While some pundits assumed Facebook gaming was set to take over the world, the latest figures show that such distractions have become less popular over time. In 2010, roughly half of all Facebook users jumped on such titles as Farmville and That Other One, whereas 2011 saw only 25%.
Researchers are citing smartphone competition, the demand for less casual and more skill-oriented software, and the difficulty in attracting users as contributing factors for the drop.
I can't say the decline surprises me at all. When you appeal to Facebook users, you're trying to gain the attention of the easily distracted and the perpetually bored (that's why we all have Facebook). It's hardly surprising that such users cannot be relied upon in the long term. I also don't doubt that the sheer volume of developers hopping aboard the bandwagon choked the market a little, and now we have more studios than ever fighting over users that won't stick around for long. That's not a sustainable market, as far as I can tell.
While the potential for social gaming is still an intriguing prospect, I think appealing solely to the fad crowd is a bad idea. There are some genuinely good game ideas hitting the platform, and we need to see more of those, rather than a dozen studios trying to be the next Zynga.
Facebook gaming on the decline [MCV]
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
1:15 PM on 02.27.2012 | 
Isn't it a huge pain in the ass to type that way?
Lolfacebookgames.
Facebook games were far more popular when there were less game apps for phones.
Now decent browser games and actual decent game apps exist and theyre always getting better.
Isn't it a huge pain in the ass to type that way?
Lolfacebookgames.
A close friend told me that she started getting so frustrated with how many of the games were practically forcing her to pay up in order to progress. I talked her into buying a 3DS and told her that those games might be more expensive, but you'll get full experiences that won't bombard you with ads or payment options every other click. She is currently loving Mario.
Listened to your chat with David Jaffe this morning Jim. Really interesting stuff. Jaffe seems really chill
*this is said in a joking manner not negative.
So people finally figured out that spending money for digital accessories that do nothing is a waste of time, great.
I really don't understand the stock market.
The only movie when I was little that could manage to scare the shit out of me, and its such a retarded movie...
Facebook gaming dropping in popularity however, that doesn't scare me one bit.
Lies!
Ill say once more cuz im just dat rad ;)
Not too surprised that the FB gaming scene isn't the honeypot everyone hopping into it wanted it to be. Then again, their expectations were almost comically out of proportion.
keep on keepin on.
Dat Fear Effect image. Mmmmhmmm.
Casual gamers are just that: casual. You need hardcore gamers if you plan anything long-term.
Kings Bounty and Tripple town, so far Zynga has only stolen one of the concepts.
Sure it's ok to have SOME facebook games, but make them good ones instead of having many thousands of crapware ones.
Personally I've never touched a single one, and I'm not trying to look cool I just honestly think they're a waste of space.
2) Companies are getting wise to all the time being wasted during work hours, and are beginning to put the clamp down on these games.
It's not an environment healthy for growth, for games that require continuous viral spread.
- this news :)
- indie games bringing back great gameplay from the past reloaded
- the PC as gaming platform is getting stronger again (and i am not talking about browser and MMO games)
i likes.