Today, I-play has launched Bubble Town: Party Planet on one of the most popular community gaming platforms – Facebook, complete with new features and abilities that maximize Bubble Town specifically for Facebook users. These include achievement boards, friend and global leaderboards, and “a brand-new virtual economy” built right in to the game where the players can use “BubbleBucks” to enhance their experience with power ps, gifts, and even extra levels.

“Bubble Town is the game that started it all for social gaming on Facebook,” says Oberon Chief Strategy Officer, Ofer Leidner. “Since then, we have seen phenomenal success with the franchise across all platforms. With the integration of the BubbleBucks virtual economy and other new innovative features on Facebook, fans will now be able to make in-game purchases and compete with friends like never before.”

Get ready to shoot some borbs, rack up some points and compete against your friends!

“Bubble Town: Party Planet allows players to discover more levels and advance faster through the game,” says Daniela Teverovsky, creator of the largest Bubble Town fan page on Facebook. “It’s a very addictive game, and I know fans will love the new version.”

In order to celebrate the christening, I-play will give away prizes that include one 8GB iPod touch with Bubble Town 2, one copy of Bubble Town Deluxe for PC or Mac, and one prize of 10,000 BubbleBucks to spend in Bubble Town: Party Planet.

You can check out Bubble Town: Party Planet on Facebook today!

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 virtual gifting is just as meaningful as real life gifting.

Most of the women (97%) prefer to earn virtual currency through winning more or accepting a branded offer versus paying for it with real money.

“Applications and games are quickly becoming part of everyone’s daily lives,” said Ian Johnson, Director, Social Media World Forum. “This provides a terrific opportunity for brands to serve as a trusted, valued partner to them. By having a presence in the game and app space, brands get the benefit of reaching an influential consumer set. With the support of brands, advance in games and apps and we’re finding also get information from brands they value.”