“Mafia wars” is very simple and easy game. But it’s differentiated when Zynga, provider of this game, uses open API of facebook. They know what will be the triggering point of this game. It’s not an interesting character or excellent graphic but the fact that users can be playing with their friends.
There are several evolutions and trend in game industry. MMORPG(Massively Multi-play Online Role Play Game), which is represented by a lot of hit series, is mega trend of these evolutions. It keeps unknown people making relationships as they are pursuing their virtual goal. But there are restrictions for users who want to play the game with acquainted people.
This development is clearly realized by providing private information from facebook under user’s agreement. It shows the power of “Open API”. And this trend is broadened to other internet SNS. Twitter, even Cyworld which is No. 1 SNS in Korea have already tried or prepared for launching a social service though open API.
The number of Mafia wars’s active daily users is over 6.7 million. The game has no special goal. Main reasons why many people indulge into this game are saving money and level-up. And there are several ways to achieve user’s needs-money and level. Recently Zynga launches new game for facebook. And these kinds of games are gethering a lot users via simplicity and social networking.
The following is the website address of “Mafia wars”.
http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=10979261223