:Zynga

Zynga was founded in April 2007 by Mark Pincus, Eric Schiermeyer, Justin Waldron, Michael Luxton, Steve Schoettler, and Andrew Trader under the name Presidio Media.{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/11/mark-pincus-zynga-ipo_n_1142197.html|title=Meet Mark Pincus: The Competitive 'Control Freak' Leading Zynga To IPO|date=December 11, 2011|work=Huffington Post|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=April 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404074636/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/11/mark-pincus-zynga-ipo_n_1142197.html|url-status=live}} The company name changed to Zynga in July 2007.{{cite web | url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/12/zynga-history/ | title=How Zynga grew from gaming outcast to $9 billion social game powerhouse | publisher=VentureBeat | date=December 12, 2011 | access-date=December 31, 2011 | author=Takahashi, Dean | archive-date=January 18, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118213204/https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/12/zynga-history/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://businessideaslab.com/zynga/|title=The Rise of Zynga - The Start Up Story Of Mark Pincus|date=April 4, 2013|work=Great Business Ideas, Start Ups And Entrepreneurs|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=March 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328104153/https://businessideaslab.com/zynga/|url-status=live}} Zynga was named after Pincus' American bulldog Zinga{{cite news|last=Shambora|first=Jessica|title=Zynga suddenly is everywhere. What gives?|url=http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2009/12/02/zynga-suddenly-is-everywhere-what-gives/|work=Fortune|access-date=April 20, 2011|date=December 2, 2009|quote=Zynga is named after Pincus's deceased American Bulldog, Zinga|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607140113/http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2009/12/02/zynga-suddenly-is-everywhere-what-gives/|archive-date=June 7, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=The American Bulldog gives you Chips!|url=http://www.facebook.com/TexasHoldEm/posts/498001251380|work=Texas Hold'em Poker Facebook Page|publisher=Zynga|access-date=April 20, 2011|date=January 11, 2011|quote=Zynga is named after our founder's American Bulldog, Zinga!|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223223359/https://www.facebook.com/TexasHoldEm/posts/498001251380|url-status=live}} and uses an image of a bulldog as its logo. Zynga's first game, Texas Hold 'Em Poker, now known as Zynga Poker, was released on Facebook in July 2007. It was the first game Facebook introduced on its social networking platform.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dTpFDgAAQBAJ&q=facebook%27s+first+game+poker&pg=PA28|title=Social Media: A Reference Handbook: A Reference Handbook|last=Burns|first=Kelli S.|date=March 20, 2017|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9781440843563|language=en|access-date=October 16, 2020|archive-date=February 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227060926/https://books.google.com/books?id=dTpFDgAAQBAJ&q=facebook%27s+first+game+poker&pg=PA28|url-status=live}}

Zynga became the Facebook app developer with the most monthly active users in April 2009, with 40 million people playing their games that month.{{cite news|publisher=Inside Social Games|url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2009/04/30/zynga-making-100-millionyear/|title=Zynga Making $100 Million/Year?|date=April 30, 2009|first=Christopher|last=Mack|access-date=May 21, 2012|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124005957/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2009/04/30/zynga-making-100-millionyear/|url-status=live}} Soon after, the company opened its first external game studio in Baltimore, Zynga East, led by Brian Reynolds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/interview-brian-reynolds-leaves-big-huge-now-zynga-east-chief-designer|title=Interview: Brian Reynolds Leaves Big Huge, Now Zynga East Chief Designer|last=Graft|first=Kris|website=www.gamasutra.com|date=June 30, 2009|language=en|access-date=December 3, 2019|archive-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825043730/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/115204/Interview_Brian_Reynolds_Leaves_Big_Huge_Now_Zynga_East_Chief_Designer.php|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=How Zynga grew from gaming outcast to $9 billion social game powerhouse|url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/12/zynga-history/|date=December 12, 2011|website=VentureBeat|language=en-US|access-date=June 1, 2020|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118213204/https://venturebeat.com/2011/12/12/zynga-history/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Zynga closes Timonium video game studio in broader consolidation|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-bz-zynga-closing-20130225-story.html|author=Scott Dance|website=The Baltimore Sun|date=February 25, 2013 |access-date=June 1, 2020|archive-date=December 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202232934/https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-bz-zynga-closing-20130225-story.html|url-status=live}}

