View source for Zynga

{{short description|American video game company}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Use American English|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Zynga Inc.
| logo = Zynga.svg
| image = Zynga HQ.jpg
| former_name = Presidio Media (April–July 2007)
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| traded_as = {{NASDAQ was|ZNGA}} (2011–2022)
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| founded = {{start date and age|2007|04}}
| founders = {{Plainlist|
* [[Mark Pincus]]
* [[Justin Waldron]]
* Eric Schiermeyer
* Michael Luxton
* Steve Schoettler
}}
| hq_location_city = [[San Mateo, California]]
| hq_location_country = United States
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{Plainlist|
* [[Mark Pincus]] ([[executive chairman]])
* Frank Gibeau ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
}}
| num_employees = 2,952
| num_employees_year = 2021
| parent = [[Take-Two Interactive]] (2022–present)
| website = {{official URL}}
| footnotes = {{#tag:ref|Zynga was originally incorporated as Presidio Media in April 2007. The company's name was changed to Zynga in July 2007.<ref name="takahashi"/>|name="founding-clarification"|group="nb"}}<ref name="Zynga-Jul-2011-S-1">{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/711/119312511180285/filing-main.htm |title=Zynga, Form S-1, Filing Date Jul 1, 2011 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=Apr 28, 2018 |archive-date=April 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429024600/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/711/119312511180285/filing-main.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="zynga-fact-sheet">{{cite web|url=http://company.zynga.com/about/press/fact-sheet/|title=Zynga Fact Sheet|publisher=Company.zynga.com|access-date=2012-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902110156/http://company.zynga.com/about/press/fact-sheet|archive-date=2012-09-02}}</ref><ref name=10K2021>{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1439404/000156459022007217/znga-10k_20211231.htm|title=US SEC: Form 10-K Zynga Inc.|publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]]|access-date=August 15, 2022|archive-date=August 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815183250/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1439404/000156459022007217/znga-10k_20211231.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MAU">[https://www.statista.com/statistics/273569/monthly-active-users-of-zynga-games/ Zynga Games MAU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218165433/https://www.statista.com/statistics/273569/monthly-active-users-of-zynga-games/ |date=2022-02-18 }}, ''statista.com'', June 1, 2017</ref>
}}
'''Zynga Inc.''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|z|ɪ|ŋ|ɡ|ə}}) is an American [[video game developer]] and [[Video game publisher|publisher]] known for its [[social video game]] services. It was founded in April 2007, with headquarters in [[San Mateo, California]].<ref name="sanmateo-hq">{{cite web |last=Waxmann |first=Laura |date=September 19, 2022 |title=Zynga designates smaller San Mateo office as new HQ after decamping from San Francisco |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2022/09/19/zynga-opens-san-mateo-headquarters.html |work=[[American City Business Journals]] |access-date=October 18, 2022 |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919204655/https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2022/09/19/zynga-opens-san-mateo-headquarters.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The company primarily focuses on mobile and social networking platforms.<ref name="Zynga-Feb-2018-10-K">{{cite web |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2619/0001564590-18-002487.pdf |title=Zynga, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Feb 20, 2018 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=Apr 28, 2018 |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111025835/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2619/0001564590-18-002487.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="About Us Zynga">{{cite web|title=About Zynga|url=http://company.zynga.com/about|work=Company.Zynga.com|publisher=Zynga|access-date=10 July 2012|archive-date=8 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708075137/http://company.zynga.com/about|url-status=live}}</ref> Zynga states its mission as "connecting the world through games".<ref>{{Cite web |last=ABC7 |title=Zynga offering sneak peek at next-generation game releases {{!}} ABC7 San Francisco {{!}} abc7news.com |url=https://abc7news.com/archive/8715178/ |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=ABC7 San Francisco |language=en}}</ref>
Zynga launched ''[[FarmVille]]'' on Facebook in June 2009,<ref name="Zynga-Jul-2011-S-1"/><ref name="AllFacebook FarmVille">{{cite news|last=O'Neill|first=Nick|title=Zynga Launches "FarmVille". Does It Look Familiar?|url=http://allfacebook.com/zynga-farmville_b6260|access-date=8 January 2013|newspaper=AllFacebook|date=22 June 2009|archive-date=9 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809220841/http://allfacebook.com/zynga-farmville_b6260|url-status=live}}</ref> reaching ten million daily active users (DAU) within six weeks.<ref name="Polygon Fmville 2">{{cite news|last=Lien|first=Tracey|title='FarmVille 2' represents the next generation of social games, says Zynga|url=http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/5/3290747/farmville-2|access-date=8 January 2013|newspaper=Polygon|date=5 September 2012|archive-date=3 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203082705/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/5/3290747/farmville-2|url-status=live}}</ref> As of August 2017, Zynga had thirty million monthly active users (MAU).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/08/02/zynga-picks-unity-technologies-to-provide-ads-across-its-games/|title=Zynga picks Unity Technologies to provide ads across its games {{!}} GamesBeat|website=venturebeat.com|date=2 August 2017|language=en-US|access-date=2018-02-12|archive-date=2018-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814233937/https://venturebeat.com/2017/08/02/zynga-picks-unity-technologies-to-provide-ads-across-its-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, its most successful games were ''[[Zynga Poker]]'' and ''[[Words with Friends 2]]'', with about 57 million games being played at any given moment;<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5013838/words-with-friends-2-review/|title=Everything You Need to Know About Words With Friends 2|magazine=Time|language=en|access-date=2018-02-12|archive-date=2022-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110164142/https://time.com/5013838/words-with-friends-2-review/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/04/zynga-reports-one-of-its-best-revenue-quarters-in-years-as-mobile-growth-takes-off/|title=Zynga reports one of its best revenue quarters in years as mobile growth takes off {{!}} GamesBeat|website=venturebeat.com|date=4 May 2017|language=en-US|access-date=2018-02-12|archive-date=2022-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110155119/https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/04/zynga-reports-one-of-its-best-revenue-quarters-in-years-as-mobile-growth-takes-off/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''CSR Racing 2'', the most popular racing game on mobile devices.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/11/17/1194891/0/en/Under-the-Hood-with-Zynga-s-CSR-Racing-2-AR-Mode.html|title=Under the Hood with Zynga's CSR Racing 2 AR Mode|last=|first= |work=GlobeNewswire News Room|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110164130/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/11/17/1194891/0/en/Under-the-Hood-with-Zynga-s-CSR-Racing-2-AR-Mode.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Zynga began trading on [[NASDAQ]] on December 16, 2011,<ref name="Forbes IPO">[https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthof/2011/12/16/zynga-ipo-goes-splatville-what-happened/ Zynga IPO Goes SplatVille. What Went Wrong?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110160613/https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthof/2011/12/16/zynga-ipo-goes-splatville-what-happened/ |date=2022-01-10 }}. Forbes</ref> under the ticker ZNGA.<ref name="Zynga-Dec-2011-S-1/A">{{cite web |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/403/0001193125-11-341923.pdf |title=Zynga, Form S-1/A, Filing Date Dec 15, 2011 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=Apr 28, 2018 |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111021618/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/403/0001193125-11-341923.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Zynga-Dec-2011-424B4">{{cite web |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2162/0001193125-11-343682.pdf |title=Zynga, Form 424B4, Filing Date Dec 16, 2011 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=Apr 28, 2018 |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111021611/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2162/0001193125-11-343682.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2011/12/16/technology/zynga_ipo/index.htm|title=Zynga shares close below IPO price|last=Pepitone|first=Julianne|work=CNNMoney|access-date=2018-02-12|archive-date=2018-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212142212/http://money.cnn.com/2011/12/16/technology/zynga_ipo/index.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Take-Two Interactive]] announced in January 2022 its intent to buy Zynga for {{USD|12.7 billion|long=no}}.<ref name="taketwo acquire"/> The deal was completed in May 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Take-Two completes Zynga acquisition |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-05-23-take-two-completes-zynga-acquisition |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=23 May 2022 |language=en |archive-date=2022-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523125940/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-05-23-take-two-completes-zynga-acquisition |url-status=live }}</ref>
According to Take-Two Interactive, about 10% of the world's population plays Zynga's games every month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heroes |first=Invest |date=2021-08-13 |title=Zynga Stock: Fast-Growing Developer Of Mobile Games (NASDAQ:ZNGA) {{!}} Seeking Alpha |url=https://seekingalpha.com/article/4449157-zynga-fast-growing-developer-of-mobile-games |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=seekingalpha.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130182459/https://seekingalpha.com/article/4449157-zynga-fast-growing-developer-of-mobile-games |url-status=live }}</ref>
==History==
Zynga was founded in April 2007 by [[Mark Pincus]], [[Eric Schiermeyer]], [[Justin Waldron]], Michael Luxton, Steve Schoettler, and Andrew Trader under the name Presidio Media.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/11/mark-pincus-zynga-ipo_n_1142197.html|title=Meet Mark Pincus: The Competitive 'Control Freak' Leading Zynga To IPO|last=|date=2011-12-11|work=Huffington Post|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2014-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404074636/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/11/mark-pincus-zynga-ipo_n_1142197.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="takahashi" /><ref name="zynga-fact-sheet"/> The company name changed to Zynga in July 2007.<ref name="takahashi">{{cite web | url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/12/zynga-history/ | title=How Zynga grew from gaming outcast to $9 billion social game powerhouse | publisher=VentureBeat | date=December 12, 2011 | access-date=December 31, 2011 | author=Takahashi, Dean | archive-date=January 18, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118213204/https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/12/zynga-history/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://businessideaslab.com/zynga/|title=The Rise of Zynga - The Start Up Story Of Mark Pincus|date=2013-04-04|work=Great Business Ideas, Start Ups And Entrepreneurs|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2019-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328104153/https://businessideaslab.com/zynga/|url-status=live}}</ref> Zynga was named after Pincus' [[American bulldog]] Zinga<ref name="shambora">{{cite news|last=Shambora|first=Jessica|title=Zynga suddenly is everywhere. What gives?|url=http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2009/12/02/zynga-suddenly-is-everywhere-what-gives/|work=Fortune|access-date=April 20, 2011|date=December 2, 2009|quote=Zynga is named after Pincus's deceased American Bulldog, Zinga|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607140113/http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2009/12/02/zynga-suddenly-is-everywhere-what-gives/|archive-date=June 7, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="poker-zinga">{{cite web|title=The American Bulldog gives you Chips!|url=http://www.facebook.com/TexasHoldEm/posts/498001251380|work=Texas Hold'em Poker Facebook Page|publisher=Zynga|access-date=April 20, 2011|date=January 11, 2011|quote=Zynga is named after our founder's American Bulldog, Zinga!|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223223359/https://www.facebook.com/TexasHoldEm/posts/498001251380|url-status=live}}</ref> and uses an image of a bulldog as its logo. Zynga's first game, ''Texas Hold 'Em Poker'', now known as ''[[Zynga Poker]]'', was released on Facebook in July 2007. It was the first game Facebook introduced on its social networking platform.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dTpFDgAAQBAJ&q=facebook%27s+first+game+poker&pg=PA28|title=Social Media: A Reference Handbook: A Reference Handbook|last=Burns|first=Kelli S.|date=2017-03-20|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9781440843563|language=en|access-date=2020-10-16|archive-date=2023-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227060926/https://books.google.com/books?id=dTpFDgAAQBAJ&q=facebook%27s+first+game+poker&pg=PA28|url-status=live}}</ref>
Zynga became the Facebook app developer with the most monthly active users in April 2009, with 40 million people playing their games that month.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Inside Social Games|url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2009/04/30/zynga-making-100-millionyear/|title=Zynga Making $100 Million/Year?|date=April 30, 2009|first=Christopher|last=Mack|access-date=May 21, 2012|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124005957/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2009/04/30/zynga-making-100-millionyear/|url-status=live}}</ref> Soon after, the company opened its first external game studio in Baltimore, Zynga East, led by [[Brian Reynolds (game designer)|Brian Reynolds]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/115204/Interview_Brian_Reynolds_Leaves_Big_Huge_Now_Zynga_East_Chief_Designer.php|title=Interview: Brian Reynolds Leaves Big Huge, Now Zynga East Chief Designer|last=Graft|first=Kris|website=www.gamasutra.com|date=30 June 2009|language=en|access-date=2019-12-03|archive-date=2021-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825043730/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/115204/Interview_Brian_Reynolds_Leaves_Big_Huge_Now_Zynga_East_Chief_Designer.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=How Zynga grew from gaming outcast to $9 billion social game powerhouse|url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/12/zynga-history/|date=2011-12-12|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US|access-date=2020-06-01|archive-date=2022-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118213204/https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/12/zynga-history/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Zynga closes Timonium video game studio in broader consolidation|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-bz-zynga-closing-20130225-story.html|last=Sun|first=By Scott Dance, The Baltimore|website=baltimoresun.com|date=25 February 2013 |access-date=2020-06-01|archive-date=2020-12-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202232934/https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-bz-zynga-closing-20130225-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In June 2009, Zynga acquired MyMiniLife which built and launched ''FarmVille'' on Facebook. By August, Farmville was the first game on Facebook to reach 10 million daily active users.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Venture Beat|url=https://venturebeat.com/2009/08/07/zynga-buys-virtual-home-startup-myminilife/|title=Zynga buys virtual home startup MyMiniLife|date=August 7, 2009|access-date=September 19, 2017|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223225447/https://venturebeat.com/2009/08/07/zynga-buys-virtual-home-startup-myminilife/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 23, 2009, FarmVille.com went live as Zynga's first stand-alone game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/18/zynga-to-launch-smash-hit-farmville-on-farmville-com/|title=Zynga To Launch Smash Hit FarmVille On FarmVille.com|last=Kincaid|first=Jason|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224005402/https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/18/zynga-to-launch-smash-hit-farmville-on-farmville-com/|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2010, Farmville had over 80 million players,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverchiang/2010/10/15/farmville-players-down-25-since-peak-now-below-60-million/#229280357729|title=FarmVille Players Down 25% Since Peak, Now Below 60 Million|last=Chiang|first=Oliver|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224122749/https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverchiang/2010/10/15/farmville-players-down-25-since-peak-now-below-60-million/#229280357729|url-status=live}}</ref> and on May 18, 2010, Facebook and Zynga entered into a five-year relationship to expand the use of Facebook Credits in Zynga's games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/press/releases.php?p=162172|title=Facebook and Zynga Enter Into Long-Term Relationship|publisher=Facebook|access-date=March 9, 2011|archive-date=June 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110601041306/https://www.facebook.com/press/releases.php?p=162172|url-status=live}}</ref>
