.
The game is free to play, but it's of course governed by an energy system and features plenty of virtual currency to collect. Like its social counterparts, Hidden Adventure allows players to enlist the help of their friends to complete puzzles. It appears that players will interact with friends through an in-game map, foregoing the use of Facebook or Game Center. Hidden Adventure releases just as Playdom hits the iPad with social hidden-object king Gardens of Time. Check out the trailer below, and let the mega match of mystery begin.
Click here to download Mystery Manor on iPad for Free Now >
Are you a Mystery Manor fan? What do you think of the hidden-object games currently available on iPad?
This take on Mystery Manor takes place in--you guessed it--a mansion full of mystery, spooks and laughs. According to Game Insight, Hidden Adventure, first announced last month, features hand-drawn graphics, four game modes and a "captivating detective storyline." (That last bit we'd have to see to believe.) The play hooks appear to be largely unchanged from its social counterpart, but with the added novelty of touch controls.
The game is free to play, but it's of course governed by an energy system and features plenty of virtual currency to collect. Like its social counterparts, Hidden Adventure allows players to enlist the help of their friends to complete puzzles. It appears that players will interact with friends through an in-game map, foregoing the use of Facebook or Game Center. Hidden Adventure releases just as Playdom hits the iPad with social hidden-object king Gardens of Time. Check out the trailer below, and let the mega match of mystery begin.
Click here to download Mystery Manor on iPad for Free Now >
Are you a Mystery Manor fan? What do you think of the hidden-object games currently available on iPad?
Thứ Sáu, 30 tháng 12, 2011
Social games will help Facebook become Facebank by 2015
According to Metal International founder and president Ken Rutkowski, social games will boost Facebook Credit sales and account holdings more than anything else on the platform, TechWorld reports. But that's not all, Rutkowski believes that thanks to social games, Facebook and its Credits platform could become the largest bank in the world by 2015. If you use the term loosely, he might have a point, but Rutkowski is completely serious. "Facebook will be the largest bank by 2015," Rutkowski said. "I hear you say 'how can they be a bank' what's going on?"
TechWorld reports that Rutkowski believes Facebook is already making deals with major, real banks to bring credit profiles to Facebook. Wait, that's still not outlandish enough for him:
In China and a lot of the Asian areas right now that is becoming a massive revenue source and that currency is going to start spreading and Facebook is doing deals with banks around the world right now to create an exchange mechanism. Why is its important to have a profile? They are going to start using that to determine what your credit worthiness is.
Did he just say that banks will use our Facebook profiles in replace of credit scores? So let's get this straight. Facebook shopping will be so widespread and ingrained into our culture in just four years that Facebook profiles will be used to gauge our eligibility to, say, get a loan? And it's all thanks to our rampant crop harvests in FarmVille spiking Facebook Credit sales?
While it's tough to dismiss his background--Rutkowski launches about 1 thousand companies a year through his Founders Institute in Los Angeles, Calif.--to say that Facebook will literally become an online-only bank through Facebook Credits in just four years is hasty. Though, I can't wait to see if he was right come 2015. I can see it now: "Facebank."
[Image Credit: Long Straws]
What do you think of Rutkowski's outlandish predictions for Facebook and games? If you had a choice, would you want to do your banking through Facebook?
TechWorld reports that Rutkowski believes Facebook is already making deals with major, real banks to bring credit profiles to Facebook. Wait, that's still not outlandish enough for him:
In China and a lot of the Asian areas right now that is becoming a massive revenue source and that currency is going to start spreading and Facebook is doing deals with banks around the world right now to create an exchange mechanism. Why is its important to have a profile? They are going to start using that to determine what your credit worthiness is.
Did he just say that banks will use our Facebook profiles in replace of credit scores? So let's get this straight. Facebook shopping will be so widespread and ingrained into our culture in just four years that Facebook profiles will be used to gauge our eligibility to, say, get a loan? And it's all thanks to our rampant crop harvests in FarmVille spiking Facebook Credit sales?
While it's tough to dismiss his background--Rutkowski launches about 1 thousand companies a year through his Founders Institute in Los Angeles, Calif.--to say that Facebook will literally become an online-only bank through Facebook Credits in just four years is hasty. Though, I can't wait to see if he was right come 2015. I can see it now: "Facebank."
[Image Credit: Long Straws]
What do you think of Rutkowski's outlandish predictions for Facebook and games? If you had a choice, would you want to do your banking through Facebook?
FarmVille-maker Zynga's looking for a few good men (and women) to enlist in its new Fan Army
In an attempt to bolster its rabid fanbase -- better known as the Zynga Fan Army -- FarmVille creator Zynga has rolled out a new community hub that gives players access to Zynga contests, giveaways, wallpapers, game tips and a chance to be highlighted as a Fan of the Week.
zynga fan army page
The whole 'Fan of the Week' concept seems to be the most compelling part of this new experience. To be considered for the spot, players must submit a photo and their "greatest Zynga game moment," whether that's discovering a great tip for a particular game or *cue sappy romance tune* falling in love with a fellow player. People who have the most compelling entries will be highlighted in the 'Spotlight' section of the new Zynga community site.