In June 2009, Zynga acquired MyMiniLife which built and launched FarmVille on Facebook. By August, Farmville was the first game on Facebook to reach 10 million daily active users.{{cite news|publisher=Venture Beat|url=https://venturebeat.com/2009/08/07/zynga-buys-virtual-home-startup-myminilife/|title=Zynga buys virtual home startup MyMiniLife|date=August 7, 2009|access-date=September 19, 2017|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223225447/https://venturebeat.com/2009/08/07/zynga-buys-virtual-home-startup-myminilife/|url-status=live}} On November 23, 2009, FarmVille.com went live as Zynga's first stand-alone game.{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/18/zynga-to-launch-smash-hit-farmville-on-farmville-com/|title=Zynga To Launch Smash Hit FarmVille On FarmVille.com|last=Kincaid|first=Jason|work=TechCrunch|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224005402/https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/18/zynga-to-launch-smash-hit-farmville-on-farmville-com/|url-status=live}} In February 2010, Farmville had over 80 million players,{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverchiang/2010/10/15/farmville-players-down-25-since-peak-now-below-60-million/#229280357729|title=FarmVille Players Down 25% Since Peak, Now Below 60 Million|last=Chiang|first=Oliver|work=Forbes|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224122749/https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverchiang/2010/10/15/farmville-players-down-25-since-peak-now-below-60-million/#229280357729|url-status=live}} and on May 18, 2010, Facebook and Zynga entered into a five-year relationship to expand the use of Facebook Credits in Zynga's games.{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/press/releases.php?p=162172|title=Facebook and Zynga Enter Into Long-Term Relationship|publisher=Facebook|access-date=March 9, 2011|archive-date=June 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110601041306/https://www.facebook.com/press/releases.php?p=162172|url-status=live}}

In December 2010, Zynga's game CityVille surpassed FarmVille as its most popular game[http://mashable.com/2010/12/24/cityville-bigger-farmville/ "CityVille" Is Now Bigger than "FarmVille"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226011807/http://mashable.com/2010/12/24/cityville-bigger-farmville/ |date=December 26, 2010 }}. Mashable.com (December 24, 2010). Retrieved on July 9, 2011. with over 61 million monthly active users and a base of over 16 million daily active users.[http://www.socialtimes.com/2010/12/cityville-dethrones-farmville-as-biggest-game-on-facebook-whats-next-for-zynga/ CityVille Dethrones FarmVille As Biggest Game on Facebook: What's Next For Zynga?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225074704/http://www.socialtimes.com/2010/12/cityville-dethrones-farmville-as-biggest-game-on-facebook-whats-next-for-zynga/ |date=December 25, 2010 }}. SocialTimes.com (December 24, 2010). Retrieved on July 9, 2011.

Zynga filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to raise up to $1 billion in an initial public offering on July 1, 2011. At the time, the company had 2,000 employees.{{cite news|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1439404/000119312511180285/ds1.htm|title=FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT|work=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Website|date=July 1, 2011|access-date=September 23, 2011|archive-date=October 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008174746/http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1439404/000119312511180285/ds1.htm|url-status=live}} On November 28, 2011, the Finnish game developer Rovio Entertainment rejected an acquisition attempt from Zynga worth $2.25 billion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.com/angry-birds-maker-rovio-rejected-zynga-acquisition-worth-225-billion-375678|title='Angry Birds' Maker Rovio Rejected Zynga Acquisition Worth $2.25 Billion|first=Dave|last=Smith|website=www.ibtimes.com|date=November 28, 2011|access-date=January 20, 2023|archive-date=January 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121025644/https://www.ibtimes.com/angry-birds-maker-rovio-rejected-zynga-acquisition-worth-225-billion-375678|url-status=live}} Zynga began trading on NASDAQ on December 16, 2011.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zynga9billioncompany-idUSTRE7BF12G20111216 |title=How Zynga became a $9 billion company |date=December 16, 2011 |work=Reuters |author=Liana B. Baker |access-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611020305/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zynga9billioncompany-idUSTRE7BF12G20111216 |url-status=live }}

On June 26, 2012, during the Zynga Unleashed conference, Zynga announced the "Zynga With Friends" network, aiming to connect players of Zynga game titles across multiple platforms.{{cite news|last=Chang|first=Alexandra|title=Zynga Unleashes New Games and Its Own 'With Friends' Social Network|url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/06/zynga-unleashes-its-own-social-network-new-games/|access-date=August 8, 2012|newspaper=Wired|date=June 26, 2012|archive-date=July 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730034615/http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/06/zynga-unleashes-its-own-social-network-new-games|url-status=live}} Zynga also announced the Zynga API, intended to help developers build social games.{{cite news|last=King|first=Rachel|title=Zynga API puts spotlight on developers, infrastructure|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/zynga-api-puts-spotlight-on-developers-infrastructure/|access-date=August 8, 2012|newspaper=ZDNet|date=June 26, 2012|archive-date=July 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704202138/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/zynga-api-puts-spotlight-on-developers-infrastructure/80723|url-status=live}} The company announced that three new partners were developing games for Zynga.com including 50 Cubes, Majesco Entertainment and Portalarium. The company unveiled the Zynga Partners for Mobile program to help increase Zynga's presence on mobile devices.{{cite news|last=Marlowe|first=Chris|title=Zynga powers up social gaming network, mobile and more|url=http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2012/06/26/zynga-powers-up-social-gaming-network-mobile-and-more|access-date=August 8, 2012|newspaper=DigitalMediaWire|date=June 26, 2012|archive-date=July 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701075703/http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2012/06/26/zynga-powers-up-social-gaming-network-mobile-and-more|url-status=live}}