In December 2010, Zynga's game ''[[CityVille]]'' surpassed ''FarmVille'' as its most popular game<ref>[http://mashable.com/2010/12/24/cityville-bigger-farmville/ "CityVille" Is Now Bigger than "FarmVille"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226011807/http://mashable.com/2010/12/24/cityville-bigger-farmville/ |date=2010-12-26 }}. Mashable.com (2010-12-24). Retrieved on July 9, 2011.</ref> with over 61 million monthly active users and a base of over 16&nbsp;million daily active users.<ref>[http://www.socialtimes.com/2010/12/cityville-dethrones-farmville-as-biggest-game-on-facebook-whats-next-for-zynga/ CityVille Dethrones FarmVille As Biggest Game on Facebook: What's Next For Zynga?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225074704/http://www.socialtimes.com/2010/12/cityville-dethrones-farmville-as-biggest-game-on-facebook-whats-next-for-zynga/ |date=2010-12-25 }}. SocialTimes.com (2010-12-24). Retrieved on July 9, 2011.</ref>
Zynga filed with the [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] (SEC) to raise up to $1 billion in an initial public offering on July 1, 2011. At the time, the company had 2,000 employees.<ref name="s1reg">{{cite news|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1439404/000119312511180285/ds1.htm|title=FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT|work=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] Website|date=July 1, 2011|access-date=September 23, 2011|archive-date=October 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008174746/http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1439404/000119312511180285/ds1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 28, 2011, the Finnish game developer [[Rovio Entertainment]] rejected an acquisition attempt from Zynga worth $2.25 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.com/angry-birds-maker-rovio-rejected-zynga-acquisition-worth-225-billion-375678|title='Angry Birds' Maker Rovio Rejected Zynga Acquisition Worth $2.25 Billion|first=Dave|last=Smith|website=www.ibtimes.com|date=28 November 2011|access-date=20 January 2023|archive-date=21 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121025644/https://www.ibtimes.com/angry-birds-maker-rovio-rejected-zynga-acquisition-worth-225-billion-375678|url-status=live}}</ref> Zynga began trading on [[NASDAQ]] on December 16, 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zynga9billioncompany-idUSTRE7BF12G20111216 |title=How Zynga became a $9 billion company |date=16 December 2011 |work=[[Reuters]] |author=Liana B. Baker |access-date=11 June 2022 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611020305/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zynga9billioncompany-idUSTRE7BF12G20111216 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On June 26, 2012, during the Zynga Unleashed conference, Zynga announced the "Zynga With Friends" network, aiming to connect players of Zynga game titles across multiple platforms.<ref name="Wired Unleashed Report">{{cite news|last=Chang|first=Alexandra|title=Zynga Unleashes New Games and Its Own 'With Friends' Social Network|url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/06/zynga-unleashes-its-own-social-network-new-games/|access-date=8 August 2012|newspaper=Wired|date=26 June 2012|archive-date=30 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730034615/http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/06/zynga-unleashes-its-own-social-network-new-games|url-status=live}}</ref> Zynga also announced the Zynga API, intended to help developers build social games.<ref name="ZDNet API">{{cite news|last=King|first=Rachel|title=Zynga API puts spotlight on developers, infrastructure|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/zynga-api-puts-spotlight-on-developers-infrastructure/|access-date=8 August 2012|newspaper=ZDNet|date=26 June 2012|archive-date=4 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704202138/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/zynga-api-puts-spotlight-on-developers-infrastructure/80723|url-status=live}}</ref> The company announced that three new partners were developing games for Zynga.com including 50 Cubes, [[Majesco Entertainment]] and [[Portalarium]]. The company unveiled the Zynga Partners for Mobile program to help increase Zynga's presence on mobile devices.<ref name=DMW>{{cite news|last=Marlowe|first=Chris|title=Zynga powers up social gaming network, mobile and more|url=http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2012/06/26/zynga-powers-up-social-gaming-network-mobile-and-more|access-date=8 August 2012|newspaper=DigitalMediaWire|date=26 June 2012|archive-date=1 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701075703/http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2012/06/26/zynga-powers-up-social-gaming-network-mobile-and-more|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2012, Zynga announced a partnership with [[Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment|bwin.party]], an international real-money gaming operator, to launch real-money gaming in the UK,<ref name="Biz Insider Oct 2012">{{cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-online-gambling-launch-2012-10|title=Zynga Is Launching Online Gambling Next Year|last=Thomas|first=Owen|date=24 October 2012|newspaper=Business Insider|access-date=8 January 2013|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224123357/https://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-online-gambling-launch-2012-10|url-status=live}}</ref> including the release of online poker, a suite of 180 casino games, and the first online ''FarmVille''-branded real money slots game during 2013.<ref name="Biz Insider Oct 2012" /><ref name="Biz Week Oct 2012">{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-24/zynga-sales-top-estimates-as-farmville-2-bolsters-game-maker|title=Zynga Rises as Game Maker Announces Buyback, Gambling Deal|last=MacMillan|first=Douglas|date=25 October 2012|newspaper=BloombergBusinessweek|access-date=9 January 2013|archive-date=1 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601050059/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-24/zynga-sales-top-estimates-as-farmville-2-bolsters-game-maker|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="CNNMoney Q2">{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2012/10/24/technology/zynga-earnings/|title=Zynga surges on higher sales, casino gaming plans|last=Segall|first=Laurie|author-link=Laurie Segall|date=25 October 2012|newspaper=[[CNNMoney]]|access-date=8 January 2013|archive-date=27 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127143222/http://money.cnn.com/2012/10/24/technology/zynga-earnings|url-status=live}}</ref>
On June 3, 2013, Zynga announced layoffs of 520 employees&nbsp;— roughly 18% of its workforce<ref name="Zynga-Jun-2013-8-K">{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2614/119312513245500/filing-main.htm |title=Zynga, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jun 4, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=Apr 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020225425/https://edgar.secdatabase.com/2614/119312513245500/filing-main.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>&nbsp;— and closed offices in [[New York City|New York]], [[Los Angeles]], and [[Dallas]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2013/06/03/zynga-to-lay-off-18-percent-of-its.html | title=Zynga to lay off 18% of workers; reportedly close Dallas office | work=Dallas Business Journal | access-date=2013-06-03 | archive-date=2020-12-03 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203195236/https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2013/06/03/zynga-to-lay-off-18-percent-of-its.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2013/06/04/zynga-reaps-what-theyve-digitally-sowed/ | title=Zynga Reaps What They've Digitally Sown | work=Forbes | access-date=2017-09-19 | archive-date=2022-02-24 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224123359/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2013/06/04/zynga-reaps-what-theyve-digitally-sowed/ | url-status=live }}</ref> By July 2013, Zynga had reportedly lost nearly half of its user base from the previous year. Consequently, investors decreased Zynga's valuation by $400 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/07/26/after-losing-nearly-half-its-users-in-a-year-investors-dock-zyngas-valuation-by-400-million/|title=After Losing Nearly Half Its Users In A Year, Investors Dock Zynga's Valuation By $400 Million|website=TechCrunch|date=26 July 2013|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-01|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224005404/https://techcrunch.com/2013/07/26/after-losing-nearly-half-its-users-in-a-year-investors-dock-zyngas-valuation-by-400-million/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 25, 2013, Zynga said they would not be pursuing real money game production in the US.<ref name="Zynga-Jul-2013-8-K">{{cite web |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2840/0001193125-13-302707.pdf |title=Zynga, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jul 25, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=Apr 28, 2018 |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111021706/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2840/0001193125-13-302707.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Following this announcement, shares dropped 13%.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/07/25/zynga-real-money/|title=Zynga Won't Pursue Real-Money Gaming License In The U.S.; Shares Drop 13% In After-Hours|date=25 July 2013|access-date=6 August 2019|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224142403/https://techcrunch.com/2013/07/25/zynga-real-money/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2013, Zynga hired [[Microsoft]]'s Interactive Entertainment President [[Don Mattrick]] as its new CEO.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/report-don-mattrick-to-leave-as-head-of-microsofts-xbox-division-1200503567/|title=Don Mattrick Leaves Microsoft's Xbox for Zynga|last=Graser|first=Marc|date=2013-07-01|work=Variety|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129201753/https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/report-don-mattrick-to-leave-as-head-of-microsofts-xbox-division-1200503567/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/7/25/4557930/how-don-mattrick-plans-to-turn-zynga-around|title=How Don Mattrick plans to turn Zynga around|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|date=2013-07-25|website=Polygon|access-date=2018-02-12|archive-date=2022-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231047/https://www.polygon.com/2013/7/25/4557930/how-don-mattrick-plans-to-turn-zynga-around|url-status=live}}</ref> Pincus remained as Zynga's chairman and chief product officer.<ref>"In Major Hire, Zynga Confirms Xbox Head Don Mattrick as New CEO, Taking Over From Mark Pincus". All Things D. 2013-07-01.</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/07/don-mattrick-zynga/|title=Xbox Exec Don Mattrick Replaces Mark Pincus as Zynga CEO|magazine=WIRED|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127143443/https://www.wired.com/2013/07/don-mattrick-zynga/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Zynga - World Cup.jpg|thumb|Employees watch the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] during a scheduled break.]]
In January 2014, the company announced the layoff of 314 workers, about 15% of its total workforce.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zynga announces $527M purchase, layoffs|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/01/30/zynga-lay-offs-acquisition/5061763/|publisher=USA Today/The Associated Press|access-date=30 January 2014|archive-date=23 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231046/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/01/30/zynga-lay-offs-acquisition/5061763/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/01/30/2014-biz-break-zynga-lays-off-hundreds-of-workers-buys-naturalmotion-as-revenues-sink/|title=2014: Biz Break: Zynga lays off hundreds of workers, buys NaturalMotion as revenues sink|date=2014-01-30|work=The Mercury News|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231047/https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/01/30/2014-biz-break-zynga-lays-off-hundreds-of-workers-buys-naturalmotion-as-revenues-sink/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2014, founder & former CEO Pincus stepped down from his role as chief product officer. He remained as chairman of the board.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-mark-pincus-steps-down-2014-4|title=Zynga Founder Mark Pincus Just Stepped Down From His Day-To-Day Role|work=Business Insider|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224103214/https://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-mark-pincus-steps-down-2014-4|url-status=live}}</ref>
