Zynga is expanding its domination of social gaming into the real world by teaming up with Hasbro in a global partnership aimed at distributing "wide ranging product lines based on Zynga's game brands".
It won't be long before FarmVille, CityVille and Words With Friends are transformed from Facebook and iOS juggernauts into family board games or even wildly popular action figures for the social generation. With some 227 million active users playing their games every month — Zynga already has a built-in audience of loyal brand followers.
Although the first products are not expected to hit the market until Fall of 2012, Zynga already has a collectible line of limited-edition Farmville plush toys selling quite well through Best Buy and other retailers.
Hasbro declined to comment in their official press release on exactly what kinds of products it will make, but you can be sure that the creator of "My Little Pony" and "Monopoly" intends to go big or go home when it comes to Zynga inspired merchandise. The partnership also creates an opportunity for "co-branded merchandise" featuring franchises from both Hasbro and Zynga the companies said.
In a statement, Zynga’s CEO and founder Mark Pincus added, "This partnership is so special because it represents an exciting leap forward in enabling people to connect their virtual and real worlds. 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."
The new revenue stream opportunity should make Zynga's mostly bullish investors giddy as school girls. Zynga (ZNGA) stock has gone up more than 26%, reaching a high of $13.90 in the past several days of trading.
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