In October 2012, Zynga announced a partnership with bwin.party, an international real-money gaming operator, to launch real-money gaming in the UK,{{cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-online-gambling-launch-2012-10|title=Zynga Is Launching Online Gambling Next Year|last=Thomas|first=Owen|date=October 24, 2012|newspaper=Business Insider|access-date=January 8, 2013|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224123357/https://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-online-gambling-launch-2012-10|url-status=live}} including the release of online poker, a suite of 180 casino games, and the first online FarmVille-branded real money slots game during 2013.{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-24/zynga-sales-top-estimates-as-farmville-2-bolsters-game-maker|title=Zynga Rises as Game Maker Announces Buyback, Gambling Deal|last=MacMillan|first=Douglas|date=October 25, 2012|newspaper=BloombergBusinessweek|access-date=January 9, 2013|archive-date=June 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601050059/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-24/zynga-sales-top-estimates-as-farmville-2-bolsters-game-maker|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2012/10/24/technology/zynga-earnings/|title=Zynga surges on higher sales, casino gaming plans|last=Segall|first=Laurie|author-link=Laurie Segall|date=October 25, 2012|newspaper=CNNMoney|access-date=January 8, 2013|archive-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127143222/http://money.cnn.com/2012/10/24/technology/zynga-earnings|url-status=live}}

On June 3, 2013, Zynga announced layoffs of 520 employees — roughly 18% of its workforce{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2614/119312513245500/filing-main.htm |title=Zynga, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jun 4, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=April 28, 2018 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020225425/https://edgar.secdatabase.com/2614/119312513245500/filing-main.htm |url-status=live }} — and closed offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas.{{cite news | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2013/06/03/zynga-to-lay-off-18-percent-of-its.html | title=Zynga to lay off 18% of workers; reportedly close Dallas office | work=Dallas Business Journal | access-date=June 3, 2013 | archive-date=December 3, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203195236/https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2013/06/03/zynga-to-lay-off-18-percent-of-its.html | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2013/06/04/zynga-reaps-what-theyve-digitally-sowed/ | title=Zynga Reaps What They've Digitally Sown | work=Forbes | access-date=September 19, 2017 | archive-date=February 24, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224123359/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2013/06/04/zynga-reaps-what-theyve-digitally-sowed/ | url-status=live }} By July 2013, Zynga had reportedly lost nearly half of its user base from the previous year. Consequently, investors decreased Zynga's valuation by $400 million.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/07/26/after-losing-nearly-half-its-users-in-a-year-investors-dock-zyngas-valuation-by-400-million/|title=After Losing Nearly Half Its Users In A Year, Investors Dock Zynga's Valuation By $400 Million|website=TechCrunch|date=July 26, 2013|language=en-US|access-date=August 1, 2019|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224005404/https://techcrunch.com/2013/07/26/after-losing-nearly-half-its-users-in-a-year-investors-dock-zyngas-valuation-by-400-million/|url-status=live}} On July 25, 2013, Zynga said they would not be pursuing real money game production in the US.{{cite web |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2840/0001193125-13-302707.pdf |title=Zynga, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jul 25, 2013 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=April 28, 2018 |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111021706/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/2840/0001193125-13-302707.pdf |url-status=live }} Following this announcement, shares dropped 13%.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/07/25/zynga-real-money/|title=Zynga Won't Pursue Real-Money Gaming License In The U.S.; Shares Drop 13% In After-Hours|date=July 25, 2013|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224142403/https://techcrunch.com/2013/07/25/zynga-real-money/|url-status=live}}

In July 2013, Zynga hired Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment President Don Mattrick as its new CEO.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/report-don-mattrick-to-leave-as-head-of-microsofts-xbox-division-1200503567/|title=Don Mattrick Leaves Microsoft's Xbox for Zynga|last=Graser|first=Marc|date=July 1, 2013|work=Variety|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129201753/https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/report-don-mattrick-to-leave-as-head-of-microsofts-xbox-division-1200503567/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/7/25/4557930/how-don-mattrick-plans-to-turn-zynga-around|title=How Don Mattrick plans to turn Zynga around|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|date=July 25, 2013|website=Polygon|access-date=February 12, 2018|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231047/https://www.polygon.com/2013/7/25/4557930/how-don-mattrick-plans-to-turn-zynga-around|url-status=live}} Pincus remained as Zynga's chairman and chief product officer."In Major Hire, Zynga Confirms Xbox Head Don Mattrick as New CEO, Taking Over From Mark Pincus". All Things D. July 1, 2013.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2013/07/don-mattrick-zynga/|title=Xbox Exec Don Mattrick Replaces Mark Pincus as Zynga CEO|magazine=WIRED|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127143443/https://www.wired.com/2013/07/don-mattrick-zynga/|url-status=live}}

File:Zynga - World Cup.jpg during a scheduled break.]]