First quarter results for 2014 showed that daily active user numbers fell from 53 million to 28 million year-over-year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-04-24-so-hows-zynga-doing-with-don-mattrick-in-charge|title=So how's Zynga doing with Don Mattrick in charge?|date=24 April 2014|work=Eurogamer.net|access-date=14 August 2015|archive-date=24 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224124901/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-04-24-so-hows-zynga-doing-with-don-mattrick-in-charge|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2014, the company announced its new hire of Alex Garden, co-founder of [[Relic Entertainment]] and former [[Microsoft Game Studios]] executive.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2014/04/23/629179/10077967/en/Zynga-Announces-First-Quarter-2014-Financial-Results.html|title=Zynga Announces First Quarter 2014 Financial Results|first= |last= |date=April 23, 2014|website=GlobeNewswire News Room|access-date=April 25, 2014|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231045/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2014/04/23/629179/10077967/en/Zynga-Announces-First-Quarter-2014-Financial-Results.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2014, Zynga signed a lease for office space in [[Maitland, Florida]]. Less than one year later, this Orlando-area office was closed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-gaming-company-zynga-lease-maitland-20140702-post.html|title=Gaming company Zynga signs lease in Maitland|author=Orlando Sentinel|date=2 July 2014|work=OrlandoSentinel.com|access-date=14 August 2015|archive-date=12 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212142039/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-gaming-company-zynga-lease-maitland-20140702-post.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/technology/tech_check/os-zynga-to-shut-down-orlando-office-20150507-post.html|title=Zynga to close Orlando-area office|last=Santana|first=Marco|work=OrlandoSentinel.com|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2019-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323215156/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/technology/tech_check/os-zynga-to-shut-down-orlando-office-20150507-post.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Don Mattrick left Zynga in April 2015, replaced by predecessor Mark Pincus.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/zynga-ceo-don-mattrick-leaves-abruptly-replaced-by-founder-mark-pincus/|title=Zynga CEO Mattrick leaves abruptly, replaced by founder Pincus|work=CNET|access-date=2017-12-04|language=en|archive-date=2021-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227103841/https://www.cnet.com/news/zynga-ceo-don-mattrick-leaves-abruptly-replaced-by-founder-mark-pincus/|url-status=live}}</ref> Frank Gibeau took over as CEO on March 7, 2016, with Pincus once again stepping aside. Gibeau's last position was as head of mobile for [[Electronic Arts]]. He joined Zynga's board of directors in August, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/01/meet-frank-gibeau-zyngas-new-ceo/|title=Meet Frank Gibeau, Zynga's new CEO {{!}} GamesBeat|website=venturebeat.com|date=March 2016|language=en-US|access-date=2017-12-04|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224103225/https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/01/meet-frank-gibeau-zyngas-new-ceo/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/zynga-ceo-mark-pincus-to-pass-reins-to-frank-gibeau-1456866353|title=Zynga CEO Mark Pincus to Step Down|last=Needleman|first=Sarah E.|date=2016-03-02|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=2017-12-04|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=2022-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231045/https://www.wsj.com/articles/zynga-ceo-mark-pincus-to-pass-reins-to-frank-gibeau-1456866353|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Zynga HQ.jpg|thumb|Zynga headquarters in San Francisco in 2016]]
In the fourth quarter of 2017, revenue was $233.3 million, a 22% increase from the same quarter in 2016, the best quarterly performance in five years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/02/07/zynga-closes-2017-with-strong-poker-and-words-with-friends-2-revenues/|title=Zynga closes 2017 with strong poker and Words With Friends 2 revenues|date=2018-02-07|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2018-03-27|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231055/https://venturebeat.com/2018/02/07/zynga-closes-2017-with-strong-poker-and-words-with-friends-2-revenues/|url-status=live}}</ref> As of January 2018, Zynga had 1,681 employees,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.equities.com/news/zynga-inc-znga-moves-higher-on-volume-spike-for-january-4|title=Zynga Inc. (ZNGA) Moves Higher on Volume Spike for January 03|last=equities.com|work=Equities.com|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818083953/https://www.equities.com/news/zynga-inc-znga-moves-higher-on-volume-spike-for-january-4|url-status=dead}}</ref> approximately 80 million monthly active users,<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/273569/monthly-active-users-of-zynga-games/|title=Zynga games MAU 2017 {{!}} Statistic|website=Statista|language=en|access-date=2018-02-12|archive-date=2022-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218165433/https://www.statista.com/statistics/273569/monthly-active-users-of-zynga-games/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a market capitalization of $3.39 billion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://stocknewsjournal.com/2018/01/03/digging-up-the-facts-on-zynga-inc-znga-12/|title=Digging Up the Facts on Zynga Inc. (ZNGA)|last=Wilson|first=Kelvin|date=2018-01-03|work=StockNewsJournal|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826123415/https://stocknewsjournal.com/2018/01/03/digging-up-the-facts-on-zynga-inc-znga-12/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the company, Zynga has had over one billion people play its games since its inception in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2017/03/15/zynga-acquires-1-person-app-startup-for-42-5m/#77c37aa47131|title=Zynga Acquires 1-Person App Startup For $42.5M|last=Koetsier|first=John|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-02-12|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224124706/https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2017/03/15/zynga-acquires-1-person-app-startup-for-42-5m/#77c37aa47131|url-status=live}}</ref>
On January 10, 2022, [[Take-Two Interactive]] announced its intention to acquire the company in a cash-and-stock deal with a value of $12.7 billion, with Take-Two acquiring all outstanding shares of Zynga at $9.86 apiece<ref name="taketwo acquire">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/take-two-acquire-zynga-an-enterprise-value-127-billion-2022-01-10/|title=Take-Two to buy FarmVille maker Zynga in deal valued at $12.7 billion|last=Balu|first=Nivedita|work=Reuters|access-date=2022-01-10|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211170220/https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/take-two-acquire-zynga-an-enterprise-value-127-billion-2022-01-10/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both shareholders of the companies approved the merger on May 19, 2022, and the closing of the transaction took effect on May 23, 2022.<ref>{{cite news|title=Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and Zynga Inc. Stockholders Approve Proposals Related to Pending Transaction|url=https://www.take2games.com/ir/news/take-two-interactive-software-inc-and-zynga-inc-stockholders|date=May 19, 2022|access-date=May 23, 2022|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521184457/https://www.take2games.com/ir/news/take-two-interactive-software-inc-and-zynga-inc-stockholders|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-05-23-take-two-completes-zynga-acquisition | title=Take-Two completes Zynga acquisition | date=23 May 2022 | access-date=2022-05-23 | archive-date=2022-05-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523132819/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-05-23-take-two-completes-zynga-acquisition | url-status=live }}</ref>
In June 2023, during the ''[[FTC v. Microsoft]]'' trial cross-examination, [[Microsoft Gaming]] CEO [[Phil Spencer (business executive)|Phil Spencer]] disclosed that [[Microsoft]] considered purchasing Zynga before Take-Two Interactive acquired the studio in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/phil-spencer-confirms-microsoft-tried-to-buy-zynga-before-take-two-acquisition|title=Phil Spencer Confirms Microsoft Tried to Buy Zynga Before Take-Two Acquisition|last=Plant|first=Logan|date=23 June 2023|work=IGN|access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref>
==Funding==
In its first round of funding in January 2008, Zynga received US$10 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/technology/15facebook.html?_r=3&ref=technology|title=More Than Games, a Net to Snare Social Networkers|last=Stone|first=Brad|date=January 15, 2008|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 28, 2017|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811184620/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/technology/15facebook.html?_r=3|url-status=live}}</ref> In July of the same year, Zynga received US$29 million in [[venture finance]] from several firms.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foundrygroup.com/blog/2008/07/zynga-completes-29-million-round-led-by-kleiner-perkins-and-ivp/|title=Zynga Completes $29 Million Round Led by Kleiner Perkins and IVP|date=2008-07-23|work=Foundry Group|access-date=2018-02-19|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224134723/https://www.foundrygroup.com/blog/2008/07/zynga-completes-29-million-round-led-by-kleiner-perkins-and-ivp/|url-status=live}}</ref> During its first four years of operation Zynga raised a total of $854 million in three rounds of fund raising. The last round, in February 2011, raised $490 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/07/01/zynga-total-funding-raised/|title=Zynga has raised $845M in three rounds over four years {{!}} GamesBeat|website=venturebeat.com|date=July 2011|language=en-US|access-date=2018-02-19|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224152753/https://venturebeat.com/2011/07/01/zynga-total-funding-raised/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Public offering===
On July 1, 2011, the company filed its Form S-1 registration statement with the [[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] (SEC).<ref>Don Reisinger, CNET. "[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20076114-17/zynga-files-for-ipo/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20 Zynga files for IPO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227060940/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=www.cnet.com |date=2023-02-27 }}." Jul 1, 2011. Retrieved Jul 1, 2011.</ref> Zynga was priced at $10 per share and began trading on [[NASDAQ]] under ZNGA on December 16, 2011. The stock closed down 5% on its first day,<ref name="Forbes IPO" /> then climbed 26% to $13.39 per share after Facebook's IPO filing on February 1, 2012 (Facebook had reported that 12% of its revenue comes from Zynga).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-03/zynga-shares-jump-after-facebook-ipo-filing.html|title=Zynga Surges for Second Day After Facebook IPO Filing: San Francisco Mover|author=Douglas MacMillan - 2012-02-03T21:14:47Z|date=2012-02-03|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=2013-09-07|archive-date=2013-04-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405214024/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-03/zynga-shares-jump-after-facebook-ipo-filing.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2012 ZNGA was trading at $14.50.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/king-digital-ipo-crushed-first-day-trading-can-it-avoid-fate-zynga-1563676|title=King Digital IPO 'Crushed' In First Day Of Trading; Can It Avoid The Fate Of Zynga?|date=2014-03-26|work=International Business Times|access-date=2018-02-19|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224130209/https://www.ibtimes.com/king-digital-ipo-crushed-first-day-trading-can-it-avoid-fate-zynga-1563676|url-status=live}}</ref> For several years the stock performed poorly, but in 2017 the price hit a three-year high. By the end of 2017 Zynga's shares were trading at $4.00, a 56% gain for the year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/01/16/why-zynga-stock-gained-556-in-2017.aspx|title=Why Zynga Stock Gained 55.6% in 2017|last=Noonan|first=Keith|work=The Motley Fool|access-date=2018-02-19|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224130213/https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/01/16/why-zynga-stock-gained-556-in-2017.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Acquisitions==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Date
!Games
!Company
!New name
!Price
!Country
!Footnotes
|-
|July 2008
|''[[YoWorld|Yoville]]''
|cb
|
|
|USA
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/social-game-developer-zynga-raises-29-million-series-b-acquires-yoville/|title=Social Game Developer Zynga Raises $29 Million Series B, Acquires YoVille|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312225653/http://www.adweek.com/digital/social-game-developer-zynga-raises-29-million-series-b-acquires-yoville/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Feb 2010
|
|''Serious Business''
|
|
|USA
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/02/11/zynga-serious-business/|title=Zynga Buys Social Gaming Startup Serious Business|last=Wauters|first=Robin|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031303/https://techcrunch.com/2010/02/11/zynga-serious-business/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Feb 2010
|
|
|
|
|Los Angeles, CA
USA
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development/new-la-studio-for-fastgrowing-zynga|title=New LA studio for fast-growing Zynga|work=MCV|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-us}}</ref>
|-
|Feb 2010
|
|
|
|
|Bangalore,
India
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-opens-new-office-in-bangalore-india/|title=Zynga Opens New Office in Bangalore, India|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312220333/http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-opens-new-office-in-bangalore-india/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|May 2010
|
|XPD Media
|
|
|Beijing,
China
|<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverchiang/2010/10/05/farmville-maker-zynga-acquires-iphone-developer-behind-mobile-farmville-clone/#6cfd96702ccf|title=FarmVille-Maker Zynga Acquires iPhone Developer Behind Mobile FarmVille Clone|last=Chiang|first=Oliver|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224122754/https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverchiang/2010/10/05/farmville-maker-zynga-acquires-iphone-developer-behind-mobile-farmville-clone/#6cfd96702ccf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Aug 2010
|
|Unoh Games
|Zynga Japan
|
|Tokyo,
Japan
|<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/09/24/zynga-continues-international-expansion-buys-german-game-engine-developer-dextrose-ag/|title=Zynga Continues International Expansion; Buys German Game Engine Developer Dextrose AG|last=Rao|first=Leena|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031353/https://techcrunch.com/2010/09/24/zynga-continues-international-expansion-buys-german-game-engine-developer-dextrose-ag/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/08/05/zynga-confirms-unoh-acquisition/|title=Zynga Confirms Unoh Acquisition|last=Tsotsis|first=Alexia|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031442/https://techcrunch.com/2010/08/05/zynga-confirms-unoh-acquisition/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|June 2010
|
|Challenge Games
|Zynga Austin
|
|Austin, Texas
USA
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|June 2010
|''[[The Pioneer Trail|FrontierVille]]''
|
|Zynga East
|
|Timonium, MD
USA
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2010/10/18/zynga-brian-reynolds-frontierville/|title=Gaming legend Brian Reynolds on how FrontierVille might change Zynga|date=2010-10-19|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224142712/https://venturebeat.com/2010/10/18/zynga-brian-reynolds-frontierville/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-09-spotted_zyngas_chief_game_desi-story.html|title=Spotted: Zynga's chief game designer in natural habitat|last=Sentementes|first=Gus|work=baltimoresun.com|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031349/http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2010-09-spotted_zyngas_chief_game_desi-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://vator.tv/news/2010-06-09-frontierville-zynga-brings-its-newest-ville|title=FrontierVille: Zynga brings its newest Ville|date=2010-06-09|work=VatorNews|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224151640/https://vator.tv/news/2010-06-09-frontierville-zynga-brings-its-newest-ville|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Aug 2010
|
|Conduit Labs
|Zynga Boston
|
|Cambridge, MA
USA
|<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.boston.com/business/technology/innoeco/2010/08/zynga_buys_cambridge-based_con.html|title=Zynga buys Cambridge-based Conduit Labs: Here's the backstory|website=Boston.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-12|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031550/http://archive.boston.com/business/technology/innoeco/2010/08/zynga_buys_cambridge-based_con.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Sept 2010
|Aves Engine
(Game engine technology)
|Dextrose AG
|Zynga Germany
|
|Frankfurt,
Germany
|<ref name="auto"/>
|-
|Oct 2010
|
|[[Zynga Dallas|Bonfire Studios]]
|Zynga Dallas
|
|Dallas, Texas
USA
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|Dec 2010
|''Words with Friends'';
''Chess with Friends''
|[[Zynga with Friends|Newtoy, Inc.]]
