Today, virtual farming and word play gaming giant Zynga announced a major revamp of several titles, including the upcoming release of FarmVille 2: Country Escape, New Zynga Poker and an entirely new version of Words With Friends. Two of these very popular games will now go mobile.
Zynga's COO Clive Downie said the company will focus heavily on satisfying on the go gamers with mobile versions of FarmVille 2: Country Escape and New Zynga Poker to be released in the near future. An exact release date was not provided.
"All three of these games - FarmVille 2: Country Escape, the New Zynga Poker and the New Words With Friends - are launching soon in select markets and will be available worldwide to all players in the coming months," said Downie.
The all-new Farmville: Country Escape will build upon the success enjoyed by its predecessor, which logged 400 million downloads, Downie said. The updated version will have a connected reward system between the older web game and the mobile version so players can transfer already obtained items to the new game. The setting for Country Escape takes place along a coastline and builds upon the original games characters, while adding many more.
Zynga has improved the social media aspect of the game with new social control options that give the user more choice on how to connect with friends and family. There is also an option to play entirely offline. To be the first to receive FarmVille 2: Country Escape when the game is released, text MOO to 99642.
Some reports hint that the launch could take place this month. The new Farmville will include a proper iOS and Android release, too.
Poker, the game that put Zynga onto the gaming map with 350 million players, has also been reworked from top to bottom. The New Zynga Poker game was designed as a mobile-first title and incorporates several user inspired tweaks. Downie said the game is much faster and has more personalized gameplay. It learns the player's skills and matches the table to that skill level. Other changes include new graphics and a more intuitive interface, he said.
The 100-million-strong Words With Friends community can look forward to something entirely new, Downie said, without elaborating on the improvements. The five-year-old game's revamp includes one of the most asked for improvements, the addition of a dictionary function allowing the players to build their vocabulary with definitions and audio pronunciation.
The new Leaderboards feature amplifies the thrill of victory and a new Player Profile feature with detailed Stats surfaces your win/loss streak, highest scoring words, best moves and more. The game delivers a more immersive social experience so you can quickly find your friends and feel the joy of victory as you climb the leaderboard and beat your own personal best.
"You are the lifeblood of our games, and these three franchises will grow and sustain because of your willingness to share with us what you want out of your entertainment experience," Downie said.