In January 2014, the company announced the layoff of 314 workers, about 15% of its total workforce.{{cite web|title=Zynga announces $527M purchase, layoffs|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/01/30/zynga-lay-offs-acquisition/5061763/|work=USA Today/The Associated Press|access-date=January 30, 2014|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231046/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/01/30/zynga-lay-offs-acquisition/5061763/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/01/30/2014-biz-break-zynga-lays-off-hundreds-of-workers-buys-naturalmotion-as-revenues-sink/|title=2014: Biz Break: Zynga lays off hundreds of workers, buys NaturalMotion as revenues sink|date=January 30, 2014|work=The Mercury News|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231047/https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/01/30/2014-biz-break-zynga-lays-off-hundreds-of-workers-buys-naturalmotion-as-revenues-sink/|url-status=live}} In April 2014, founder & former CEO Pincus stepped down from his role as chief product officer. He remained as chairman of the board.{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-mark-pincus-steps-down-2014-4|title=Zynga Founder Mark Pincus Just Stepped Down From His Day-To-Day Role|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224103214/https://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-mark-pincus-steps-down-2014-4|url-status=live}}

First quarter results for 2014 showed that daily active user numbers fell from 53 million to 28 million year-over-year.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-04-24-so-hows-zynga-doing-with-don-mattrick-in-charge|title=So how's Zynga doing with Don Mattrick in charge?|date=April 24, 2014|work=Eurogamer.net|access-date=August 14, 2015|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224124901/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-04-24-so-hows-zynga-doing-with-don-mattrick-in-charge|url-status=live}} In April 2014, the company announced its new hire of Alex Garden, co-founder of Relic Entertainment and former Microsoft Game Studios executive.{{Cite press release|url=http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2014/04/23/629179/10077967/en/Zynga-Announces-First-Quarter-2014-Financial-Results.html|title=Zynga Announces First Quarter 2014 Financial Results|date=April 23, 2014|website=GlobeNewswire News Room|access-date=April 25, 2014|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231045/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2014/04/23/629179/10077967/en/Zynga-Announces-First-Quarter-2014-Financial-Results.html|url-status=live}}

In July 2014, Zynga signed a lease for office space in Maitland, Florida. Less than one year later, this Orlando-area office was closed.{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-gaming-company-zynga-lease-maitland-20140702-post.html|title=Gaming company Zynga signs lease in Maitland|author=Orlando Sentinel|date=July 2, 2014|work=OrlandoSentinel.com|access-date=August 14, 2015|archive-date=February 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212142039/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-gaming-company-zynga-lease-maitland-20140702-post.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/technology/tech_check/os-zynga-to-shut-down-orlando-office-20150507-post.html|title=Zynga to close Orlando-area office|last=Santana|first=Marco|work=OrlandoSentinel.com|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323215156/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/technology/tech_check/os-zynga-to-shut-down-orlando-office-20150507-post.html|url-status=dead}}

Don Mattrick left Zynga in April 2015, replaced by predecessor Mark Pincus.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/zynga-ceo-don-mattrick-leaves-abruptly-replaced-by-founder-mark-pincus/|title=Zynga CEO Mattrick leaves abruptly, replaced by founder Pincus|work=CNET|access-date=December 4, 2017|language=en|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227103841/https://www.cnet.com/news/zynga-ceo-don-mattrick-leaves-abruptly-replaced-by-founder-mark-pincus/|url-status=live}} Frank Gibeau took over as CEO on March 7, 2016, with Pincus once again stepping aside. Gibeau's last position was as head of mobile for Electronic Arts. He joined Zynga's board of directors in August 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/01/meet-frank-gibeau-zyngas-new-ceo/|title=Meet Frank Gibeau, Zynga's new CEO {{!}} GamesBeat|website=venturebeat.com|date=March 2016|language=en-US|access-date=December 4, 2017|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224103225/https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/01/meet-frank-gibeau-zyngas-new-ceo/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/zynga-ceo-mark-pincus-to-pass-reins-to-frank-gibeau-1456866353|title=Zynga CEO Mark Pincus to Step Down|last=Needleman|first=Sarah E.|date=March 2, 2016|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=December 4, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231045/https://www.wsj.com/articles/zynga-ceo-mark-pincus-to-pass-reins-to-frank-gibeau-1456866353|url-status=live}}

