FarmVille 2 Launch, Hope (or Hype) for Zynga

Zynga, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZNGA) has been in deep trouble since its IPO has made so many short sellers that much more wealthy. Virtual farm animals just haven't been the continual draw that the company needed. But perhaps a sequel will be the trick. Zynga has now confirmed the global launch of FarmVille 2.

The game is said to be "its first next-generation social game that delivers a brand new farming experience through stunning visuals, beautiful animations and new ways to visit and interact with friends." This will also be Zynga's first game to be built entirely in 3D.

Zynga shares are higher by about 3% at $2.92 and the post-IPO range has been $2.66 to $15.91. The market capitalization rate is now ';only' $2.2 billion, and Thomson Reuters is calling for revenue of $1.2 billion in 2012 and almost $1.3 billion for 2013.

We would expect to hear from analysts making new research calls on sales adjustments in 2012 on Thursday morning. Just keep in mind that Zynga's great new 3D game is free at its site and at Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ: FB).

We would make one small reminder here… Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) has a case against Zynga over "Ville" so we'd be looking for more on that front rather soon.

JON C. OGG

Filed under: 24/7 Wall St. Wire, Media, Video Games Tagged: EA, FB, featured, ZNGA