|Zynga with Friends
|
|McKinney, Texas
USA
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/218571/zynga_brings_words_with_friends_to_android_still_waiting_on_farmville.html|title=Zynga Brings Words With Friends To Android, Still Waiting On Farmville|work=PCWorld|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2017-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206123154/http://www.pcworld.com/article/218571/zynga_brings_words_with_friends_to_android_still_waiting_on_farmville.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://techland.time.com/2010/12/02/zynga-hopes-to-take-over-the-mobile-gaming-world/|title=Zynga Hopes To Take Over the Mobile Gaming World|last=Castillo|first=Michelle|magazine=Time|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|issn=0040-781X|archive-date=2020-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807042339/https://techland.time.com/2010/12/02/zynga-hopes-to-take-over-the-mobile-gaming-world/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/zynga-buys-newtoy-studio-rebranded-as-zynga-with-friends/|title=Zynga buys Newtoy, studio rebranded as Zynga With Friends|work=Engadget|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031541/https://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/zynga-buys-newtoy-studio-rebranded-as-zynga-with-friends/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/01/05/zynga-to-acquire-flock-the-social-browser-that-you-never-used/|title=Zynga To Acquire Flock, The Social Browser That You Never Used|last=Arrington|first=Michael|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2018-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312205122/https://techcrunch.com/2011/01/05/zynga-to-acquire-flock-the-social-browser-that-you-never-used/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Jan 2011
|''CSI: Crime City''
''Parking Wars''
''Drop7''
|Area/Code
|Zynga New York
|
|New York,
USA
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/01/21/zynga-acquires-social-game-developer-areacode-launches-new-york-office/|title=Zynga Acquires Social Game Developer Area/Code; Launches New York Office|last=Rao|first=Leena|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031331/https://techcrunch.com/2011/01/21/zynga-acquires-social-game-developer-areacode-launches-new-york-office/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|March 2011
|''MoPets'';
''Madden 2005 and 2006'';
''NASCAR 07'';
''Pirates of the Caribbean'';
''Flowerz''
|[[Floodgate Entertainment]]
|
|
|Boston,
USA
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/03/18/zynga-buys-mobile-and-video-game-developer-floodgate-entertainment/|title=Zynga Adds Team From Mobile And Video Game Developer Floodgate Entertainment|last=Rao|first=Leena|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2018-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312205107/https://techcrunch.com/2011/03/18/zynga-buys-mobile-and-video-game-developer-floodgate-entertainment/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|April 2011
|
|MarketZero
|
|
|Austin, Texas
USA
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|Jun 2011
|Social browser
|Flock
|
|
|
|<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-hires-team-from-poker-industry-service-provider-marketzero/?red=ig|title=Zynga Hires Team From Poker Industry Service Provider MarketZero|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312225703/http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-hires-team-from-poker-industry-service-provider-marketzero/?red=ig|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|March 2012
|''[[Draw Something]]''
|[[OMGPop]]
|
|$180 million
|
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/net-us-zynga/zynga-buys-omgpop-games-company-idUSBRE82K1BX20120321|title=Zynga buys OMGPOP games company for $200 million: source|date=21 March 2012|work=Reuters|access-date=2018-03-12|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031334/https://www.reuters.com/article/net-us-zynga/zynga-buys-omgpop-games-company-idUSBRE82K1BX20120321|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/03/21/zynga-purchases-draw-something-makers-omgpop-for-180-million/#26e5e6b51365|title=Zynga Purchases "Draw Something" Makers OMGPOP for $180 Million|last=Thier|first=Dave|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224144308/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/03/21/zynga-purchases-draw-something-makers-omgpop-for-180-million/#26e5e6b51365|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|June 2012
|''Tomb Raider'';
''Tony Hawk''
|[[Buzz Monkey Software|Buzz Monkey]]
|Zynga Eugene
|
|Oregon,
USA
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/06/04/zynga-acquires-buzz-monkey/|title=Zynga Adds 50 People Through Talent Acquisition of Video Game Maker Buzz Monkey|last=Cutler|first=Kim-Mai|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031418/https://techcrunch.com/2012/06/04/zynga-acquires-buzz-monkey/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Sept 2012
|''Lucky Train''
|A Bit Lucky
|
|$20 million+
|
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/net-us-zynga-game/zynga-to-acquire-a-bit-lucky-to-roll-out-more-complex-games-idUSBRE88G1E620120917|title=Zynga to acquire A Bit Lucky to roll out more complex games|date=17 September 2012|work=Reuters|access-date=2018-03-12|archive-date=2018-03-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312204752/https://www.reuters.com/article/net-us-zynga-game/zynga-to-acquire-a-bit-lucky-to-roll-out-more-complex-games-idUSBRE88G1E620120917|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-09-19-zynga-paid-more-than-USD20-million-for-a-bit-lucky-report|title=Zynga paid more than $20 million for A Bit Lucky - report|work=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092353/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-09-19-zynga-paid-more-than-USD20-million-for-a-bit-lucky-report|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Nov 2012
|''Battlestone''
|November Software
|
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/11/09/zynga-november-software/|title=Zynga Announces Acquisition Of November Software To Build 'Mid-Core' Game Battlestone|last=Ha|first=Anthony|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2018-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031333/https://techcrunch.com/2012/11/09/zynga-november-software/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|June 2013
|''Wizard of Oz'';
''Hit it Rich Slots''
|Spooky Cool Labs
|
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/19/zynga-spooky-cool/|title=Zynga Acquires Spooky Cool Labs To Boost Its Social Casino Push|last=Cutler|first=Kim-Mai|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224161240/https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/19/zynga-spooky-cool/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Jan 2014
|''CSR Racing'';
''Clumsy Ninja''
|[[NaturalMotion]]
|
|$527 million
|Oxford,
United Kingdom
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/01/30/zynga-naturalmotion/|title=Zynga Buys NaturalMotion For $527M, Signaling A New Tack For The Gaming Giant|last=Cutler|first=Kim-Mai|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224131617/https://techcrunch.com/2014/01/30/zynga-naturalmotion/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|June 2015
|Product Incubator
|SuperLabs
|
|$1.00
|
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.recode.net/2015/6/15/11563580/zynga-acquires-mark-pincuss-incubator-superlabs|title=Zynga Acquires Mark Pincus's Incubator, Superlabs|work=Recode|access-date=2018-03-12|archive-date=2018-11-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116035746/https://www.recode.net/2015/6/15/11563580/zynga-acquires-mark-pincuss-incubator-superlabs|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|June 2016
|''Dragon Academy''
|Team Chaos
|
|
|Austin, Texas
USA
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/02/zynga-doubles-down-on-its-social-casino-game-talent/|title=Zynga doubles down on its social casino game talent|date=2016-06-02|last=Takahashi|first=Dean|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2020-05-11|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224152016/https://venturebeat.com/2016/06/02/zynga-doubles-down-on-its-social-casino-game-talent/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.statesman.com/NEWS/20160712/Zynga-picks-up--Team-Chaos-and-PlayStudios-co-founder-for-casino-games|title=Zynga picks up Team Chaos and PlayStudios co-founder for casino games|date=2016-07-12|last=Gallaga|first=Omar|work=Statesman|access-date=2020-05-11|language=en|archive-date=2019-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026114605/https://www.statesman.com/NEWS/20160712/Zynga-picks-up--Team-Chaos-and-PlayStudios-co-founder-for-casino-games|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|March 2017
|''Solitaire'';
''FreeCell'';
''Pyramid'';
''Spider Solitaire''
|Harpan, LLC
|
|$42.5 million
|
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2017/03/15/zynga-acquires-1-person-app-startup-for-42-5m/#39316e977131|title=Zynga Acquires 1-Person App Startup For $42.5M|last=Koetsier|first=John|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224124706/https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2017/03/15/zynga-acquires-1-person-app-startup-for-42-5m/#39316e977131|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Nov 2017
|Casual card games
|Peak Games
|
|$100 million
|Turkey
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/66954/peak-sells-card-games-to-zynga-for-100m/|title=Win-win: Peak Games sells its casual card game portfolio to Zynga for $100 million|work=pocketgamer.biz|access-date=2018-03-12|archive-date=2018-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315171332/http://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/66954/peak-sells-card-games-to-zynga-for-100m/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|May 2018
|"Merge" games
|Gram Games
|
|$250 million
|United Kingdom
Turkey
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180530005420/en/Zynga-Acquires-Leading-Global-Mobile-Game-Developer|title=Zynga Acquires Leading Global Mobile Game Developer Gram Games; Team Behind Hit Titles Merge Dragons! and 1010!|work=businesswire.com|access-date=2019-04-12|archive-date=2019-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327200028/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180530005420/en/Zynga-Acquires-Leading-Global-Mobile-Game-Developer|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Dec 2018
|''Empires & Puzzles''
|[[Small Giant Games]]
|
|$560 million
|Finland
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/12/20/zynga-to-acquire-small-giant-games-the-maker-of-empires-puzzles-for-700m/|title=Zynga to acquire Small Giant Games, the maker of Empires & Puzzles, for $700M|website=TechCrunch|date=20 December 2018|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-21|archive-date=2018-12-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220225320/https://techcrunch.com/2018/12/20/zynga-to-acquire-small-giant-games-the-maker-of-empires-puzzles-for-700m/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|June 2020
|''Toy Blast''
|Peak
|
|$1.8 billion
|Turkey
|<ref name="Peak">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestreet.com/investing/zynga-znga-to-buy-toy-maker-toon-maker-peak|title=Zynga to Buy 'Toy Blast' Maker Peak for $1.8 Billion|work=TheStreet.com|access-date=2020-06-02|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224123124/https://www.thestreet.com/investing/zynga-znga-to-buy-toy-maker-toon-maker-peak|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|October 2020
|''Go Knots 3D'';
''Tangle Master 3D''
|Rollic
|
|$180 million
|Turkey
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zynga completes its acquisition of hyper-casual game maker Rollic|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/02/zynga-completes-rollic-acquistion/|access-date=2020-10-05|website=TechCrunch|date=2 October 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-10-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005002613/https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/02/zynga-completes-rollic-acquistion/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|March 2021
|
|Echtra Games
|
|$21.1 million
|San Francisco, CA
USA
|<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-03-03-zynga-acquires-echtra-games | title = Zynga acquires Echtra Games | first = Brendan | last = Sinclair | date = March 3, 2021 | accessdate = March 3, 2021 | work = [[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date = February 24, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220224123143/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-03-03-zynga-acquires-echtra-games | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=US SEC: Zynga, Form 10-Q, Quarterly report for quarter ending March 31, 2021 |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1439404/000156459021025087/znga-10q_20210331.htm |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]] |date=2021-05-06 |access-date=2021-10-15 |archive-date=2021-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015214129/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1439404/000156459021025087/znga-10q_20210331.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|May 2021
|
|[[Chartboost]]
|
|$250 million
|San Francisco, CA
USA
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Zynga Enters Agreement to Acquire Chartboost |url=https://investor.zynga.com/news-releases/news-release-details/zynga-enters-agreement-acquire-chartboost |publisher=Zynga |date=2021-05-05 |access-date=2021-05-05 |archive-date=2021-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505201606/https://investor.zynga.com/news-releases/news-release-details/zynga-enters-agreement-acquire-chartboost |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|August 2021
|''Golf Rival''
|StarLark
|
|$525 million
|China
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Zynga Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Mobile Game Developer StarLark, Team Behind the Hit Franchise, Golf Rival |url=https://investor.zynga.com/news-releases/news-release-details/zynga-enters-agreement-acquire-mobile-game-developer-starlark |publisher=Zynga |date=2021-08-05 |access-date=2021-11-24 |archive-date=2022-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111160334/https://investor.zynga.com/news-releases/news-release-details/zynga-enters-agreement-acquire-mobile-game-developer-starlark |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|February 2022
|
|NanoTribe
|
|
|Germany
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Zynga and Rollic acquire NanoTribe |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/zynga-and-rollic-acquire-nanotribe |publisher=Gamesindustry.biz |date=2022-02-10 |access-date=2022-09-16 |archive-date=2022-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920170856/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/zynga-and-rollic-acquire-nanotribe |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|September 2022
|
|Storemaven
|
|
|Israel
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Zynga acquires mobile growth platform Storemaven|url=https://venturebeat.com/gaming-business/zynga-acquires-mobile-growth-platform-storemaven/|date=2022-02-10|access-date=2022-09-29|archive-date=2022-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929173245/https://venturebeat.com/gaming-business/zynga-acquires-mobile-growth-platform-storemaven/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|November 2022
|
|Popcore
|
|
|Germany
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-17 |title=Zynga's Rollic buys German mobile game studio Popcore |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/zyngas-rollic-buys-german-mobile-game-studio-popcore/ |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}</ref>
|}
==Business model==
Zynga uses a "[[free-to-play]]" business model.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://seekingalpha.com/article/3970260-zynga-needs-make-changes-business-model|title=Zynga Needs To Make Changes In Its Business Model|date=2 May 2016|website=Seeking Alpha|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=8 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508210310/http://seekingalpha.com/article/3970260-zynga-needs-make-changes-business-model|url-status=live}}</ref> Revenue is acquired via direct credit card payments and partner businesses.<ref name="hate"/><ref name="become">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/business/25zynga.html?_r=1&src=busln&pagewanted=all|title=Will Zynga Become the Google of Games?|author=Miguel Helft|date=July 24, 2010|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=July 24, 2010|quote=In addition, Zynga’s $520&nbsp;million in financing includes a recent infusion of $300&nbsp;million through two, roughly equal investments from Softbank and Google, according to people briefed on the investments who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss Zynga’s finances publicly. Google and Zynga are also in the early stages of exploring a collaboration, these people said. Zynga and Google declined to comment or confirm a Google investment.|archive-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926024458/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/business/25zynga.html?_r=1&src=busln&pagewanted=all|url-status=live}}</ref> It sells in-game virtual goods as people play its games, supports in-game advertising,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://adage.com/article/digital/zynga-announces-cityville-integration-kung-fu-panda-2/227676/|title=Zynga Announces CityVille Integration With 'Kung Fu Panda 2'|last=Slutsky|first=Irina|date=20 May 2011|author-link=Irina Slutsky|publisher=Advertising Age|access-date=24 May 2011|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127112311/http://adage.com/article/digital/zynga-announces-cityville-integration-kung-fu-panda-2/227676/|url-status=live}}</ref> and it has [[banner ad]]vertising around its game portals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/fool/article/Zynga-Business-Model-Explained-4373198.php|title=Zynga: Business Model Explained|date=21 March 2013|website=Seattle pi|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404134855/https://www.seattlepi.com/business/fool/article/Zynga-Business-Model-Explained-4373198.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
In addition, Zynga games are linked to offers from several partners. Players can choose to accept credit card offers, take surveys or buy services from Zynga's partners in order to obtain game credits. Players may also purchase game credits directly from Zynga.<ref name="hate" /> In the game, players can purchase the points for a fee. In March 2010 Zynga started selling pre-paid cards in the US for virtual currency.<ref name="Eldon2010">{{citation |title=Zynga's Pre-Paid Virtual Currency Cards Have Expanded to More than 12,800 US Stores |url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2010/03/25/zyngas-pre-paid-virtual-currency-cards-have-expanded-to-more-than-12800-us-stores/ |year=2010 |author=Eldon, Eric |website=Insidesocialgames.com |access-date=April 5, 2010 |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401045849/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2010/03/25/zyngas-pre-paid-virtual-currency-cards-have-expanded-to-more-than-12800-us-stores/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In March, 2012, Zynga launched a separate social gaming platform, which included publishing other developers to the Zynga.com platform. Early third-party developers included [[Row Sham Bow, Inc]] and Mobscience.<ref>{{cite news|title=Zynga launches separate social gaming platform, still 'likes' Facebook|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2012/03/zynga-launches-separate-social-gaming-platform.html|newspaper=LA Times|date=March 2012|access-date=2012-03-08|archive-date=2012-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304021638/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2012/03/zynga-launches-separate-social-gaming-platform.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2012, Zynga started running Facebook advertisements and sponsored stories on its website. The revenue was split between Facebook and Zynga.<ref>{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Constine |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/06/22/zynga-facebook-ads/ |title=Facebook Ads and Sponsored Stories Are Now Running On Zynga.com, Previewing A FB Ad Network |publisher=TechCrunch |date=2012-06-22 |access-date=2013-09-07 |archive-date=2013-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831163904/http://techcrunch.com/2012/06/22/zynga-facebook-ads/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Hasbro partnership===
