TMCnet Feature

Hasbro Inc., the iconic American toy company, and social game company Zynga (News - Alert) Inc. announced they would be joining forces to develop toys and games based on the companies’ most popular products.

The deal gives Hasbro the right to sell “wide ranging product lines”, meaning they have the rights to create toys based off of any game that Zynga has developed. “It’s exciting to partner with Hasbro as we share a common vision for play and a mission to connect the world through games,” said Mark Pincus, CEO for Zynga. “This partnership is so special because it represents an exciting leap forward in enabling people to connect their virtual and real worlds.”

He added, “Hasbro has inspired play through their famous toys, games, and action figures and we look forward to working with a company that continually creates meaningful and fun brands.”

This new relationship could certainly make their partnership one of the most successful in the gaming market. Zynga has more than 200 active monthly users as it continues to add games and services for its users, while Hasbro has been dominating the toy market since it began making products back in the 1940s. If Hasbro creates a toy related to a Zynga virtual world game, Zynga will most likely see an increase in users purchasing and playing the game.

Hasbro President and CEO Brian Goldner said he could not be happier with the decision to work with Zynga. “Zynga is bringing more games to mainstream culture and is redefining how people play. As Hasbro, we’re proud to help bring their games to even more people around the world,” said Goldner.

Fans will most likely see some toys developed by Hasbro related to one of Zynga’s most popular simulation games, FarmVille. The game was developed back in 2009 and quickly grew in popularity. The game involves various farm management tasks such as plowing the land, planting seeds, harvesting crops, and raising livestock.

The more you play the game, the more money you make, and thus the bigger you are able to make your farm. The game really took off when it integrated with Facebook (News - Alert) allowing users to share their progress and ask for items from their friends. Shortly after, an app became available for smartphones and users have been addicted ever since.

“This strategic alliance plays off of both Hasbro’s and Zynga’s proven strengths and is emblematic of the new innovations and new platforms we are creating across our entire gaming portfolio,” said Goldner.