Zynga Inc (ZNGA) Shutters OMGPOP Games

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Nearly a year ago, social gaming giant Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA) acquired OMGPOP games for about $200 million and then they laid off their staff in June. Now the company plans on shuttering OMGPOP division, which means that most of the website’s games including Gem Rush, Cupcake Corner, Snoops, and Pool World Champ will close on August 29th. Fortunately, the company’s Draw Something franchise will continue to live on for now.

Zynga tried to capitalize OMGPOP’s success

Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA) tried to capitalize on OMGPOP’s success when Draw Something was at it’s height of success. When the game started losing players, Zynga tried to ignite more interest in the game with Draw Something 2 but it wasn’t as successful as they hoped it would be.

Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA) is struggling in an ever-changing market and in efforts to make ends meet, they have to cut back on games and employees.

This report comes as no surprise, especially since there has long been a battle between Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA) and OMGPOP. Earlier this year, the latter company’s chief executive officer Dan Porter left Zynga.

David Ko’s acknowledgement for Porter’s work

David Ko, COO for Zynga gave acknowledgement for Porter’s work “Developing and launching games is a team effort, and we’re proud of the great work the Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA) New York team has done with Draw Something 2. Our follow up to the original hit is even more social and engaging, and we’re excited to get it into the hands of our players globally. We thank Dan Porter for his efforts in making the Draw Something franchise a success and wish him well in his future endeavors. We’re proud to see talent like Sean Kelly take a bigger leadership role as the Head of our New York studio and lead the team to the global launch of Draw Something 2.”

Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA), which once thrived, has failed to capture the social game market. Their failure has even made it difficult to utilize the OMGPOP buy-up.

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