In February 2012, it was announced that Zynga and [[Hasbro]] had partnered to create products based on Zynga properties and brands.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://mashable.com/2012/02/09/zynga-toys-hasbro/ | work=Mashable | title=FarmVille Toys Are Coming: Zynga and Hasbro Sign Licensing Deal | first=Christina | last=Warren | date=February 9, 2012 | access-date=February 27, 2012 | archive-date=February 28, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228112547/http://mashable.com/2012/02/09/zynga-toys-hasbro/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2012, Zynga and Hasbro launched eight 'face-to-face' games resulting from their collaboration: FarmVille Hungry Hungry Herd and Animal Games; CityVille Monopoly and Skies; Words With Friends Classic, Luxe, To Go; and Draw Something.<ref name="Inside Social Sept 2012">{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=Mike|title=Apphome Hasbro's Zynga-branded merchandise coming to stores next week|url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/09/25/hasbros-zynga-branded-merchandise-coming-to-stores-next-week/|access-date=31 October 2012|newspaper=Inside Social Games|date=25 September 2012|archive-date=31 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031062135/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/09/25/hasbros-zynga-branded-merchandise-coming-to-stores-next-week/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Hasbro games included ties to Zynga Web and mobile games, such as in-game currency that players can use in the digital versions of ''CityVille'' and ''FarmVille''.<ref name="Inside Social Sept 2012" />
===Customer acquisition===
The company initially relied on free distribution of its product to users, and later began spending money on marketing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/22/how-much-is-zynga-paying-for-new-gamers|title=How Much is Zynga Paying for New Gamers?|last=Campbell|first=Colin|date=22 January 2012|website=IGN|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404135108/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/22/how-much-is-zynga-paying-for-new-gamers|url-status=live}}</ref> {{Better source needed|date=August 2019}} In 2017, developing a paid user base took priority over a new user acquisition. According to one analyst, Zynga can either fund the creation of new games to attract new users, or it can buy smaller game studios with new games which will bring in new customers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.midiaresearch.com/blog/quick-take-zyngas-q3-results-and-acquisition-of-peak-gamess-card-game-studio/|title=Quick Take: Zynga's Q3 results and acquisition of Peak Games's Card Game Studio|last=Severin|first=Karol|date=8 November 2017|website=MIDIA|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404134939/https://www.midiaresearch.com/blog/quick-take-zyngas-q3-results-and-acquisition-of-peak-gamess-card-game-studio/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Platinum Purchase Program===
In September 2010, [[Gawker]] reported that Zynga had set up a "Platinum Purchase Program," a private club for their top spenders, allowing members to purchase virtual currency at favorable rates.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://gawker.com/5634379/the-secret-dealer-for-farmville-addicts|title=The Secret Dealer for Farmville Addicts|last=Tate|first=Ryan|work=Gawker|access-date=2018-04-09|language=en-US|archive-date=2010-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913044924/http://gawker.com/5634379/the-secret-dealer-for-farmville-addicts|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite some bad publicity, the program was considered a sound core business principle.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DJrNBQAAQBAJ&q=Platinum+purchase+program+zynga&pg=PA152|title=Mobile & Social Game Design: Monetization Methods and Mechanics, Second Edition|last1=Fields|first1=Tim|last2=Cotton|first2=Brandon|date=2014-01-22|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9781466598690|language=en}}</ref> The program shut down on October 31, 2014.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}
===Viability===
Some journalists questioned the viability of Zynga's [[business model]]. Ray Valdes questioned the long-term prospects for Zynga, saying that it would be difficult for the company to make new titles to replace old ones whose novelty is fading.<ref name="shambora"/> Tom Bollich, a former Zynga investor, said that it is impossible to make a cheap viral game, and that retaining customers is difficult.<ref name="farmvillains"/>
In an October 2011 article in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', Ben Levisohn said that Zynga has "issues that could limit its upside," such as its dependence on Facebook and its reliance on a small percentage of users and a small number of games for most of its revenue.<ref name=levisohn-b>{{cite news|last=Levisohn|first=Ben|title=Two IPOs Beckon Investors|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 29, 2011|page=B.9}}</ref>
In July 2012, after announcing disappointing second quarter results, some analysts speculated that the sale of virtual items may not be a long-term, viable business model.<ref name="NYT Q2 earnings">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/26/technology/for-zynga-a-reversal-of-fortune.html?_r=2|title=The News Isn't Good for Zynga, Maker of FarmVille|last=Streitfeld|first=David|date=25 July 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=21 August 2012|archive-date=27 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727132734/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/26/technology/for-zynga-a-reversal-of-fortune.html?_r=2|url-status=live}}</ref> Analyst Richard Greenfield downgraded Zynga from "buy" to "neutral."<ref name="NYT Q2 earnings" /> In 2012 Zynga took steps to turn its business around, which included introducing new Web, mobile, and multiplayer games and developing a gambling game to be introduced outside the U.S.<ref name="Forbes Q2">{{cite news|last=Geron|first=Tomio|title=Why Zynga's Earnings Missed And What It Plans In Response|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomiogeron/2012/07/25/why-zyngas-earnings-missed-and-what-it-plans-in-response/|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=Forbes|date=25 July 2012|archive-date=28 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828004933/http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomiogeron/2012/07/25/why-zyngas-earnings-missed-and-what-it-plans-in-response/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="WSJ Mobile">{{cite news|last=Raice|first=Shayndi|title=Zynga's Rocky Shift to Mobile|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390443545504577567762954064098|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=5 August 2012|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127112312/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390443545504577567762954064098|url-status=live}}</ref> The company worked to increase advertising revenues, which were up to 45 percent in Q2 2012 compared to the previous quarter and increased to 170 percent year-over-year.<ref name="Ad Age">{{cite news|last=Delo|first=Cotton|title=Zynga Turns In Lackluster Quarter, But Points to Growing Ad Business|url=http://adage.com/article/digital/zynga-posts-lackluster-results-points-growing-ad-biz/236317/|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=Ad Age|date=25 July 2012|archive-date=1 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201070055/http://adage.com/article/digital/zynga-posts-lackluster-results-points-growing-ad-biz/236317/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===In-game sign-up===
Through 2009, Zynga let players earn in-game rewards for signing up for credit cards or for a video-rental membership. In November 2009 the company removed all "lead-generating" ads, relying instead on revenue generated by the 1-3 percent of players that pay for in-game items. Since then it began re-introducing the ads back in but with controls to monitor the kinds of ads that appear.<ref name="hate"/>
In early November 2009, it was estimated that about one-third of Zynga's revenue came from companies that provide legitimate commercial offers, such as trading Netflix memberships and marketing surveys for in-game cash.<ref name="zynga-revenue-leadgen">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/02/scamville-zynga-says-13-of-revenue-comes-from-lead-gen-and-other-offers/|title=Scamville: Zynga Says 1/3 of Revenue Comes from Lead Gen and Other Offers|last=Arrington|first=Michael|date=November 2, 2009|work=TechCrunch|access-date=November 4, 2009|archive-date=November 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104221848/http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/02/scamville-zynga-says-13-of-revenue-comes-from-lead-gen-and-other-offers/|url-status=live}}</ref> Because of criticism and complaints that some ads were scams, on November 2, 2009, former CEO Mark Pincus said that [[Tatto Media]], a major offer provider that enrolled users into recurring cell phone subscriptions, and the worst of the lead generator scam, had already been removed from Zynga and was banned, in addition to requiring providers to filter and police offers before posting to their networks.<ref name="zynga-remove-scams">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/02/zynga-takes-steps-to-remove-scams-from-games/|title=Zynga Takes Steps to Remove Scams from Games|last=Arrington|first=Michael|date=November 2, 2009|work=TechCrunch|access-date=November 4, 2009|archive-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103021415/http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/02/zynga-takes-steps-to-remove-scams-from-games/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Corporate culture==
[[File:Zynga hq.jpg|thumb|Zynga HQ]]
In 2011, Zynga started to move employees to new headquarters, located in San Francisco's [[South of Market, San Francisco|South of Market]] district.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gamasutra.com/view/news/121399/Zynga_Headquarters_Moving_Expanding_In_San_Francisco.php |title=Zynga Headquarters Moving, Expanding In San Francisco |date=28 September 2010 |publisher=Gamasutra.com |access-date=2012-11-19 |archive-date=2012-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112071709/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/121399/Zynga_Headquarters_Moving_Expanding_In_San_Francisco.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Zynga's headquarters, nicknamed "The Dog House",<ref name="usatoday-headquarters">{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/talkingtech/story/2012-03-27/zynga-headquarters/53838038/1 | work=USA Today | title=Zynga's new headquarters is like a playful fantasy land | first=Jefferson | last=Graham | date=March 28, 2012 | access-date=2017-09-19 | archive-date=2012-07-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712095118/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/talkingtech/story/2012-03-27/zynga-headquarters/53838038/1 | url-status=live }}</ref> features a coffee shop, gaming arcade, gym, basketball court, and wellness center.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.refinery29.com/zynga-office-tour | work=Refinery29 | title=Zynga's Stylish Power Players Give Us A Tour Of Their Extra-Fun Office! | first=Katie | last=Hintz-Zambrano | date=April 13, 2012 | access-date=May 3, 2012 | archive-date=May 9, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509075233/http://www.refinery29.com/zynga-office-tour | url-status=live }}</ref> At its San Francisco headquarters, Zynga Founder Pincus's goal was to create a "playful gaming environment" that evokes a "fantasy land."<ref name="usatoday-headquarters" /> Zynga employees, also referred to as "Zyngites", enjoy perks such as free gourmet meals, access to an in-house nutritionist, and personal training.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/04/13/zynga-3/?iid=SF_F_Lead | work=Fortune | title=What it's really like to work at Zynga | first=JP | last=Mangalindan | date=April 13, 2012 | access-date=May 3, 2012 | archive-date=April 16, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416142950/http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/04/13/zynga-3/?iid=SF_F_Lead | url-status=live }}</ref>
In November 2011, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that Zynga "operates like a federation of city-states" with each of its games, such as ''[[FarmVille]]'' and ''[[CityVille]]'', run by autonomous teams. This culture reportedly fostered "fierce internal competition" and caused some employees to complain about long hours and stressful deadlines.<ref name="rusli">{{cite news|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/zyngas-tough-culture-risks-a-talent-drain/|title=DealBook: Zynga's Tough Culture Risks a Talent Drain|last=Rusli|first=Evelyn M.|date=November 27, 2011|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 28, 2011|archive-date=November 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128154716/http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/zyngas-tough-culture-risks-a-talent-drain/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two former senior Zynga employees, quoted anonymously by the ''Times'', speculated that Zynga's corporate culture caused the company to lose a bid to acquire mobile game company [[PopCap]] and nearly derailed its acquisition of MyMiniLife, which later developed the technology that is the basis for FarmVille.
In 2017, Zynga donated a large sum to the [[University of Southern California]] to support the study of social mobile games, inclusive game production, and advancing diversity in the industry.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/09/zynga-partners-with-usc-to-support-diversity-and-inclusive-game-production/|title=Zynga partners with USC to support diversity and inclusive game production|date=2017-05-09|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2018-03-20|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320170714/https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/09/zynga-partners-with-usc-to-support-diversity-and-inclusive-game-production/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Zynga.org==
{{Main|Zynga.org}}
In 2009, Zynga started a nonprofit organization, [[Zynga.org]], in charge of incorporating charitable contributions into its games such as ''[[FarmVille]]''. As of 2015, Zynga.org efforts have raised $20 million for international humanitarian relief efforts and philanthropic initiatives.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pkv-judionline.netlify.app//articles/investing/060915/what-zynga-doing-increase-its-share-price.asp|title=Will Zynga's New Strategy Win Back Mobile Gamers?|last=Investopedia|date=2015-06-09|work=Investopedia|access-date=2018-02-11|language=en-US}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
==Relationship with Facebook==
On July 18, 2011, Zynga filed an addendum to its [[Form S-1]] detailing its relationship with Facebook, including the 2010 five-year agreement to use Facebook credits exclusively.<ref name="gobry">{{cite news|last=Gobry|first=Pascal-Emmanuel|title=Facebook Basically Owns Zynga|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-basically-owns-zynga-2011-7|work=Business Insider|access-date=December 5, 2011|date=July 19, 2011|archive-date=September 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926042548/http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-basically-owns-zynga-2011-7|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="gannes">{{cite web|last=Gannes|first=Liz|title=Zynga and Facebook Exclusivity Goes Far Beyond Credits|url=http://allthingsd.com/20110718/zynga-and-facebook-exclusivity-goes-far-beyond-credits/?mod=ATD_iphone|website=All Things Digital|publisher=Dow Jones & Company|access-date=December 5, 2011|date=July 18, 2011|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127112311/http://allthingsd.com/20110718/zynga-and-facebook-exclusivity-goes-far-beyond-credits/?mod=ATD_iphone|url-status=live}}</ref>
On October 11, 2011, Zynga announced plans to create their own platform on which users can play the company's games. It was Zynga's first major step away from the social media giant.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.keynoodle.com/zynga-unveils-new-games-and-new-platform-project-z/ |title=Zynga Unveils New Games and New Platform, Project Z |website=KeyNoodle |date=2011-10-11 |access-date=2013-09-07 |archive-date=2022-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040000/http://www.keynoodle.com/zynga-unveils-new-games-and-new-platform-project-z/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
At one point during 2011, Zynga made up 19 percent of Facebook's revenue, partly because of the special mutually beneficial relationship between the two companies.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/01/14/facebook-punks-partners-again-how-publishers-can-fight-back/|title=Facebook delivers deathblow to ad-driven media models; how publishers can fight back|date=2018-01-14|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2018-04-15|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206160954/https://venturebeat.com/2018/01/14/facebook-punks-partners-again-how-publishers-can-fight-back/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In November 2012, Facebook ended its special agreement with Zynga. Effective March 31, 2013, Zynga was bound by the standard Facebook Platform policies.<ref name="bbc-facebook-zynga">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20554441|title=Facebook and Zynga to end close relationship|date=2012-11-30|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=22 December 2012|archive-date=2021-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825004224/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20554441|url-status=live}}</ref>
In May 2017, Zynga launched ''[[Words with Friends]]'' on Facebook's newly launched platform ''Instant Games'', on Facebook's ''Messenger'' [[instant messaging]] app.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/02/zynga-launches-words-with-friends-for-instant-games-on-facebook-messenger/|title=Zynga launches Words With Friends for Instant Games on Facebook Messenger|date=2017-05-02|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2018-04-15|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507122238/https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/02/zynga-launches-words-with-friends-for-instant-games-on-facebook-messenger/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Owned studios==
=== Headquarters ===
In the fall of 2010, Zynga signed a rental agreement for 270,000 square feet (25,000 m<sup>2</sup>) of office space at the site of former [[Sega]] offices.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fg%2Fa%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2Fbusinessinsider-zyngas-new-headquarters-will-have-a-dog-run-on-the-roof-2011-6.DTL|title=Zynga's New Headquarters Will Have A Dog Run On The Roof|last=Rosoff|first=Matt|date=June 3, 2011|publisher=Business Insider|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-date=August 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803152744/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fg%2Fa%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2Fbusinessinsider-zyngas-new-headquarters-will-have-a-dog-run-on-the-roof-2011-6.DTL|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, the company purchased the entire building, with about 407,000 square feet of total space, for $228 million. The building was reported to be worth about $500 million in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-04-05-inside-zynga-headquarters|title=Inside Zynga Headquarters|work=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224143507/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-04-05-inside-zynga-headquarters|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://therealdeal.com/2016/07/16/zynga-ditches-plan-to-sell-500m-headquarters/|title=Zynga ditches plan to sell $500M headquarters|date=2016-07-16|work=The Real Deal New York|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-06-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620232423/https://therealdeal.com/2016/07/16/zynga-ditches-plan-to-sell-500m-headquarters/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2022, Zynga relocated its headquarters to [[San Mateo, California|San Mateo]], California.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Browning |first=Kellen |date=2022-02-22 |title=Big Tech Makes a Big Bet: Offices Are Still the Future |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/22/technology/big-tech-offices.html |access-date=2022-08-12 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2022-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812163232/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/22/technology/big-tech-offices.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=sanmateo-hq />
=== Active studios ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Name
!Description
!Date
Acquired/established
!Footnote
|-
|[[NaturalMotion]]
(offices in Brighton and London)
|Acquired Boss Alien in 2014 when Zynga bought NaturalMotion
for a company record of $527 million. NaturalMotion had
purchased [[Boss Alien]] in the summer of 2012.
