It's certainly not the first developer to venture into the world of SMS games - the stripped-back approach enabling almost any mobile consumer to get their game on - but Zynga's decision to roll-out two-way SMS support for Mafia Wars is nonetheless worth noting.
Already available on some of the most accessible platforms of all time Facebook and, more recently, iPhone Mafia Wars players using the former platform can now perform a number of actions simply by texting in codes from their mobile handset.
Mafia marvel
The set-up allows them to remain engaged in play even when away from the social network without diluting the game's pick-up-and-play appeal.
For example, you send 'F' to battle someone on your fight list, send 'J' to do a job, or send 'PE' to purchase energy refill points.
It marks a change of emphasis for the publisher too, with Zynga expanding on its initial round of testing back in December 2009 which restricted the service to notifications only.
The new SMS functionality, which is powered by text message alert specialist 4INFO, is only currently available in North America however.
Zynga won't charge for text messages, but message and data rates may apply from your carrier.
Those interested in signing up have to do so through the game's Facebook portal, with a more direct approach likely if it proves to be a success.
As such, TechCrunch reports the set-up could be expanded beyond Mafia Wars within the near future to take in scores of the company's games.
Zynga itself, however, says SMS play is being restricted to just the one title for the time being.
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Top Stories
News
May 4th, 2024
PocketGamer.biz Podcast Week in Views E10 - Brawl Stars smashes 2023 revenue, Square Enix’s extraordinary losses, and Haaland signs for Clash of Clans
News
May 3rd, 2024
Week in Views - Apple back themselves bigstyle, Clash bags Haaland and dreams come true at King
Events
LA Games Conference 2024 | North America | May 6th |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 7th |
Valencia Indie Summit 2024 | Europe | May 16th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Israel Mobile Summit 2024 | Middle East | Jun 6th |
WN Conference Istanbul 2024 | Jun 11th | |
DevGAMM Vilnius 2024 | Europe | Jun 14th |
Develop: Brighton 2024 | Europe | Jul 9th |