File:Zynga HQ.jpg

In the fourth quarter of 2017, revenue was $233.3 million, a 22% increase from the same quarter in 2016, the best quarterly performance in five years.{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/02/07/zynga-closes-2017-with-strong-poker-and-words-with-friends-2-revenues/|title=Zynga closes 2017 with strong poker and Words With Friends 2 revenues|date=February 7, 2018|work=VentureBeat|access-date=March 27, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=February 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223231055/https://venturebeat.com/2018/02/07/zynga-closes-2017-with-strong-poker-and-words-with-friends-2-revenues/|url-status=live}} As of January 2018, Zynga had 1,681 employees,{{Cite news|url=https://www.equities.com/news/zynga-inc-znga-moves-higher-on-volume-spike-for-january-4|title=Zynga Inc. (ZNGA) Moves Higher on Volume Spike for January 03|last=equities.com|work=Equities.com|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=August 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818083953/https://www.equities.com/news/zynga-inc-znga-moves-higher-on-volume-spike-for-january-4|url-status=dead}} approximately 80 million monthly active users,{{Cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/273569/monthly-active-users-of-zynga-games/|title=Zynga games MAU 2017 {{!}} Statistic|website=Statista|language=en|access-date=February 12, 2018|archive-date=February 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218165433/https://www.statista.com/statistics/273569/monthly-active-users-of-zynga-games/|url-status=live}} and a market capitalization of $3.39 billion.{{Cite news|url=https://stocknewsjournal.com/2018/01/03/digging-up-the-facts-on-zynga-inc-znga-12/|title=Digging Up the Facts on Zynga Inc. (ZNGA)|last=Wilson|first=Kelvin|date=January 3, 2018|work=StockNewsJournal|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=August 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826123415/https://stocknewsjournal.com/2018/01/03/digging-up-the-facts-on-zynga-inc-znga-12/|url-status=live}} According to the company, Zynga has had over one billion people play its games since its inception in 2007.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2017/03/15/zynga-acquires-1-person-app-startup-for-42-5m/#77c37aa47131|title=Zynga Acquires 1-Person App Startup For $42.5M|last=Koetsier|first=John|work=Forbes|access-date=February 12, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224124706/https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2017/03/15/zynga-acquires-1-person-app-startup-for-42-5m/#77c37aa47131|url-status=live}}

On January 10, 2022, Take-Two Interactive announced its intention to acquire the company in a cash-and-stock deal with a value of $12.7 billion, with Take-Two acquiring all outstanding shares of Zynga at $9.86 apiece{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/take-two-acquire-zynga-an-enterprise-value-127-billion-2022-01-10/|title=Take-Two to buy FarmVille maker Zynga in deal valued at $12.7 billion|last=Balu|first=Nivedita|work=Reuters|access-date=January 10, 2022|language=en|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211170220/https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/take-two-acquire-zynga-an-enterprise-value-127-billion-2022-01-10/|url-status=live}} Both shareholders of the companies approved the merger on May 19, 2022, and the closing of the transaction took effect on May 23, 2022.{{cite news|title=Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and Zynga Inc. Stockholders Approve Proposals Related to Pending Transaction|url=https://www.take2games.com/ir/news/take-two-interactive-software-inc-and-zynga-inc-stockholders|date=May 19, 2022|access-date=May 23, 2022|archive-date=May 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521184457/https://www.take2games.com/ir/news/take-two-interactive-software-inc-and-zynga-inc-stockholders|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-05-23-take-two-completes-zynga-acquisition | title=Take-Two completes Zynga acquisition | date=May 23, 2022 | access-date=May 23, 2022 | archive-date=May 23, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523132819/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-05-23-take-two-completes-zynga-acquisition | url-status=live }}

In June 2023, during the FTC v. Microsoft trial cross-examination, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer disclosed that Microsoft considered purchasing Zynga before Take-Two Interactive acquired the studio in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/phil-spencer-confirms-microsoft-tried-to-buy-zynga-before-take-two-acquisition|title=Phil Spencer Confirms Microsoft Tried to Buy Zynga Before Take-Two Acquisition|last=Plant|first=Logan|date=June 23, 2023|work=IGN|access-date=July 23, 2023}}