|2014
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-31-zynga-buys-csr-clumsy-ninja-dev-naturalmotion|title=Zynga buys CSR, Clumsy Ninja dev NaturalMotion|last=Purchese|first=Robert|date=2014-01-31|website=Eurogamer|language=en-UK|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224153309/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-31-zynga-buys-csr-clumsy-ninja-dev-naturalmotion|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/01/30/zynga-naturalmotion/|title=Zynga Buys NaturalMotion For $527M, Signaling A New Tack For The Gaming Giant|last=Cutler|first=Kim-Mai|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224131617/https://techcrunch.com/2014/01/30/zynga-naturalmotion/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="pocketgamer.biz">{{Cite news|url=http://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/66768/zynga-to-close-naturalmotion-oxford-studio/|title=Zynga to close NaturalMotion Oxford office|work=pocketgamer.biz|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224154639/https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/66768/zynga-to-close-naturalmotion-oxford-studio/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga Chicago
|Zynga acquired Spooky Cool Labs
|June 2013
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/19/zynga-spooky-cool/|title=Zynga Acquires Spooky Cool Labs To Boost Its Social Casino Push|last=Cutler|first=Kim-Mai|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224161240/https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/19/zynga-spooky-cool/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga ATX
|Formerly MarketZero
|April 2011
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/04/05/zynga-acquires-marketzero-team-11th-deal-in-11-months/|title=Zynga buys MarketZero team: 11th acquisition in 11 months|date=2011-04-05|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224130509/https://venturebeat.com/2011/04/05/zynga-acquires-marketzero-team-11th-deal-in-11-months/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga Austin
|Formerly Challenge Games
|June 2010
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://vator.tv/news/2010-06-09-frontierville-zynga-brings-its-newest-ville|title=FrontierVille: Zynga brings its newest Ville|date=2010-06-09|work=VatorNews|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224151640/https://vator.tv/news/2010-06-09-frontierville-zynga-brings-its-newest-ville|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[Zynga Eugene]]
|Formerly [[Buzz Monkey Software]]
|June 2012
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/06/04/not-content-with-just-draw-something-zynga-scoops-up-video-game-maker-buzz-monkey/|title=Zynga scoops up video game maker Buzz Monkey|date=2012-06-04|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224155935/https://venturebeat.com/2012/06/04/not-content-with-just-draw-something-zynga-scoops-up-video-game-maker-buzz-monkey/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga India
|[[Bangalore]], India
|February 2010
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/02/16/zynga-india/|title=Zynga Heads To India For First Office Abroad|last=Kincaid|first=Jason|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224154120/https://techcrunch.com/2010/02/16/zynga-india/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga Ireland
|
|2011
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/sep/26/twitter-open-international-hq-dublin|title=Twitter to open international headquarters in Dublin|last=O'Carroll|first=Lisa|date=2011-09-26|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224130507/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/sep/26/twitter-open-international-hq-dublin|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga Toronto
|Formerly Five Mobile
|July 2011
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://business.financialpost.com/technology/zynga-acquires-toronto-gaming-studio-five-mobile|title=Zynga acquires Toronto mobile app studio Five Mobile|date=2011-07-08|work=Financial Post|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611070310/http://business.financialpost.com/technology/zynga-acquires-toronto-gaming-studio-five-mobile|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga Turkey
|Zynga acquired Peak Games' casual card portfolio in 2017
|November 2017
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-07/zynga-buys-peak-games-for-100-million-for-card-game-dominance|title=Zynga Pays $100 Million for Turkish Mobile Card Game Assets|date=2017-11-07|work=Bloomberg.com|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224130517/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-07/zynga-buys-peak-games-for-100-million-for-card-game-dominance|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga San Diego
|
|
|
|}
===Former studios===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Name
!Description
!Date
Acquired/Established
!Date Closed
!Footnotes
|-
|[[OMGPop]]
|''[[Draw Something]]'' creators
|March 2012
|June 2013
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/04/zynga-shuts-down-omgpop-one-year-after-acquiring-it-for-200m/|title=Zynga Shuts Down OMGPOP One Year After Acquiring It For $200M|last=Kumparak|first=Greg|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224154129/https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/04/zynga-shuts-down-omgpop-one-year-after-acquiring-it-for-200m/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/11/03/investing/zynga-king-candy-crush-activision/index.html|title=Remember FarmVille? Zynga needs more friends|last=Monica|first=Paul R. La|work=CNNMoney|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224154639/https://money.cnn.com/2015/11/03/investing/zynga-king-candy-crush-activision/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[Floodgate Entertainment|Floodgage Entertainment]]
|
|March 2011
|October 2012
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/03/18/zynga-buys-indie-game-developer-floodgate-entertainment/|title=Zynga buys indie game developer Floodgate Entertainment|date=2011-03-18|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224153016/https://venturebeat.com/2011/03/18/zynga-buys-indie-game-developer-floodgate-entertainment/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Boston.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/uncategorized/noprimarytagmatch/2012/10/23/zynga-closes-boston-office-layoffs-elsewhere|title=Zynga closes Boston office, layoffs elsewhere|date=2012-10-23|work=Boston.com|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224153308/https://www.boston.com/uncategorized/noprimarytagmatch/2012/10/23/zynga-closes-boston-office-layoffs-elsewhere/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Wild Needle
|A casual games company that makes
games which appeal to women/girls
|May 2012
|
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/05/14/zynga-picks-up-mobile-gaming-startup-wild-needle-in-a-talent-deal/|title=Zynga Picks Up Mobile Gaming Startup Wild Needle In A Talent Deal|last=Cutler|first=Kim-Mai|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2012-05-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517021506/http://techcrunch.com/2012/05/14/zynga-picks-up-mobile-gaming-startup-wild-needle-in-a-talent-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga with Friends
|Formerly [[Zynga with Friends|Newtoy, Inc]]., based in [[McKinney, Texas|McKinney]], Texas
|November 2010
|June 2013
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://phys.org/news/2010-12-zynga-mobile-game-star-newtoy.html|title=Zynga buys rising mobile game star Newtoy|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224153012/https://phys.org/news/2010-12-zynga-mobile-game-star-newtoy.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="remember-ensemblestudios.com">{{Cite web|url=http://remember-ensemblestudios.com/2013/06/zynga-closes-both-zynga-dallas-and-with-friends-formerly-bonfire-studios-and-newtoy/|title=Zynga closes Dallas studios (Formerly Bonfire Studios and NewToy) {{!}} Remember Ensemble Studios|website=remember-ensemblestudios.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224143521/http://remember-ensemblestudios.com/2013/06/zynga-closes-both-zynga-dallas-and-with-friends-formerly-bonfire-studios-and-newtoy/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-shuts-baltimore-new-york-austin-mckinney-offices-2013-2?r=US&IR=T&IR=T|title=Zynga Shuts Four Leaderless Offices And Cuts 30 Jobs|work=Business Insider|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224154139/https://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-shuts-baltimore-new-york-austin-mckinney-offices-2013-2?r=US&IR=T&IR=T|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga Boston
|Formerly Conduit Labs
|August 2010
|October 2012
|<ref name="Boston.com"/>
|-
|Zynga China
|Formerly XPD Media, based in [[Beijing]]
|May 2010
|February 2015
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-acquires-chinas-xpd-media-social-gaming-company/|title=Zynga Acquires China's XPD Media Social Gaming Company|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201131235/https://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-acquires-chinas-xpd-media-social-gaming-company/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/02/12/zynga-closes-chinese-studio/|title=Zynga closes Beijing studio that brought FarmVille to China|date=2015-02-12|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224153313/https://venturebeat.com/2015/02/12/zynga-closes-chinese-studio/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga Dallas
|Formerly Bonfire Studios
|October 2010
|June 2013
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-buys-bonfire-studios-creating-its-sixth-us-studio/|title=Zynga Buys Bonfire Studios, Creating Its Sixth US Studio|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-11-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123164751/https://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-buys-bonfire-studios-creating-its-sixth-us-studio/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="remember-ensemblestudios.com"/>
|-
|Zynga Germany
|Formerly Dextrose AG, based in [[Frankfurt]]
|September 2010
|
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=109124666|title=Zynga Germany GmbH: Private Company Information - Bloomberg|website=www.bloomberg.com|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-date=2018-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305204032/https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=109124666|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga East
|Based in [[Baltimore]], Maryland
|May 2009
|February 2013
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/lutherville/bs-bz-zynga-closing-20130225-story.html|title=Zynga closes Timonium video game studio in broader consolidation|last=Sun|first=Scott Dance, The Baltimore|work=baltimoresun.com|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-11-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116031605/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/lutherville/bs-bz-zynga-closing-20130225-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga Japan
|Formerly Unoh Games, based in [[Tokyo]]
|August 2010
|January 2013
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-japan-continues-to-expand-with-acquisition-of-unoh/|title=Zynga Japan Continues To Expand With Acquisition of Unoh|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201124059/https://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-japan-continues-to-expand-with-acquisition-of-unoh/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/12/21/zynga-to-close-its-japan-operation-at-the-end-of-january-as-company-continues-to-conserve-and-consolidate/|title=Zynga Confirms It Will Close Its Japan Operation At The End Of January As Consolidation Continues To Bite The Social Gaming Company|last=Lunden|first=Ingrid|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224151609/https://techcrunch.com/2012/12/21/zynga-to-close-its-japan-operation-at-the-end-of-january-as-company-continues-to-conserve-and-consolidate/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga Los Angeles
|
|February 2010
|June 2013
|<ref name="GamesIndustry.biz">{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-06-03-zynga-cuts-520-employees-closes-new-york-and-los-angeles-offices|title=Zynga cuts 520 employees, closes New York and Los Angeles offices|work=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224154644/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-06-03-zynga-cuts-520-employees-closes-new-york-and-los-angeles-offices|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="adweek.com">{{Cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-lays-off-18-percent-of-its-employees-shuts-down-3-offices/|title=Zynga lays off 18 percent of its employees, shuts down 3 offices|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223193651/https://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-lays-off-18-percent-of-its-employees-shuts-down-3-offices/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/27070/Zynga_Opens_Los_Angeles_Development_Studio.php|title=Zynga Opens Los Angeles Development Studio|last=Remo|first=Chris|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224154639/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/27070/Zynga_Opens_Los_Angeles_Development_Studio.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga New York
|Formerly Area/Code
|January 2011
|June 2013
|<ref name="GamesIndustry.biz"/><ref name="adweek.com"/>
|-
|[[Page 44 Studios]]
|
|September 2011
|
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=146302143|title=Page 44 Studios LLC: Private Company Information - Bloomberg|website=www.bloomberg.com|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-date=2018-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306022754/https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=146302143|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zynga Seattle
|
|October 2010
|January 2014
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/121663/Zynga_Opening_Seattle_Studio.php|title=Zynga Opening Seattle Studio|last=Caoili|first=Eric|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825042520/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/121663/Zynga_Opening_Seattle_Studio.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2014/zynga-closes-seattle-office/|title=Zynga shuts down Seattle office amid company-wide layoffs|date=2014-01-31|work=GeekWire|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224174804/https://www.geekwire.com/2014/zynga-closes-seattle-office/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Rising Tide Games
|
|September 2015
|
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/09/14/zynga-buys-rising-tide-game-startup-headed-by-former-casino-game-exec/|title=Zynga buys Rising Tide startup, bringing back one of its former casino game execs|date=2015-09-14|work=VentureBeat|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224143508/https://venturebeat.com/2015/09/14/zynga-buys-rising-tide-game-startup-headed-by-former-casino-game-exec/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Zindagi Games
|
|February 2016
|
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.socaltech.com/zindagi_games_acquired_by_zynga/s-0064063.html|title=Zindagi Games Acquired By Zynga - socaltech.com|website=www.socaltech.com|access-date=2018-03-05|archive-date=2017-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023045739/http://socaltech.com/Zindagi_Games_Acquired_By_Zynga/s-0064063.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|NaturalMotion (Oxford)
|
|January 2014
|October 2017
|<ref name="pocketgamer.biz"/>
|}
==Reception and controversies==
{{criticism section|date=May 2013}}
===Spam concerns===
Many of Zynga's games involve players posting messages to non-players, often for in-game benefits. Many non-players have notably complained about such communications created by those games that appear to them as "spammy." Peter Jamison described Zynga's communications as a "deluge" of "unwanted gifts or requests for neighborly 'help'".<ref name="farmvillains"/> Facebook groups created to express displeasure regarding overexposure of Zynga's games attracted millions of members.<ref name="hate"/> As a result of this, Facebook modified their application developers policy to prevent applications from sending messages to news feeds of friends or submitting updates to the notifications bar.<ref name="no-fun">{{cite news|last=Saint|first=Nick|title=Why the No-Fun 'Farmville' Is So Popular|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/09/28/farmville.popularity/|publisher=CNN|access-date=September 28, 2010|date=September 28, 2010|archive-date=April 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417183340/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/09/28/farmville.popularity/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2010/01/20/facebook-applications-email|title=Facebook App Notifications Moving to Your E-mail Inbox|author=Jennifer Van Grove|date=20 January 2010|publisher=Mashable|access-date=11 May 2010|archive-date=29 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529173822/http://mashable.com/2010/01/20/facebook-applications-email/|url-status=live}}</ref> Kotaku attributed the removal of Facebook notifications to a decline of users of Zynga games in April and May 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Crecente|first=Brian|title=Farmville Maker is Hemorrhaging Players|date=11 May 2010|url=http://kotaku.com/5536051/farmville-maker-is-hemorrhaging-players|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=11 May 2010|archive-date=14 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514023507/http://kotaku.com/5536051/farmville-maker-is-hemorrhaging-players|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Intellectual property infringement===
