Social Network Games - Brief Overview

1. Social Network
Games
Branko Djurkovic - Web Dev Department

2. Help && Support

3. Definition
A social network game is a type of online
game that is played through social networks,
and typically features multiplayer and
asynchronous gameplay mechanics.

4. Implementation
Social network games are most often
implemented as browser games, but can also
be implemented on other platforms such as
mobile devices.

5. Cross-platform
The first cross-platform "Facebook-to-Mobile"
social network game was developed in 2011 by
a Finnish company Star Arcade.
Social network games are amongst the most
popular games played in the world, with several
products with tens of millions of players.

6. Publishers
● Zynga
● MegaZebra
● Wooga
● 5 Minutes
● Playfish
● Plinga
● Playdom
● Kabam
● Crowdstar

7. Demographics

8. Demographics

9. Technology & platforms
Web: Flash, JavaScript & PHP
Mobile: iOS & Android (HTML5 & native)

10. Distinct features
● Asynchronous gameplay
● Community
● No victory conditions
● Virtual currency

11. Common Characteristics
● Public Player Statistics
● Tick-Based Games
● Events Timed to Real World
● Encouraged Return Visits
● Grinding
● Private Game Spaces
● Visits & Invites (friends)
● Collaborative Actions
● Purchasable Game Advantages

12. Monetization
● Subscription
● Virtual goods
● Advertising
○ Banner advertisements
○ Video ads
○ Product placement
○ Lead generation offers
● Sponsorship (White label games)

13. Terms of Service

14. Cheating
● Engines (link)
● Communities (FB/Forums)
● Anonymous Avatars vs Public Profiles
● Exploiting // ToS
● Hacking (Cracking)

15. Questions?
Branko Đurković
@plagosus
www.plagosus.net