Zynga Continues International Push With FarmVillage In Japan

Social game developer Zynga unveiled another point from its international expansion strategy with the upcoming launch of FarmVillage, a localized mobile version of FarmVille for Japan. This edition of Facebook's most popular application (according to monthly active users) will be playable with a beta version for "feature phones" through local social network Mixi later this month. FarmVillage will feature new artwork for farm decorations, the ability to play with real life friends on Mixi, and more. Zynga has made several moves to expand its international presence lately, including the release of its first localized title, a traditional Chinese language version of Texas HoldEm Poker, in August. Last month, it announced the upcoming launch of CityVille in English, German, Italian, Spanish and French. The firm also has strong ties in Japan, where it recently acquired social game developer Unoh and set up Zynga Japan with telecommunications and media corporation Softbank. In addition to opening the Tokyo-based joint venture with Zynga, Softbank has invested around ¥13.5 billion ($160 million) in the company. Zynga shared several stats for FarmVille with this announcement, such as its 16-plus million daily active users, 10 million of which are Americans. The social game has received 130 million unique players, 100 billion page views, 24 million Facebook fans, and 23 billion gift transactions since it launched on June 19, 2009. "We are excited to bring FarmVillage to Japan to create a better playing experience for all the players who have already become avid fans of FarmVille," says Zynga Japan CEO Robert Goldberg. "FarmVillage is truly high-end social gaming at its best because players play with their ‘real’ friends, not virtual friends."