Reflections on Casual Connect 2010

This year’s Casual Connect Seattle had a little bit of a different vibe for me. This is the first year I was able to attend Casual Connect on the opening day, so the energy was bound to be different from the start.It also snuck up on me a little, so there were a lot of last minute scheduling issues and preparations. But, I was geared up to see where everyone thought the industry was headed and hear about some great new games. When I got there and took a look around, however, I noticed that there were some things missing. Some of the bigger companies I was expecting to see weren’t there, and their presence was missed. It didn’t feel like there was a lot of news being released. I didn’t feel the excitement of new games and innovation that I had felt in the past. Some of the excitement

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Battle Your Facebook Friends for Supremacy

Nvinium Games Inc has released the first trailer for the latest chapter in the Strategy First’s Space Empires saga, Space Empires: Battle for Supremacy. Battle for Supremacy introduces a new audience to the popular series, sending social gamers forth on a journey for peace and discovery in the midst of interstellar war on Facebook beginning July 27th. “We’re all big fans of the Space Empires franchise, which has provided rich game play and beautiful visuals that we’ve fully utilized when creating this game,” said Matt Abrams, CEO, Nvinium Games. “This is the perfect project for us to begin delivering on our goal of integrating well-known IPs with our social game development experience and success in building online communities to create games that players will enjoy.” Space Empires: Battle for Supremacy Features: Unique real time combat system Large galaxies with over 100 solar systems and countless planets to explore Advanced technology

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Featured Interview: Rixty Joins Forces with Facebook

Facebook announced the news this week that it is integrating Rixty as a way for users to pay for Facebook credits to get enhanced content in Facebook games and send virtual gifts. As many more Facebook games are including the universal Facebook Credit as a way for players to get more out of their games by offering more content and more continuous play – for a price, Rixty is becoming an exclusive way to pay that price without a credit card (and without completing offers… which also often requires a credit card). I recently had the opportunity to char with Joel Andren, Marketing Director for Rixty about the exciting news… Rixty & Facebook GA – Why don’t you start off by telling me a little bit more about Rixty? Joel – Rixty provides an easy way for people who pay for online content – especially games – using cash and

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Interview: James Kosta of 3G Studios, Inc. creator of Brave Arms

Facebook is on the verge of having it’s very first FPS, by 3G Studios, and we were lucky enough to interview James Kosta, CEO and lead creator of the game to give you all a preview! With over 10,000 Facebook fans already anticipating the title, it’ll perhaps even rival the success of Farmville. GA: Could we have some details on the game? JK: Brave Arms is the premier 3D social shooter available on the Facebook platform. Brave Arms will simulate action packed gameplay from traditional console games, but will also allow players to create and customize their avatars and play with Facebook buddies in 3D environments. Players are put in the first-person perspective as they battle in teams or in a death match in different levels. GA: What made you decide to utilize Facebook at a platform? JK: Facebook is a network that is connected socially and that’s the goal

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Social Gaming With Six Flags

Six Flags Entertainment announced today that it’s joining the ranks of Social Gaming with its entertainment based game, Mascot Park, in which players will create shows for their friends and cheer or jeer their friends’ shows. Creativity and cheers will earn fans and coins to improve the shows with new sets, costumes, and training. For those twistier players, you can also jump in and sabotage friends’ shows with special effects or pranks. “The Six Flags brand stands for fun and unparalleled thrills and the introduction of Six Flags Mascot Park brings that signature experience to the virtual reality world,” said Mike Antinoro, Executive VP of Marketing and Entertainment. “We want to offer fans a forum to entertain, amuse and interact while also recognizing the importance of integrating a unique experience to the online community.” Six Flags Mascot Park is a combined development effort between Six Flags, Noise and Making Fun.

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Study shows women are loyal in social gaming

A brand new study of more than 2,000 women show that they enjoy engaging with the brands while playing social games like Farmville and Causes. Women in the survey also show that they are passionate and competitive about (Lil) Green Patches and Happy Aquariums stocking up on virtual currency in the game. “As brands seek relevant and natural ways to shake hands with women via social media, the gaming and application marketplace holds tremendous potential to integrate in a consumer-friendly, meaningful way,” said Matt Wise, President, Q Interactive. “Women seek a partner to support their entertainment, which is exceptionally important given their busy lives.” Some of the stats show that 85% of the women surveyed use five or less games regularly. Most show a large indication to being loyal to a handful of favorites. More than half are earning/spending virtual currency. A very interesting stat shows that 57% feel that

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