Online sources report that Electronic Arts might have acquired Playfish.

Playfish specializes in developing games for the social networks like Facebook.

The deal is said to be worth around USD 250 million which showcases the power of social networks in today’s world!

Casual games are becoming very important with the popularity of devices like Apple iPhone and even Nintendo Wii.

Social networks are just adding to that platform along with regular Flash games.

Apple App Store has become the hottest destination for mobile and casual game developers.

Gameloft is one company which has gained immensely from this platform.

The videogame company said that they have already sold more than 6 million games through this store.

These games are playable on both Apple iPhone and Apple iPod Touch.

The company said in a statement: “From the distribution model to the types of games available, the App Store has completely revolutionized the way handheld games are played, perceived and received. Our strategy from the onset has been twofold. First we deliver an aggressive line-up of high quality games and then we adapt in real time to consumer needs. With over 6 million paid games sold, it has proven to be quite successful.”

Gameloft currently has on offer more than 30 games and other titles on the Apple App Store.

Ngmoco is one of the more interesting mobile videogame developers in the market.

They specialize in making games for the Apple iPod Touch and iPhone platforms.

Some of their popular offerings include Rolando, Dropship, Topple and others.

We are big fans of Topple ourselves.

The company was founded by Neil Young who was previously working at Electronic Arts.

The latest news from the company is that they have secured $10 million in fresh finance from Norwest Venture Partners.

Tim Chang of NVP is also now joining the Ngmoco’s board of directors.

Checkout: Ngmoco

Apple products are not really considered to be the most popular gaming platforms. But the times are changing.

Apple iPhone has become a pretty decent casual gaming device and the Apple App Store has become a major retailing stores for such games.

Gameloft has even claimed that Apple is now their biggest customer.

The company has around 300 games on various platforms. Around 30 are listed on the Apple App Store.

Gameloft is on its way to launch many more games on the iPhone platform this year.

This alone showcases the power of the Apple mobile platform when it comes to casual gaming market.

Amazon.com has announced the launch of their new service which delivers casual games online.

The company is currently offering more than 600 casual titles which can be downloaded online without requiring any physical media.

Amazon said that the games are priced at either $6.99 or $9.99 depending upon the title.

The company is offering three free titles during its promotional run. These games are: “Jewel Quest 2,” “The Scruffs” and “Build A Lot.”

Amazon had recently acquired Reflexive Entertainment which was a player in this market.

Reflexive Entertainment offered games with its own DRM solution and store front.

Amazon said that the games can be downloaded in trial mode. They can be played for 30 minutes as a timed trial before the need to purchase.

The service for now is aimed at Windows users.

Checkout: Amazon.com Game Downloads Store

tastyplay.com has a new web based game on its site.

This new game is named Hero on the Hudson.

The game is designed to cash in on the popularity of the recent US Airways jet that crash landed in water in New York.

The pilot did a good job and everyone was safe in the incident.

The game enables the web user to achieve the same in the game.

They are required to use their keyboard to make an emergency descent into the water in the game.

Checkout: Hero on the Hudson

Lawl Mart’s Duck Hunt game has been removed from the Apple App Store. This game was available for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

Mart said that the game was removed on Nintendo’s request. They had claimed copyright infringement.

The game was released last month and was being offered at 99 cents.

It was similar to the original Nintendo game which is still hugely popular.

The developer spoke about the new developments: “It’s an unfortunate situation, but I do understand Nintendo’s position.”

He said that the game might be relaunched with some modifications to remove any potential issues with Nintendo copyright.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has released a parody game titled Cooking Mama: Mama Kills Animals.

This game is based on the Cooking Mama series available on Nintendo videogame consoles.

The game is developed well and is a sarcasm showing typical family activities like cooking dead animals.

PETA’s Joel Bartlett spoke about what made them launch this game: “We’re having a bit of fun at Mama’s expense, but there’s nothing funny about the suffering endured by turkeys and other animals who are killed for food. With all the delicious vegan alternatives available, there’s no need to make the carcass of a tormented bird the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table.”

Checkout: Cooking Mama: Mama Kills Animals

Indian gaming web service Zapak.com has announced the launch of their new service designed for kids.

The company launched Zapak Kids website exclusively for kids.

