Monday, November 2, 2009

Playfish Still In Play


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/23/AR2009102302200.html
Last week we reported the rumors that VC-backed Playfish, the social games startup which has had phenomenal growth, was in the process of being acquired by games giant Electronic Arts for $250 million. However, nothing was confirmed at the time, and despite several press reports to that effect none of the companies involved has made a sound. And most observers were startled as Playfish had not looked like it wanted an early exit by any stretch. In fact, we've learned that Playfish is still in play, and in all likelihood EA leaked the $250 million figure as a negotiating tactic. Our sources say that Playfish is holding out for another offer, somewhere between $350m at the low end and $500m at the top end, either from EA or another suitor. Independently, Inside Social Games has uncovered similar chatter.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Zynga Buys GoPets


GoPets, a site that engages users by having them "raise" customizable 3D pets downloaded onto their desktop, was sold to social games developer Zynga, according to a Facebook post by GoPets founder Erick Bethke. Says Bethke on the post: "we have sold our company into Zynga!" Bethke is now working for Zynga in its San Francisco headquarters.