Zynga has been accused several times of copying game concepts of popular games by competing developers.<ref name="isg-plinga">{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2009/10/08/meet-plinga-apparently-zyngas-german-copycat/|title=Meet Plinga, Apparently Zynga's German Copycat|last=Eldon|first=Eric|date=October 8, 2009|work=Inside Social Games|access-date=December 10, 2009|archive-date=October 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016065705/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2009/10/08/meet-plinga-apparently-zyngas-german-copycat/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="playfish-clone">{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2009/12/07/turning-the-tables-playfish-clones-zyngas-poker-game/|title=Turning the Tables, Playfish Clones Zynga's Poker Game on Facebook|last=Takahashi|first=Dean|date=December 7, 2009|work=VentureBeat|access-date=December 10, 2009|archive-date=December 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213042736/http://venturebeat.com/2009/12/07/turning-the-tables-playfish-clones-zyngas-poker-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> The launch of ''[[Mafia Wars]]'' sparked a lawsuit from the makers of ''[[Mob Wars]]''.<ref>[https://techcrunch.com/2009/02/14/mob-wars-creator-sues-zynga-for-copyright-infringement/ Mob Wars Creator Puts A Hit Out On Zynga, Sues For Copyright Infringement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424194158/https://techcrunch.com/2009/02/14/mob-wars-creator-sues-zynga-for-copyright-infringement/ |date=2017-04-24 }} from TechCrunch.com (February 14, 2009)</ref> An attorney for Psycho Monkey, the creators of ''Mob Wars'', said that in making ''Mafia Wars'', Zynga "copied virtually every important aspect of the game."<ref name="hoge">{{cite news|last=Hoge|first=Patrick|title=Game makers fight over proliferating lookalikes|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/07/13/story7.html?b=1247457600%5E1858291|work=San Francisco Business Times|access-date=August 31, 2010|date=July 13, 2009|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108070210/http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/07/13/story7.html?b=1247457600%5E1858291|url-status=live}}</ref> The suit was settled out of court for $7–9&nbsp;million.<ref>[https://techcrunch.com/2009/09/13/zynga-settles-mob-wars-litigation-as-it-settles-in-to-playdom-war/ Zynga Settles Mob Wars Litigation As It Settles In To Playdom Fight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424194204/https://techcrunch.com/2009/09/13/zynga-settles-mob-wars-litigation-as-it-settles-in-to-playdom-war/ |date=2017-04-24 }}. Techcrunch.com (2009-09-13). Retrieved on July 9, 2011.</ref> An [[Ars Technica]] column said that Zynga's ''Café World'' and Playfish's ''Restaurant City'' were "nearly identical"; ''Café World'' was released six months after ''Restaurant City''. Its gameplay, design, graphics, avatars, and even in-game items are almost identical to the ones in ''Restaurant City''.<ref name="ars-technica-cafe-world">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/12/cloning-or-theft-ars-explores-game-design-with-jenova-chen.ars|title=Cloning or Theft? Ars Explores Game Design with Jenova Chen|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=December 9, 2009|work=Ars Technica|access-date=December 15, 2009|archive-date=December 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213033532/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/12/cloning-or-theft-ars-explores-game-design-with-jenova-chen.ars|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, journalists have remarked that Zynga's ''FarmVille'' is similar to ''[[FarmVille|Farm Town]]'', another Zynga game, with Peter Jamison calling it "uncannily similar."<ref name="farmvillains"/><ref name="hoge"/>
In September 2010, ''SF Weekly'' reported that an employee recalled Mark Pincus advising him to "copy what [Zynga's competitors] do and do it until you get their numbers."<ref name="farmvillains">{{cite news|last=Jamison|first=Peter|title=FarmVillains|url=http://www.sfweekly.com/2010-09-08/news/farmvillains/|access-date=September 8, 2010|newspaper=SF Weekly|date=September 8, 2010|archive-date=August 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802144310/http://www.sfweekly.com/2010-09-08/news/farmvillains/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[NimbleBit]] founder Ian Marsh has accused Zynga of copying its award-winning ''[[Tiny Tower]]'' game to create ''Dream Heights''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://toucharcade.com/2012/01/24/zynga-shamelessly-rips-off-tiny-tower-with-canadian-release-of-dream-heights/ |title=Zynga Shamelessly Rips Off 'Tiny Tower' With Canadian Release of 'Dream Heights' |publisher=Touch Arcade |date=2012-01-24 |access-date=2012-10-21 |archive-date=2012-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001011119/http://toucharcade.com/2012/01/24/zynga-shamelessly-rips-off-tiny-tower-with-canadian-release-of-dream-heights/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=tassi-b>{{cite web|last=Tassi|first=Paul|title=Everything Wrong with Zynga in One Image|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/01/25/everything-wrong-with-zynga-in-one-image/|work=Forbes|access-date=January 25, 2012|date=January 25, 2012|archive-date=January 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126143408/http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/01/25/everything-wrong-with-zynga-in-one-image/|url-status=live}}</ref> Within a week, Buffalo Studios alleged that its game ''Bingo Blitz'' was copied by Zynga in making ''Zynga Bingo''.<ref name=reisinger>{{cite web|last=Reisinger|first=Don|title=Another day, another accusation that Zynga is copying competitors|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-57368167-2/another-day-another-accusation-that-zynga-is-copying-competitors/|publisher=CNET|access-date=January 30, 2012|date=January 30, 2012|archive-date=February 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227060938/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=www.cnet.com|url-status=live}}</ref> Pincus responded by saying that tower-building games have existed since ''[[SimTower]]'' (1994) and that Zynga uses mechanics and ideas developed throughout the history of video games to create the "best-in-market games." He added that ''Bingo Blitz'' has similarities to the discontinued Zynga game ''Poker Blitz''.<ref name=takahashi-c>{{cite web|last=Takahashi|first=Dean|title=Zynga CEO: We aren't the copycats on Bingo social game (exclusive interview)|url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/01/31/zynga-mark-pincus-copycat-interview/|publisher=VentureBeat|access-date=February 1, 2012|date=January 31, 2012|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605151455/https://venturebeat.com/2012/01/31/zynga-mark-pincus-copycat-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, Marsh argued that other tower games like ''SimTower'' and ''Tower Bloxx'' are substantially different from ''Tiny Tower'' and ''Dream Heights'', and that Zynga copied ''Tiny Tower''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s "core gameplay mechanics and rules" and tutorial steps.<ref name=hodapp>{{cite web|last=Hodapp|first=Eli|title=More 'TinyTower' Drama: Glu Releases Second Knock-Off; Zynga Responds, as Does NimbleBit|url=http://toucharcade.com/2012/01/31/more-tinytower-drama/|publisher=Touch Arcade|access-date=February 1, 2012|date=January 31, 2012|archive-date=February 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202072342/http://toucharcade.com/2012/01/31/more-tinytower-drama/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Inside Social Games'' writer Pete Davison said that although Zynga's ''[[The Ville (video game)|The Ville]]'' is "not a ''complete'' clone" of ''[[The Sims Social]]'', it was "''very'' similar."<ref name=davison>{{cite web|last=Davison|first=Pete|title=The Ville review|url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/06/28/the-ville-review/|work=Inside Social Games|publisher=WebMediaBrands|access-date=28 June 2012|date=2012-06-28|archive-date=2012-07-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701023058/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/06/28/the-ville-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Zynga founder Mark Pincus has dismissed the criticisms, saying that competing video game makers have always released similar titles for each genre of game.<ref name="hate">{{cite news|publisher=CNN|title=The Facebook games that millions love (and hate)|author=Doug Gross|date=February 23, 2010|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/02/23/facebook.games/?hpt=Sbin|access-date=April 3, 2010|archive-date=March 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328224949/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/02/23/facebook.games/?hpt=Sbin|url-status=live}}</ref> The managing director of Lightspeed Venture Partners, Jeremy Liew, said that creating similar competing games has "always been part of the game industry."<ref name="hoge"/> Following Zynga's January 2012 release of ''[[Hidden Chronicles]]'', Paul Tassi of ''[[Forbes]]'' wrote that Zynga "refuses to innovate in any way, and is merely a follower when it comes to ideas and game design."<ref name=tassi>{{cite web|last=Tassi|first=Paul|title=Zynga Stock Falls as Second Post-IPO Game Fails to Impress|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/01/06/zynga-stock-falls-as-second-post-ipo-game-fails-to-impress/|work=Forbes|access-date=January 7, 2012|date=January 6, 2012|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108093248/http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/01/06/zynga-stock-falls-as-second-post-ipo-game-fails-to-impress/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2009 Zynga was threatened with legal action by [[Nissan]] for using their trademarks in the game ''Street Racing''. Zynga subsequently renamed and changed the thumbnail images of all cars that were branded Nissan and Infiniti to "Sindats" and "Fujis" with the thumbnails changed.<ref>[http://forums.zynga.com/showthread.php?t=195814 Cars FKA Nissan/Infiniti Graphics and Name Poll&nbsp;– Zynga Community Forums]{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Forums.zynga.com. Retrieved on July 9, 2011.</ref> At the time they also renamed and redesigned automobiles depicted as being made by [[General Motors|GM]], [[Ferrari]], [[Lamborghini]], [[Saab Automobile|Saab]], and others. In September 2009, Zynga initiated trade secrets lawsuits against [[Playdom]] and 22 other rivals,<ref>{{cite web|title=Zynga Goes To The Mattresses 22 Lawsuits Filed This Year And Counting|url=http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/09/14/zynga-goes-to-the-mattresses-22-lawsuits-filed-this-year-and-counting/|access-date=December 2, 2011|archive-date=September 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910011952/http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/09/14/zynga-goes-to-the-mattresses-22-lawsuits-filed-this-year-and-counting/|url-status=live}}</ref> including [[(Lil) Green Patch|Green Patch]] which Playdom acquired in November 2009. These lawsuits were finally settled in November 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zynga is Extremely Pleased With Playdom Disney Litigation Settlement|date=23 November 2010|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/23/zynga-is-extremely-pleased-with-playdomdisney-litigation-settlement/|access-date=December 2, 2011|archive-date=12 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212023625/http://techcrunch.com/2010/11/23/zynga-is-extremely-pleased-with-playdomdisney-litigation-settlement/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2010, Zynga was criticized on [[Hacker News]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1818971|title=Zynga wants to patent virtual currency in gambling games &#124; Hacker News|website=news.ycombinator.com|access-date=2019-08-06|archive-date=2018-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426144218/https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1818971|url-status=live}}</ref> and other [[social media]] sites for having filed a [[patent application]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160127112312/http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220100227675%22.PGNR.&OS=DN%2F20100227675&RS=DN%2F20100227675 United States Patent Application 20100227675] . Appft1.uspto.gov. Retrieved on July 9, 2011.</ref> relating to the ability to purchase [[virtual economy|virtual currency]] for cash on gambling and other gaming sites. Commentators said that significant [[prior art]] exists for the concept.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.socialgameslaw.com/2010/10/what-does-zyngas-attempt-to-patent-virtual-currency-mean.html|title=Is Zynga Patenting Virtual Currency? - Internet & Social Media Law Blog - October 29, 2010|date=2010-10-29|work=Internet & Social Media Law Blog|access-date=2018-04-25|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425113515/https://www.socialgameslaw.com/2010/10/what-does-zyngas-attempt-to-patent-virtual-currency-mean.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2011, [[Techdirt]] reported that Zynga sent a [[cease and desist]] letter to Blingville alleging trademark infringement for its use of the letters "ville" in the name of a proposed Facebook game. Blingville filed a suit for [[declaratory judgment]] that it did not infringe on a Zynga trademark.<ref name="masnick">{{cite web|last=Masnick|first=Mike|title=Zynga Becoming A Trademark Bully: Threatens Blingville For Daring To Use 'ville'|url=http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110117/02525512697/zynga-becoming-trademark-bully-threatens-blingville-daring-to-use-ville.shtml|work=Techdirt|access-date=January 21, 2011|date=January 19, 2011|archive-date=January 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121103439/http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110117/02525512697/zynga-becoming-trademark-bully-threatens-blingville-daring-to-use-ville.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> As reported in ''Gamasutra'', Jay Monahan of Zynga responded by saying that Blingville's "[use] of the name 'BlingVille' is an obvious attempt to capitalize on the fame and goodwill associated with Zynga's family of 'ville' games which includes ''FarmVille'' and ''CityVille''".<ref name="caoili">{{cite web|last=Caoili|first=Eric|title=Zynga Threatening To Sue Blingville Over Trademark Infringement|url=http://gamasutra.com/view/news/32608/Zynga_Threatening_To_Sue_Blingville_Over_Trademark_Infringement.php|work=Gamasutra|access-date=January 25, 2011|date=January 24, 2011|archive-date=January 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127010545/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32608/Zynga_Threatening_To_Sue_Blingville_Over_Trademark_Infringement.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
In November 2011, Inside Mobile Apps wrote that Zynga's lawyers demanded that mobile game developer Latman Interactive abandon its trademark registration for the game ''Quackville''.<ref name="cutler">{{cite web|last=Cutler|first=Kim-Mai|title=Put Ville in a Mobile App's Name. Risk Litigation from Zynga|url=http://www.insidemobileapps.com/2011/11/18/ville-latman-interactive-zynga-trademark-infringement/|work=Inside Mobile Apps|publisher=Inside Network|access-date=November 19, 2011|date=November 18, 2011|archive-date=November 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120120608/http://www.insidemobileapps.com/2011/11/18/ville-latman-interactive-zynga-trademark-infringement/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Night Owl Games has also filed a lawsuit for declaratory judgment that its game ''Dungeonville'' does not infringe any Zynga trademarks after Zynga protested Night Owl's registration of the ''Dungeonville'' trademark.<ref name="weisman">{{cite web|last=Weisman|first=Laura|title=Houston Firm's Dungeonville in Fight with Farmville Company|url=http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2011/11/houston-firms-dungeonville-in-fight-with-farmville-company/|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=November 21, 2011|archive-date=February 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202050310/http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2011/11/houston-firms-dungeonville-in-fight-with-farmville-company/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2012, Zynga sued [[Kobojo]] for trademark infringement for calling one of its games ''PyramidVille''.<ref name="shih">{{cite web|last=Shih|first=Gerry|title=Zynga sues French game developer over Ville title|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-zynga-trademarkbre846139-20120507,0,7815967.story|work=Chicago Tribune|publisher=Tribune Company|access-date=8 May 2012|date=2012-05-07|archive-date=2023-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227060930/https://www.chicagotribune.com/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="essers">{{cite web|last=Essers|first=Loek|title=Zynga Sues French Game Publisher for Copyright Infringement|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/255202/zynga_sues_french_game_publisher_for_copyright_infringement.html|publisher=PCWorld|access-date=8 May 2012|date=2012-05-08|archive-date=2013-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823020022/http://www.pcworld.com/article/255202/zynga_sues_french_game_publisher_for_copyright_infringement.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In October that year Zynga and Kobojo settled the suit with neither party making any payment as part of the settlement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/179692/Zynga_settles_lawsuit_with_PyramidVille_developer.php|title=Zynga settles lawsuit with PyramidVille developer|last=Caoili|first=Eric|access-date=2018-04-25|language=en|archive-date=2018-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183937/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/179692/Zynga_settles_lawsuit_with_PyramidVille_developer.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