In its first round of funding in January 2008, Zynga received US$10 million.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/technology/15facebook.html?_r=3&ref=technology|title=More Than Games, a Net to Snare Social Networkers|last=Stone|first=Brad|date=January 15, 2008|work=The New York Times|access-date=February 28, 2017|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811184620/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/technology/15facebook.html?_r=3|url-status=live}} In July of the same year, Zynga received US$29 million in venture finance from several firms.{{Cite news|url=https://www.foundrygroup.com/blog/2008/07/zynga-completes-29-million-round-led-by-kleiner-perkins-and-ivp/|title=Zynga Completes $29 Million Round Led by Kleiner Perkins and IVP|date=July 23, 2008|work=Foundry Group|access-date=February 19, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224134723/https://www.foundrygroup.com/blog/2008/07/zynga-completes-29-million-round-led-by-kleiner-perkins-and-ivp/|url-status=live}} During its first four years of operation Zynga raised a total of $854 million in three rounds of fund raising. The last round, in February 2011, raised $490 million.{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2011/07/01/zynga-total-funding-raised/|title=Zynga has raised $845M in three rounds over four years {{!}} GamesBeat|website=venturebeat.com|date=July 2011|language=en-US|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224152753/https://venturebeat.com/2011/07/01/zynga-total-funding-raised/|url-status=live}}

On July 1, 2011, the company filed its Form S-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).Don Reisinger, CNET. "[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20076114-17/zynga-files-for-ipo/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20 Zynga files for IPO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227060940/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=www.cnet.com |date=2023-02-27 }}." July 1, 2011. Retrieved July 1, 2011. Zynga was priced at $10 per share and began trading on NASDAQ under ZNGA on December 16, 2011. The stock closed down 5% on its first day, then climbed 26% to $13.39 per share after Facebook's IPO filing on February 1, 2012 (Facebook had reported that 12% of its revenue comes from Zynga).{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-03/zynga-shares-jump-after-facebook-ipo-filing.html|title=Zynga Surges for Second Day After Facebook IPO Filing: San Francisco Mover|author=Douglas MacMillan - 2012-02-03T21:14:47Z|date=February 3, 2012|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=September 7, 2013|archive-date=April 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405214024/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-03/zynga-shares-jump-after-facebook-ipo-filing.html|url-status=live}} In March 2012 ZNGA was trading at $14.50.{{Cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/king-digital-ipo-crushed-first-day-trading-can-it-avoid-fate-zynga-1563676|title=King Digital IPO 'Crushed' In First Day Of Trading; Can It Avoid The Fate Of Zynga?|date=March 26, 2014|work=International Business Times|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224130209/https://www.ibtimes.com/king-digital-ipo-crushed-first-day-trading-can-it-avoid-fate-zynga-1563676|url-status=live}} For several years the stock performed poorly, but in 2017 the price hit a three-year high. By the end of 2017 Zynga's shares were trading at $4.00, a 56% gain for the year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/01/16/why-zynga-stock-gained-556-in-2017.aspx|title=Why Zynga Stock Gained 55.6% in 2017|last=Noonan|first=Keith|work=The Motley Fool|access-date=February 19, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224130213/https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/01/16/why-zynga-stock-gained-556-in-2017.aspx|url-status=live}}

Zynga uses a "free-to-play" business model.{{Cite web|url=https://seekingalpha.com/article/3970260-zynga-needs-make-changes-business-model|title=Zynga Needs To Make Changes In Its Business Model|date=May 2, 2016|website=Seeking Alpha|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=May 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508210310/http://seekingalpha.com/article/3970260-zynga-needs-make-changes-business-model|url-status=live}} Revenue is acquired via direct credit card payments and partner businesses.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/business/25zynga.html?_r=1&src=busln&pagewanted=all|title=Will Zynga Become the Google of Games?|author=Miguel Helft|date=July 24, 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 24, 2010|quote=In addition, Zynga’s $520 million in financing includes a recent infusion of $300 million through two, roughly equal investments from Softbank and Google, according to people briefed on the investments who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss Zynga’s finances publicly. Google and Zynga are also in the early stages of exploring a collaboration, these people said. Zynga and Google declined to comment or confirm a Google investment.|archive-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926024458/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/business/25zynga.html?_r=1&src=busln&pagewanted=all|url-status=live}} It sells in-game virtual goods as people play its games, supports in-game advertising,{{cite web|url=http://adage.com/article/digital/zynga-announces-cityville-integration-kung-fu-panda-2/227676/|title=Zynga Announces CityVille Integration With 'Kung Fu Panda 2'|last=Slutsky|first=Irina|date=May 20, 2011|author-link=Irina Slutsky|publisher=Advertising Age|access-date=May 24, 2011|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127112311/http://adage.com/article/digital/zynga-announces-cityville-integration-kung-fu-panda-2/227676/|url-status=live}} and it has banner advertising around its game portals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/fool/article/Zynga-Business-Model-Explained-4373198.php|title=Zynga: Business Model Explained|date=March 21, 2013|website=Seattle pi|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404134855/https://www.seattlepi.com/business/fool/article/Zynga-Business-Model-Explained-4373198.php|url-status=live}}

