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Zynga's social games platform rolls out as beta

Five games on board

Zynga's social games platform rolls out as beta
Zynga's first major attempt to diversify its browser-based games business beyond Facebook has gone live, with the firm's in-house games platform rolling out in beta form.

The new site features five games in all – CastleVille, CityVille, Hidden Chronicles, Words With Friends and Zynga Poker – with the platform boasting more than 1.5 million users at any one time at the time of going to press.

From third to first

The platform was unveiled by Zynga at the end of February, with the firm looking to diversify its business. Currently, 96 percent of all the studio's revenue comes from its operations on Facebook.

Interestingly, however, Zynga claimed it would also publish games by third parties on the platform, though none have made it into the line up in time for the beta launch.

"Publishing on the Zynga Platform will allow developers to tap into a captive audience of players who love to play social games," said head of platform partners Rob Dyer at the time.

"What's more, we're committed to creating an environment that's a win, win for everyone involved. We know the challenges of being a game developer, and want to build the best destination for play - not just for players - but for the entire ecosystem as well."




With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.