Sims Social Goes Head-to-Head With the Most Popular Game Ever
Omar Yusuf — August 25, 2011 — Pop Culture
References: gamesindustry.biz & gamepolitics
With more than 15 million active users, FarmVille is the most populated virtual space around, although publisher Electronic Arts hopes to usurp the throne with their newest browser-based game: The Sims Social.
Before the widespread acceptance of Internet connectivity in gaming, EA's The Sims was among the best selling video games ever, with more than 140 million purchases across the franchise. Now that the Internet shares a symbiotic link with gaming, however, games like FarmVille and FronteirVille have claimed the spotlight. Not for long, according to Electronic Arts, which has just launched The Sims Social as the company's long-awaited counterattack.
Five million Facebook users have already joined the free-to-play game within the last week, and they show no sign of slowing down. Yet, despite being free, The Sims Social will bring EA considerable revenue via micro-transactions and in-game purchases.
Before the widespread acceptance of Internet connectivity in gaming, EA's The Sims was among the best selling video games ever, with more than 140 million purchases across the franchise. Now that the Internet shares a symbiotic link with gaming, however, games like FarmVille and FronteirVille have claimed the spotlight. Not for long, according to Electronic Arts, which has just launched The Sims Social as the company's long-awaited counterattack.
Five million Facebook users have already joined the free-to-play game within the last week, and they show no sign of slowing down. Yet, despite being free, The Sims Social will bring EA considerable revenue via micro-transactions and in-game purchases.
Trend Themes
1. Browser-based Gaming - Expanding browser-based gaming platforms provide opportunities for game developers to create immersive online experiences.
2. Social Gaming - The success of games like FarmVille and The Sims Social demonstrate the potential for social gaming to captivate a wide audience and generate revenue through micro-transactions.
3. Micro-transactions - The popularity of games like The Sims Social showcases the potential for generating substantial revenue through in-game purchases and micro-transactions.
Industry Implications
1. Video Games - The rise of browser-based gaming and social gaming presents opportunities for video game companies to tap into new markets and revenue streams.
2. Online Gaming Platforms - The success of browser-based social games like The Sims Social highlights the potential for online gaming platforms to attract a large user base and monetize through micro-transactions.
3. Online Retail - The thriving market for in-game purchases and micro-transactions in social games presents opportunities for online retailers to partner with game developers and offer virtual goods and services.
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