In addition, Zynga games are linked to offers from several partners. Players can choose to accept credit card offers, take surveys or buy services from Zynga's partners in order to obtain game credits. Players may also purchase game credits directly from Zynga. In the game, players can purchase the points for a fee. In March 2010 Zynga started selling pre-paid cards in the US for virtual currency.{{citation |title=Zynga's Pre-Paid Virtual Currency Cards Have Expanded to More than 12,800 US Stores |url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2010/03/25/zyngas-pre-paid-virtual-currency-cards-have-expanded-to-more-than-12800-us-stores/ |year=2010 |author=Eldon, Eric |website=Insidesocialgames.com |access-date=April 5, 2010 |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401045849/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2010/03/25/zyngas-pre-paid-virtual-currency-cards-have-expanded-to-more-than-12800-us-stores/ |url-status=live }}

In March 2012, Zynga launched a separate social gaming platform, which included publishing other developers to the Zynga.com platform. Early third-party developers included Row Sham Bow, Inc and Mobscience.{{cite news|title=Zynga launches separate social gaming platform, still 'likes' Facebook|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2012/03/zynga-launches-separate-social-gaming-platform.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=March 2012|access-date=March 8, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304021638/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2012/03/zynga-launches-separate-social-gaming-platform.html|url-status=live}} In June 2012, Zynga started running Facebook advertisements and sponsored stories on its website. The revenue was split between Facebook and Zynga.{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Constine |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/06/22/zynga-facebook-ads/ |title=Facebook Ads and Sponsored Stories Are Now Running On Zynga.com, Previewing A FB Ad Network |publisher=TechCrunch |date=June 22, 2012 |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=August 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831163904/http://techcrunch.com/2012/06/22/zynga-facebook-ads/ |url-status=live }}

In February 2012, it was announced that Zynga and Hasbro had partnered to create products based on Zynga properties and brands.{{cite news | url=http://mashable.com/2012/02/09/zynga-toys-hasbro/ | work=Mashable | title=FarmVille Toys Are Coming: Zynga and Hasbro Sign Licensing Deal | first=Christina | last=Warren | date=February 9, 2012 | access-date=February 27, 2012 | archive-date=February 28, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228112547/http://mashable.com/2012/02/09/zynga-toys-hasbro/ | url-status=live }} In October 2012, Zynga and Hasbro launched eight 'face-to-face' games resulting from their collaboration: FarmVille Hungry Hungry Herd and Animal Games; CityVille Monopoly and Skies; Words With Friends Classic, Luxe, To Go; and Draw Something.{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=Mike|title=Apphome Hasbro's Zynga-branded merchandise coming to stores next week|url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/09/25/hasbros-zynga-branded-merchandise-coming-to-stores-next-week/|access-date=October 31, 2012|newspaper=Inside Social Games|date=September 25, 2012|archive-date=October 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031062135/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/09/25/hasbros-zynga-branded-merchandise-coming-to-stores-next-week/|url-status=live}} The Hasbro games included ties to Zynga Web and mobile games, such as in-game currency that players can use in the digital versions of CityVille and FarmVille.

The company initially relied on free distribution of its product to users, and later began spending money on marketing.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/22/how-much-is-zynga-paying-for-new-gamers|title=How Much is Zynga Paying for New Gamers?|last=Campbell|first=Colin|date=January 22, 2012|website=IGN|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404135108/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/22/how-much-is-zynga-paying-for-new-gamers|url-status=live}} {{Better source needed|date=August 2019}} In 2017, developing a paid user base took priority over a new user acquisition. According to one analyst, Zynga can either fund the creation of new games to attract new users, or it can buy smaller game studios with new games which will bring in new customers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.midiaresearch.com/blog/quick-take-zyngas-q3-results-and-acquisition-of-peak-gamess-card-game-studio/|title=Quick Take: Zynga's Q3 results and acquisition of Peak Games's Card Game Studio|last=Severin|first=Karol|date=November 8, 2017|website=MIDIA|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404134939/https://www.midiaresearch.com/blog/quick-take-zyngas-q3-results-and-acquisition-of-peak-gamess-card-game-studio/|url-status=live}}

In September 2010, Gawker reported that Zynga had set up a "Platinum Purchase Program," a private club for their top spenders, allowing members to purchase virtual currency at favorable rates.{{Cite news|url=http://gawker.com/5634379/the-secret-dealer-for-farmville-addicts|title=The Secret Dealer for Farmville Addicts|last=Tate|first=Ryan|work=Gawker|access-date=April 9, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 13, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913044924/http://gawker.com/5634379/the-secret-dealer-for-farmville-addicts|url-status=live}} Despite some bad publicity, the program was considered a sound core business principle.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DJrNBQAAQBAJ&q=Platinum+purchase+program+zynga&pg=PA152|title=Mobile & Social Game Design: Monetization Methods and Mechanics, Second Edition|last1=Fields|first1=Tim|last2=Cotton|first2=Brandon|date=January 22, 2014|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9781466598690|language=en}} The program shut down on October 31, 2014.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

Some journalists questioned the viability of Zynga's business model. Ray Valdes questioned the long-term prospects for Zynga, saying that it would be difficult for the company to make new titles to replace old ones whose novelty is fading. Tom Bollich, a former Zynga investor, said that it is impossible to make a cheap viral game, and that retaining customers is difficult.

