Facebook Games
“Mafia Wars”, “Farmville” or “Cafe World”: a few examples of Facebook games being played by millions of users. Facebook games are browser games that are being played within the Facebook network. Some are multi-player games where two or more friends can play together.
For companies, games can attract Facebook fans and promote products and service lines in an entertaining way. When designing a Facebook game, it is extremely important to keep a balance between private interests and the demands of the users. Blatant product placements and advertising slogans are rarely well received by people. Facebook games are about a quick pastime, competing with friends and of course – just as many other games – getting to the next level. So, the connection to the advertising product or brand should be subtle. For example, a coffee roasting company could provide a game where the gamer must found and successfully operate a virtual café. The virtual products could then be marked by the logo of the coffee advertiser.
Promoting Facebook games
A Facebook game only contributes to the construction of the brand and product awareness when it is played by many users. Thus, after the conception, the development, and the launch of the game, a promotion should follow. This can be done through communication on your own website, via ads or with viral marketing.
