Cityville: The newest game from Zynga on Facebook

Will the insanity never end? Let's hope not! Zynga, creators of such Facebook hits as "Farmville," "Vampire Wars," and of course "Zynga Poker" are announcing a new game to come out later in November called: Cityville.

Will Facebook still allow Zynga to abuse private information of players?
According to MyFoxChicago, the game is being heralded as "when Monopoly meets Main Street" by Cityville's manager Sean Kelly. But isn't Monopoly already about "Main Street?" The big question for many though is whether Zynga will still allow private player data to leak into others' hands as Facebook has already admitted in past situations. If the creators of Cityville handle that "one little issue," it might be worth trying. Farmville sure looks fun. Vampire Wars and Zynga Poker are addictive. Let's hope Cityville is just as mind-numbing.

What is the object of the game Cityville?
Instead of building successful, thriving farms, players of Cityville will build cities. After players have successfully built roads, railroads, schools, and businesses, they are encouraged to go to other cities and buy businesses there as well, from other players. This sounds so much like SimCity that, some Facebook gamers are already bored. Of course, game developers will also structure the game play, so their players will virally market the game of Cityville to other Facebook friends.

How will Cityville make money for Zynga, then?
There seem to be two main points of revenue for Zynga on Facebook. First, any real-world business wanting to be featured on the game will need to be a paying advertiser. Second, if a player wants, they'll be afforded the opportunity to make Cityville purchases of buildings and communities with real-world money.

How big of a hit will Cityville be?
Right now, Zynga is estimated to be worth $5.5 billion USD. If prior history is to be an indication of the potential, Cityville could be worth lots more. That is, of course, as long as all of your friends don't block Cityville from their Facebook News Feed.

Source:
MyFoxChicago "Cityville: Facebook's New Game"
Wall Street Journal: "Facebook in Privacy Breach"
Previously discussed on Gather