To join the Zynga Fan Army (or just check out this new site), point your browser to www.zynga.com/community/.
zynga fan army page
The whole 'Fan of the Week' concept seems to be the most compelling part of this new experience. To be considered for the spot, players must submit a photo and their "greatest Zynga game moment," whether that's discovering a great tip for a particular game or *cue sappy romance tune* falling in love with a fellow player. People who have the most compelling entries will be highlighted in the 'Spotlight' section of the new Zynga community site.
To join the Zynga Fan Army (or just check out this new site), point your browser to www.zynga.com/community/.
FrontierVille Cheats and Tips: Finding Adobe Bricks
Another lengthy FrontierVille Goal series, another elusive item required to complete them. Since Zynga introduced the Ponderosa Lodge and Fancy Cabin to the game, many pioneers have been crying, "Where are the Adobe Bricks? I can't find them. Waaa!" While we doubt any of you cried like 7-year-olds, surely a good lot of you are frustrated, so here's how to find Adobe Bricks for both the Ponderosa Lodge and the Fancy Cabin.
Ponderosa Lodge:
Goal: A Man's Home is His Castle:
Collect 10 Throne Plungers
Have 500 wood
Plant 20 Sunflowers
Adobe BricksThis fourth and final Goal in the Ponderosa Lodge series will reward you with all 15 Adobe Bricks needed to complete the Lodge. Throne Plungers will be requested from friends through the quest's menu window. Having 500 Wood at the time is as easy as chopping down some trees. Planting 20 Sunflowers will cost you 6,200 coins total and take at least 18 hours to harvest. Do this and the Adobe Bricks are yours.
Fancy Cabin:
Goal: Granny's Rocker
Craft or have 4 Saltpeter
Craft or have 40 Planks
Tend 40 Cotton
Continuing the new trend, completing this final Goal in the Granny's Home series will reward you with all 20 Adobe Bricks for the Fancy Cabin. The 4 Saltpeter are obtained through the Manure Collection, which of course is completed by tending to animals and beating up varmints. The 40 Planks can be crafted in the Wagon for 7 Wood and 250 coins a piece, which will cost 280 Wood and 10 thousand coins total. The 40 Cotton will cost 24 thousand coins and take three days to harvest.
While it's going to take quite some time, this is how you'll find Adobe Bricks for both of the new buildings in FrontierVille. Happy manure hunting and tree chopping!
Check out the rest of our FrontierVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you had trouble finding the Adobe Bricks? What do you think of Zynga's new gated approach to new content?
Ponderosa Lodge:
Goal: A Man's Home is His Castle:
Collect 10 Throne Plungers
Have 500 wood
Plant 20 Sunflowers
Adobe BricksThis fourth and final Goal in the Ponderosa Lodge series will reward you with all 15 Adobe Bricks needed to complete the Lodge. Throne Plungers will be requested from friends through the quest's menu window. Having 500 Wood at the time is as easy as chopping down some trees. Planting 20 Sunflowers will cost you 6,200 coins total and take at least 18 hours to harvest. Do this and the Adobe Bricks are yours.
Fancy Cabin:
Goal: Granny's Rocker
Craft or have 4 Saltpeter
Craft or have 40 Planks
Tend 40 Cotton
Continuing the new trend, completing this final Goal in the Granny's Home series will reward you with all 20 Adobe Bricks for the Fancy Cabin. The 4 Saltpeter are obtained through the Manure Collection, which of course is completed by tending to animals and beating up varmints. The 40 Planks can be crafted in the Wagon for 7 Wood and 250 coins a piece, which will cost 280 Wood and 10 thousand coins total. The 40 Cotton will cost 24 thousand coins and take three days to harvest.
While it's going to take quite some time, this is how you'll find Adobe Bricks for both of the new buildings in FrontierVille. Happy manure hunting and tree chopping!
Check out the rest of our FrontierVille Cheats & Tips right here.
Have you had trouble finding the Adobe Bricks? What do you think of Zynga's new gated approach to new content?
Gartner: Gamification will ... gamify 50 percent of companies by 2015
Boy, there sure are a lot of folks looking at 2015 already, huh? The hype train known as the gamification movement (thanks, Foursquare) has officially left the station now that Gartner, technology research and advisory company, foresees the game layer blanketing at least 50 percent of companies in just four years.
Gartner analysts also see gamification becoming as important to companies' marketing departments as Facebook, Twitter, eBay or Amazon. Some might see the idea of the game layer as over-incentivizing human behavior or replacing feelings of inspiration and ambition with an overwhelming carrot-on-the-stick mentality.
Who knows, they could be right, but it's comforting at least that non-game environments such as innovation, marketing, training, employee performance, health and social change [will be affected]," said Brian Burke, an analyst at Gartner. The firm was even so kind as to provide tips for developers to drive engagement through gamification.