They are also partnering with the makers of upcoming movie ‘Bhoothnath’ to develop a series of games based on the movie featuring Amitabh Bachchan.

The company said that this new online destination is aimed at kids below 14 years of age.

They are offering as many as 70 games which feature educational activities and social networking.

Zapak is also going to host ‘Bhoothnath Horror Mania’ event to promote the movie.

Checkout: Zapak | Zapak Kids | Bhootnaath

Free site offers engaging ways to make friends and enjoy head-to-head casual games.

NY, NY, April 3, 2008 — Cafe.com today announced the opening of its social gaming service, Cafe.com, offering casual gamers a place to Play, Win, Meet, and have fun all within a friendly, safe, social environment. The free web site features more than 50 highly addictive casual games wrapped inside a social networking experience.

Cafe.com stands apart from other online gaming efforts with its emphasis on:

* Deluxe line-up of top-produced casual games, some familiar, others never-played before
* Web 2.0 social networking features including communications, community and security controls
* MiniMe 3D avatars that can be customized to match your persona or turn you into someone completely different
* Real-time multi-player action (from 2 – 6 simultaneous players), along with single-player games
* Virtual in-game “boosts” that enhance game play and add a level of strategy and skill that is unrivaled

Cafe.com is also about friendships, old and new. Inviting friends and family is quick and painless with an import tool that brings in address books, buddy lists and Facebook, MySpace, Bebo and Hi-5 contacts.

And, making new friends has never been easier or more fun. Cafe.com brings members together with a range of search and discovery tools, including find friends near by, find friends who have similar games interests, and find friends who are online. Combined, they make discovering new friends almost as much fun as teaming up with them, or competing against them.

Pointing to the rise in social networking, Cafe.com CEO, Roman Nouzareth explains, “Cafe.com integrates the best aspects of social networking centered around great game play. In the end, we’re only as good as our games and we see that as one of our game winning advantages. Over our 7 years of industry experience, we have learned the right ingredients that go into making a fun casual game. Cafe.com offers something for everyone. And, when you combine great games and a friendly, competitive and collaborative social platform, a new entertainment medium is born.”

– more –

* 2 –

Cafe.com is also ushering in a game changing business model — micro-transactions. Micro-transactions allow members to purchase game Boosts, as well as additional MiniMe outfits, accessories and even expressive movements and gestures. Online games based on micro-transactions have become hugely popular in Asia and is beginning to catch on in Europe and in the US. Cafe.com represents the cutting-edge for micro-transactions, where it is an integral part of the gaming experience and seamlessly integrated throughout the community. To fuel the micro-transactions are Cafe Coins, the accepted Cafe.com currency. All new members receive 10,000 Cafe Coins. In the near future, the site will also host online gaming tournaments and offer virtual gifts.

The company is continuously adding new titles to its growing slate of web and downloadable casual games. Cafe.com is offering game developers Open Game and Platform APIs along with developer support to spur innovation. The community gaming service is aggressively signing up world-class developers to create new, compelling games for the platform.

Cafe.com is the brainchild of Boonty, one of the largest casual game platforms in the world. The company’s vast experience in the production, distribution and marketing of casual games has helped them to advance the new social gaming paradigm. Cafe.com has been under development for more than two years. The site is targeting the primary casual gaming audience, which is 50% women, 60% over 26 years old, as well as the Gen-Y youth market with its free service.

About Cafe.com

Cafe.com is all about having fun, meeting new people and playing great casual games. Under development for more than two years, Cafe.com brings a Web 2.0 community and social networking environment to casual gamers of all ages. The site allows for unique ways to make new friends and include existing ones. Cafe.com is the brainchild of Boonty, a leading casual games platform and largest independent online distributor.

About Boonty

Boonty is one of the largest casual games platforms in the world, operating in more than 25 countries. Since its launch in 2001, the company’s customized end-to-end solutions have been implemented by major publishers, Internet portals, ISPs, mobile phone operators, advertisers, Internet communities, and PC manufacturers globally. Boonty has offices in New York, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, and Beijing.

Additional Resources:

Video on You Tube: Youtube.com/CafeGames

Pictures on Flickr: Flickr.com/cafegames

Cafe.com site: Cafe.com

PR contact:

Richard Krueger

rkrueger@cafe.com

Café name: kruman

(212) 784-9273