Yesterday, a press release announced a new alliance between social media game behemoth Zynga and children’s toy giant Hasbro. The partnership allows Hasbro to develop and distribute product lines based on Zynga’s game brands, which include CityVille, FarmVille, Mafia Wars, and Dream Pethouse among others.
The press release, published in full by Joystiq, doesn’t mention anything about Zynga having the license to incorporate Hasbro brands into their products, but does note that it’s, “an array of opportunities for co-branded merchandise featuring a combination of both Hasbro and Zynga brands.”
Founder, CEO, and chief product officer of Zynga, Mark Pincus, stated, “It’s exciting to partner with Hasbro as we share a common vision for play and a mission to connect the world through games.” Brian Goldner, President and CEO of Hasbro also gave a statement, saying:
Hasbro is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Zynga’s immensely popular social games to life in a variety of creative and new expressions that reflect consumers’ growing desire to surround themselves with gaming brands they love anytime, anywhere together with their friends and family. Zynga is bringing more games to mainstream culture and is redefining how people play.
I wasn’t aware that people wanted to surround themselves with gaming brands 24/7. Now your kids will be indoctrinated into the world of Zynga before they’re even old enough to play with your smartphone or have their own Facebook page. I, for one, welcome our unoriginal, thieving overlord.
Does that mean Damon and I get to play a pony game for reals?
If Zynga makes a my little pony game, kill me before I am driven to suicide because of what Zynga is going to do to it or my wallet gets pwned