Gartner identified four principal means of driving engagement using gamification:
1. Accelerated feedback cycles. In the real world, feedback loops are slow (e.g., annual performance appraisals) with long periods between milestones. Gamification increases the velocity of feedback loops to maintain engagement.
2. Clear goals and rules of play. In the real world, where goals are fuzzy and rules selectively applied, gamification provides clear goals and well-defined rules of play to ensure players feel empowered to achieve goals.
3. A compelling narrative. While real-world activities are rarely compelling, gamification builds a narrative that engages players to participate and achieve the goals of the activity.
4. Tasks that are challenging but achievable. While there is no shortage of challenges in the real world, they tend to be large and long-term. Gamification provides many short-term, achievable goals to maintain engagement.
Well folks, this is it. These people are serious about changing the way in which you live, for better or worse. Whether you gel with the idea of your interactions with not only brands, but services and ultimately people being, well, gamified is worth some thought. Because, believe it or not, the game layer is already here (Zynga and RewardVille, no?) and--if Gartner's right--there's plenty more of it around the corner.
[Via VentureBeat]
[Image Credit: VentureBeat]
Are you a fan of gamification already with apps like Foursquare and SCVNGR? Where do you see the game layer going, and does that excite or worry you?
Gartner analysts also see gamification becoming as important to companies' marketing departments as Facebook, Twitter, eBay or Amazon. Some might see the idea of the game layer as over-incentivizing human behavior or replacing feelings of inspiration and ambition with an overwhelming carrot-on-the-stick mentality.
Who knows, they could be right, but it's comforting at least that non-game environments such as innovation, marketing, training, employee performance, health and social change [will be affected]," said Brian Burke, an analyst at Gartner. The firm was even so kind as to provide tips for developers to drive engagement through gamification.
Gartner identified four principal means of driving engagement using gamification:
1. Accelerated feedback cycles. In the real world, feedback loops are slow (e.g., annual performance appraisals) with long periods between milestones. Gamification increases the velocity of feedback loops to maintain engagement.
2. Clear goals and rules of play. In the real world, where goals are fuzzy and rules selectively applied, gamification provides clear goals and well-defined rules of play to ensure players feel empowered to achieve goals.
3. A compelling narrative. While real-world activities are rarely compelling, gamification builds a narrative that engages players to participate and achieve the goals of the activity.
4. Tasks that are challenging but achievable. While there is no shortage of challenges in the real world, they tend to be large and long-term. Gamification provides many short-term, achievable goals to maintain engagement.
Well folks, this is it. These people are serious about changing the way in which you live, for better or worse. Whether you gel with the idea of your interactions with not only brands, but services and ultimately people being, well, gamified is worth some thought. Because, believe it or not, the game layer is already here (Zynga and RewardVille, no?) and--if Gartner's right--there's plenty more of it around the corner.
[Via VentureBeat]
[Image Credit: VentureBeat]
Are you a fan of gamification already with apps like Foursquare and SCVNGR? Where do you see the game layer going, and does that excite or worry you?
Playfish hires ex-Planet Moon Studios CEO Aaron Loeb as GM
Now that it's nabbing CEOs, EA must really want to catch up to and strangle Zynga. The omnipotent gaming company's social game development arm Playfish, just hired former Planet Moon Studios CEO Aaron Loeb as general manager.
Loeb will do much of what he did at Planet Moon Studios: "development of original and brand-oriented social games as well as the rapid expansion of the studio," Playfish says. During his 10 years as overlord of the Moon (never thought I'd get to say that in my career), Loeb oversaw the sequel to Drawn to Life on Nintendo DS for Wii.
Most recently, he saw tie-in games for Disney film Tangled on both Nintendo consoles from start to finish. And for some trivia, Loeb was also the founding editor-in-chief of gaming news site UGO, so he has that all-too-unique advantage of experience on both ends of the industry. (Lightning Round: He also is an award-winning playwright. Awesome!) Now, with potential talent powerhouses like Loeb, it's time to see what EA can do to gain some steam.
[Image Credit: Playwrights Foundation]
Do you think this hire will help EA and Playfish gain lost ground in the epic battle against the might Zynga? How do you think Loeb's experience in the editorial world will help him at Playfish?
Loeb will do much of what he did at Planet Moon Studios: "development of original and brand-oriented social games as well as the rapid expansion of the studio," Playfish says. During his 10 years as overlord of the Moon (never thought I'd get to say that in my career), Loeb oversaw the sequel to Drawn to Life on Nintendo DS for Wii.
Most recently, he saw tie-in games for Disney film Tangled on both Nintendo consoles from start to finish. And for some trivia, Loeb was also the founding editor-in-chief of gaming news site UGO, so he has that all-too-unique advantage of experience on both ends of the industry. (Lightning Round: He also is an award-winning playwright. Awesome!) Now, with potential talent powerhouses like Loeb, it's time to see what EA can do to gain some steam.
[Image Credit: Playwrights Foundation]
Do you think this hire will help EA and Playfish gain lost ground in the epic battle against the might Zynga? How do you think Loeb's experience in the editorial world will help him at Playfish?
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