On May 20, 2011, it was reported that The Learning Company, owners of [[The Oregon Trail (series)|''The Oregon Trail'']] trademark, filed a [[trademark infringement]] suit against Zynga, which was planning an "Oregon Trail" expansion to ''[[The Pioneer Trail|FrontierVille]]''.<ref name="webster">{{cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|title=You have died from dysentery: Zynga sued over ''Oregon Trail''|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/05/you-have-died-from-dysentery-zynga-sued-over-oregon-trail.ars|work=Ars Technica|publisher=Conde Nast Digital|access-date=May 20, 2011|date=May 20, 2011|archive-date=May 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522182518/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/05/you-have-died-from-dysentery-zynga-sued-over-oregon-trail.ars|url-status=live}}</ref> The Learning Company had previously contacted Zynga about an Oregon Trail game on Facebook, but Zynga declined.<ref name="bestusbingo-oregon-trail">{{cite web|title=After law-suit Zynga makes a comeback releasing Slingo|url=http://www.bestusbingo.com/after-law-suit-ofer-oregon-trail-zynga-releases-slingo-a-game-that-combines-slots-and-bingo/|work=BestUsBingo|access-date=February 16, 2012|author=BestUsBingo|date=February 16, 2012|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127112337/http://www.bestusbingo.com/after-law-suit-ofer-oregon-trail-zynga-releases-slingo-a-game-that-combines-slots-and-bingo/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 24, Games.com writer Brandy Shaul wrote that Zynga was dropping the Oregon Trail name and soliciting new names for the expansion.<ref name="shaul">{{cite web|last=Shaul|first=Brandy|title=FrontierVille: Zynga drops 'Oregon Trail' name; help pick a new one|url=http://blog.games.com/2011/05/24/frontierville-zynga-drops-oregon-trail-name-help-pick-a-new/|work=Games.com The Blog|publisher=AOL|access-date=May 25, 2011|date=May 24, 2011|archive-date=May 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530132508/http://blog.games.com/2011/05/24/frontierville-zynga-drops-oregon-trail-name-help-pick-a-new/|url-status=live}}</ref> The name of the expansion became "Pioneer Trail." In March 2015 Zynga announced it was closing six games, including Pioneer Trail.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-to-shutter-six-games-including-pioneer-trail/|title=Zynga to Shutter Six Games - Including Pioneer Trail|access-date=2018-04-25|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425185756/http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-to-shutter-six-games-including-pioneer-trail/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 2012, [[Electronic Arts]] (EA) sued Zynga for copyright infringement, alleging that Zynga's ''The Ville'' copied expressive elements of EA's ''[[The Sims Social]]''.<ref name="thompson">{{cite web|last=Thompson|first=Mike|title=Update: EA taking Zynga to court over The Ville|url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/08/03/ea-taking-zynga-to-court-over-the-ville/|work=Inside Social Games|publisher=WebMediaBrands|access-date=3 August 2012|date=2012-08-03|archive-date=2012-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805224618/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/08/03/ea-taking-zynga-to-court-over-the-ville/|url-status=live}}</ref> Zynga's counsel responded by alleging that EA's ''[[SimCity Social]]'' "bears an uncanny resemblance to Zynga's [[CityVille]]".<ref name="thompson" /> The litigants settled their suit in February 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/ea-and-zynga-settle-the-ville-lawsuits/|title=EA and Zynga settle The Ville lawsuits|work=Engadget|access-date=2018-04-25|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426011657/https://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/ea-and-zynga-settle-the-ville-lawsuits/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-electronicarts-zynga-lawsuit/electronic-arts-zynga-settle-competing-lawsuits-idUSBRE91E0YG20130215|title=Electronic Arts, Zynga settle competing lawsuits|last=Stempel|first=Jonathan|work=U.S.|access-date=2018-04-25|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183400/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-electronicarts-zynga-lawsuit/electronic-arts-zynga-settle-competing-lawsuits-idUSBRE91E0YG20130215|url-status=live}}</ref> The agreement stipulated that each side would bear its own legal costs and drop the allegations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/ea-zynga-the-ville-lawsuit-2013-2|title=EA And Zynga Have Given Up On A Pointless Lawsuit Over An All-But-Dead Game|work=Business Insider|access-date=2018-04-25|archive-date=2018-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426011725/http://www.businessinsider.com/ea-zynga-the-ville-lawsuit-2013-2|url-status=live}}</ref>
On October 14, 2012, Zynga filed a lawsuit against a former general manager Alan Patmore, for allegedly misappropriating trade secrets. The suit claimed Patmore misappropriated trade secrets and was in breach of contract.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://allthingsd.com/20121014/zynga-files-suit-against-former-staffer-claiming-theft-of-trade-secrets/?refcat=news|title=Zynga Files Suit Against Former Staffer, Claiming Theft of Trade Secrets|date=October 14, 2012|access-date=October 15, 2012|publisher=All Things D|archive-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019005812/http://allthingsd.com/20121014/zynga-files-suit-against-former-staffer-claiming-theft-of-trade-secrets/?refcat=news|url-status=live}}</ref> The suit was settled in September 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/9/12/4722710/zynga-settles-lawsuit-alan-patmore-kixeye-alleged-theft-of-trade-secrets|title=Zynga settles lawsuit over former GM's alleged theft of trade secrets|last=Sarkar|first=Samit|date=2013-09-12|website=Polygon|access-date=2018-02-12|archive-date=2018-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212201520/https://www.polygon.com/2013/9/12/4722710/zynga-settles-lawsuit-alan-patmore-kixeye-alleged-theft-of-trade-secrets|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Insider trading allegations===
In July 2012, a [[class action]] lawsuit was filed against Zynga, alleging that Mark Pincus and some other insiders were allowed to sell shares before disappointing Q2 results were revealed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Primack |first=Dan |url=http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/07/31/fraudville-zynga-sued-for-insider-trading/ |title=FraudVille? Zynga sued for insider trading, CNNMoney |publisher=Finance.fortune.cnn.com |date=2012-07-31 |access-date=2012-11-19 |archive-date=2012-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005045020/http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/07/31/fraudville-zynga-sued-for-insider-trading/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=orland>{{cite web|last=Orland|first=Kyle|title=Law firms investigating Zynga for insider stock sell-off|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/07/law-firms-investigating-zynga-for-insider-stock-sell-off/|work=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|access-date=27 July 2012|date=2012-07-27|archive-date=2012-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728231014/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/07/law-firms-investigating-zynga-for-insider-stock-sell-off/|url-status=live}}</ref> The lawsuit was settled in August 2015 for $23 million.<ref name="Reuters: UPDATE 1-Zynga in $23 mln settlement over alleged fraud tied to IPO">{{cite web|last1=Stempel|first1=Jonathan|title=UPDATE 1-Zynga in $23 mln settlement over alleged fraud tied to IPO|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/zynga-settlement/update-1-zynga-in-23-mln-settlement-over-alleged-fraud-tied-to-ipo-idUSL1N10I2MO20150807|publisher=Reuters|access-date=15 April 2018|date=8 August 2015|archive-date=15 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190425/https://www.reuters.com/article/zynga-settlement/update-1-zynga-in-23-mln-settlement-over-alleged-fraud-tied-to-ipo-idUSL1N10I2MO20150807|url-status=live}}</ref>
In March 2015, a district judge ruled that plaintiffs can pursue a lawsuit against Zynga on claims executives inflated the company's value prior to its 2011 initial public offering by concealing weaknesses in its R&D pipeline of new games, numbers of users and their purchasing patterns, and other key metrics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zynga-lawsuit-idUSKBN0MM1XP20150326|title=Zynga must face U.S. lawsuit alleging fraud tied to IPO|author=Jonathan Stempel 2015-03-26 13:37:19 UTC|date=2015-03-26|publisher=reuters.com|access-date=2015-05-03|archive-date=2016-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102053730/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-zynga-lawsuit-idUSKBN0MM1XP20150326|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Other legal issues===
In late May 2010, the Norwegian Consumer Council filed a complaint to the Data Inspectorate regarding breaches of the Data Protection Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbrukerradet.no/pressemelding/klager-inn-facebook-for-datatilsynet/|title=Klager inn Facebook for Datatilsynet : Forbrukerrådet|date=26 May 2010|access-date=6 August 2019|archive-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806145415/https://www.forbrukerradet.no/pressemelding/klager-inn-facebook-for-datatilsynet/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2011 the Data Inspectorate concluded that Facebook is not under Norwegian jurisdiction, since the company is established in Ireland and not in Norway. The complaint was therefore forwarded to the Irish commissioner of data protection.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbrukerradet.no/pressemelding/irish-law-for-norwegian-facebook-users/|title=Irish law for Norwegian Facebook users : Forbrukerrådet|website=www.forbrukerradet.no|date=18 August 2011|language=nb-NO|access-date=2018-04-15|archive-date=2018-04-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415192105/https://www.forbrukerradet.no/pressemelding/irish-law-for-norwegian-facebook-users/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 2010, the San Francisco city attorney's office complained about the firm's [[guerrilla marketing]] campaign for its ''Mafia Wars'' game that pasted fake money on city sidewalks, calling it "vandalism".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/zynga-draws-heat-in-hometown-over-marketing-2010-08-20|title=Zynga catches heat in hometown over marketing ploy|first=John|last=Letzing|website=MarketWatch|access-date=2019-08-06|archive-date=2019-08-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806145411/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/zynga-draws-heat-in-hometown-over-marketing-2010-08-20|url-status=live}}</ref> Davis Elen Advertising took responsibility for the ad campaign and agreed to pay the city of San Francisco $45,000 in fines for illegal marketing tactics.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/5688806/mafia-wars-marketers-take-the-rap-for-vandal-marketing-stunt|title=Mafia Wars Agency Takes The Rap For Vandal-Marketing Stunt|last=Good|first=Owen|work=Kotaku|access-date=2018-04-15|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-04-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190302/https://kotaku.com/5688806/mafia-wars-marketers-take-the-rap-for-vandal-marketing-stunt|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-and-pr-firm-stuck-with-sf-cleaning-bill-2010-8|title=Zynga's Marketing Firm Vandalizes San Francisco, Gets Stuck With Cleaning Bill|work=Business Insider|access-date=2018-04-15|archive-date=2018-04-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415191851/http://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-and-pr-firm-stuck-with-sf-cleaning-bill-2010-8|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Data breach===
In September 2019, a Pakistani hacker that goes by the name Gnosticplayers claimed to have hacked into Zynga's database of ''Words with Friends'' players and gained access to the 218 million accounts registered there. While Zynga affirmed the hack and that the information revealed included names, [[email]]s, Login IDs, hashed and salted passwords ([[SHA-1]]), password reset tokens, Zynga account IDs and connections to Facebook and other social media services, they did not state how many accounts were affected, but would contact those players with affected accounts. The data breach-tracking website [[Have I Been Pwned?]] affirmed in December 2019 that more than 173 million accounts were affected.<ref name="venturebeat.com">{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2019/09/30/words-with-friends-player-data-allegedly-stolen-for-218-million-users/ | title = Words With Friends player data allegedly stolen for 218 million users | first = Dean | last = Takahashi | date = September 30, 2019 | access-date = September 30, 2019 | work = [[Venture Beat]] | archive-date = September 30, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190930202622/https://venturebeat.com/2019/09/30/words-with-friends-player-data-allegedly-stolen-for-218-million-users/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://thehackernews.com/2019/09/zynga-game-hacking.html?m=1 |title= Exclusive Hacker steals over 218 million Zynga's — Words with Friends — game players' login information, including email IDs and passwords |work= TheHackerNews |date= 29 September 2019 |access-date= 29 September 2019 |archive-date= 8 December 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191208051648/https://thehackernews.com/2019/09/zynga-game-hacking.html?m=1 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/19/21029682/zynga-hack-words-with-friends-draw-something-password-data-breach | title = Zynga hack affected 170 million accounts | date = December 19, 2019 | access-date = December 19, 2019 | work = [[The Verge]] | archive-date = December 19, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191219161355/https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/19/21029682/zynga-hack-words-with-friends-draw-something-password-data-breach | url-status = live }}</ref>
==Mobile games==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Games !! Facebook !! Mobile Platform
|-
| ''Boggle With Friends'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Chess With Friends'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Clumsy Ninja'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''CSR Racing'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''CSR Racing 2'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''CSR Racing Classics'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Crazy Cake Swap'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Crazy Kitchen'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Crosswords With Friends'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Draw Something'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Drop 7'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Empires & Allies'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''[[FarmVille]]'' || {{yes C}} || {{no X}}
|-
| ''FarmVille 2'' || {{yes C}} || {{no X}}
|-
| ''FarmVille 2: Country Escape'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''FarmVille 2: Tropic Escape'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''FarmVille 3: Animals'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''FarmVille Harvest Swap'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''FarmVille Tropic Escape'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''[[Game of Thrones]] Legends'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Game of Thrones Slots Casino'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Gems With Friends'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Hanging With Friends'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''[[Harry Potter]]: Puzzles & Spells'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Hit It Rich! Casino Slots'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''[[Looney Tunes Dash]]'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Matching With Friends'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''[[Merge Magic]]'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''PetVille'' || {{yes C}} || ?
|-
| ''Princess Bride Slots'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Speed Guess Something'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Spin It Rich'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''What's the Phrase'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Willy Wonka Slots'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Wizard of Oz Magic Match'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Wizard of Oz Slots'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Wonka's World of Candy'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Word Streak With Friends''<br>(Formerly ''Scramble With Friends'') || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''[[Words With Friends]]'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Words With Friends 2'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Words On Tour'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Yummy Gummy'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''[[Zynga Poker]]'' || {{yes C}} || {{yes C}}
|-
| ''Zynga Poker Classic'' || {{no X}} || {{yes C}}
|}
==Notes==
{{reflist|group="nb"}}
==References==
{{reflist}}
== See also ==
* [[Browser game]]
* [[Opera GX]]
* [[List of browser games]]
* [[List of multiplayer browser games]]
== External links ==
* {{official website}}
* {{Finance links historical
| name = Zynga Inc.
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}}
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