FarmVille 2 from Zynga Inc (NASSAQ:ZNGA) is no longer at the top of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) app charts, marking the first time when a non-Zynga game has made it to the top slot. In January, King’s ridiculously popular Candy Crush Saga overtook FarmVille 2 in active users. According to app metrics site AppData, King not only has the highest active users but also leads overall as the top Facebook developer.
Games from Zynga have Ruled for Years
Casual social games from Zynga Inc (NASSAQ:ZNGA) have ruled the list of top Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) app developers, for years. Games like FarmVille, CityVille, Mafia Wars and Texas HoldEm Poker have been enjoyed by millions of players. Even now, the estimated monthly active users for Zynga games are around 147.7 million, which is truly remarkable.
However, according to a report from Inside Social Games, King’s figures are slightly higher at 150.5 million. The success can largely be attributed to games like Candy Crush Saga (44.7 million), Pet Rescue Saga (26.5 million) and Farm Heroes Saga, the most recent smash hit puzzle game from the gaming company.
King Rising
Since last year, King has become the biggest studio globally owing to the success of Candy Crush Saga. The game maker listed on Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) in February 2011, making 26 of its games available through the social networker.
King also moved to the mobile platform last year, which helped it to generate 80 monthly average users in February for its titles. The London based firm is also believed to working on an initial public offering on the U.S. stock exchange.
Zynga Struggling
In contrast, Zynga Inc (NASSAQ:ZNGA) has struggled since its IPO, primarily due to a decline in the social gaming market and its spree of acquisitions. The game maker acquired Draw Something developer OMGPOP for $210 million last year but has recently closed it down. Zynga is in the process of massive restructuring with increased focus on real-money gaming and mobile titles.
So what now? Will Zynga Inc (NASSAQ:ZNGA) bounce back or more importantly does it want to make a comeback, as the future of gaming certainly is more towards social mobile sector, rather than on Facebook. Whatever might be, it will be interesting to watch how the new CEO, Don Mattrick (the former Xbox boss), will steer the game maker from its current struggle.
