FarmVille creator Zynga to release first NFT game in 2022

Remember the time when tens of millions of Facebook users were busy planting, growing and harvesting crops in the agriculture-simulation social network game FarmVille? It was developed and published by Zynga that took the social networking website by storm. Now, the social game developer is back with their upcoming NFT game this 2022. 

There is always something new and exciting to look forward to in the world of online gaming. From the expansion of mobile and Bitcoin casino games to the increasing growth of esports, players across the world are also all about the innovative concept of NFT (non-fungible token) games. 

NFTs are unique and creative assets stored in a decentralised system called the blockchain. Unlike cryptocurrency, they are cryptographic tokens used to represent ownership over images, videos, art, and in-game items. Gamers are willing to spend big bucks on them because they are enticed with the concept of play-to-earn (P2E) games.

The Ethereum-based and Pokemon-style play-to-earn game Axie Infinity is the biggest and most popular NFT project with a nearly $4 billion market cap. Although indeed an impressive value, it is highly comparable to the entire market that hit $25 billion in trading volume in 2021. This prompted renowned gaming behemoths like Ubisoft, Konami, Square 

Enix, and now on this page, Zynga, to jump into the vast and profitable scene.

Spin the reels of luck at Gamdom’s fantastic slot games

Zynga: A new member of the NFT industry

Zynga joined the crypto and blockchain world in November 2021 after appointing 30-year gaming industry veteran Matt Wolf as Vice President of Blockchain Gaming. When asked what urged the company to tap into NFTs, the former adviser of Riot Games highlighted the ‘future-proofing’ of the business and enhancing their capabilities. It was said to be a better alternative move instead of replacing their current output and wholly transforming into Web3.

According to Wolf, the reason why Zynga will release brand new blockchain-based games is that adding NFTs into their existing titles won’t make sense. As such, part of their plan is to increase the current blockchain gaming team from 15 employees to anywhere up to 100 by the end of 2022.

As expected, Zynga’s blockchain-related projects have received criticisms, but Wolf made it clear that this innovative technology will further the company’s gaming evolution and strengthen trustworthy relationships with players. ‘By creating an integrated experience that enables players to become owners in their gaming journey, our goal is to expand Zynga’s audience reach and drive stronger engagement and retention’, he said. 

What to expect from Zynga’s first NFT game

Zynga’s first NFT game is yet to be officially revealed in the second quarter of the year, so always stay tuned at Gamdom to get the latest updates. So far, what will certainly keep you at the edge of your seat is the company’s plans to draw inspiration from an existing IP (intellectual property) while building a crypto-centric experience.

Furthermore, the launch of Zynga’s first NFT game might be along the time when New-York based game publisher Take-Two Interactive acquired the company for $12.7 billion. Although high-ranking officials like Wolf couldn’t discuss the potential impact of the deal, CEOs only pointed out the possibilities of Web3 projects.

Win big time with Gamdom’s best Bitcoin casino games

Words: Antoinette Laraze