In an October 2011 article in The Wall Street Journal, Ben Levisohn said that Zynga has "issues that could limit its upside," such as its dependence on Facebook and its reliance on a small percentage of users and a small number of games for most of its revenue.{{cite news|last=Levisohn|first=Ben|title=Two IPOs Beckon Investors|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 29, 2011|page=B.9}}

In July 2012, after announcing disappointing second quarter results, some analysts speculated that the sale of virtual items may not be a long-term, viable business model.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/26/technology/for-zynga-a-reversal-of-fortune.html?_r=2|title=The News Isn't Good for Zynga, Maker of FarmVille|last=Streitfeld|first=David|date=July 25, 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=August 21, 2012|archive-date=July 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727132734/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/26/technology/for-zynga-a-reversal-of-fortune.html?_r=2|url-status=live}} Analyst Richard Greenfield downgraded Zynga from "buy" to "neutral." In 2012 Zynga took steps to turn its business around, which included introducing new Web, mobile, and multiplayer games and developing a gambling game to be introduced outside the U.S.{{cite news|last=Geron|first=Tomio|title=Why Zynga's Earnings Missed And What It Plans In Response|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomiogeron/2012/07/25/why-zyngas-earnings-missed-and-what-it-plans-in-response/|access-date=August 21, 2012|newspaper=Forbes|date=July 25, 2012|archive-date=August 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828004933/http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomiogeron/2012/07/25/why-zyngas-earnings-missed-and-what-it-plans-in-response/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Raice|first=Shayndi|title=Zynga's Rocky Shift to Mobile|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390443545504577567762954064098|access-date=August 21, 2012|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=August 5, 2012|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127112312/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390443545504577567762954064098|url-status=live}} The company worked to increase advertising revenues, which were up to 45 percent in Q2 2012 compared to the previous quarter and increased to 170 percent year-over-year.{{cite news|last=Delo|first=Cotton|title=Zynga Turns In Lackluster Quarter, But Points to Growing Ad Business|url=http://adage.com/article/digital/zynga-posts-lackluster-results-points-growing-ad-biz/236317/|access-date=August 21, 2012|newspaper=Ad Age|date=July 25, 2012|archive-date=February 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201070055/http://adage.com/article/digital/zynga-posts-lackluster-results-points-growing-ad-biz/236317/|url-status=live}}

Through 2009, Zynga let players earn in-game rewards for signing up for credit cards or for a video-rental membership. In November 2009 the company removed all "lead-generating" ads, relying instead on revenue generated by the 1-3 percent of players that pay for in-game items. Since then it began re-introducing the ads back in but with controls to monitor the kinds of ads that appear.

In early November 2009, it was estimated that about one-third of Zynga's revenue came from companies that provide legitimate commercial offers, such as trading Netflix memberships and marketing surveys for in-game cash.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/02/scamville-zynga-says-13-of-revenue-comes-from-lead-gen-and-other-offers/|title=Scamville: Zynga Says 1/3 of Revenue Comes from Lead Gen and Other Offers|last=Arrington|first=Michael|date=November 2, 2009|work=TechCrunch|access-date=November 4, 2009|archive-date=November 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091104221848/http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/02/scamville-zynga-says-13-of-revenue-comes-from-lead-gen-and-other-offers/|url-status=live}} Because of criticism and complaints that some ads were scams, on November 2, 2009, former CEO Mark Pincus said that Tatto Media, a major offer provider that enrolled users into recurring cell phone subscriptions, and the worst of the lead generator scam, had already been removed from Zynga and was banned, in addition to requiring providers to filter and police offers before posting to their networks.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/02/zynga-takes-steps-to-remove-scams-from-games/|title=Zynga Takes Steps to Remove Scams from Games|last=Arrington|first=Michael|date=November 2, 2009|work=TechCrunch|access-date=November 4, 2009|archive-date=November 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103021415/http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/02/zynga-takes-steps-to-remove-scams-from-games/|url-status=live}}

File:Zynga hq.jpg

In 2011, Zynga started to move employees to new headquarters, located in San Francisco's South of Market district.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/zynga-headquarters-moving-expanding-in-san-francisco |title=Zynga Headquarters Moving, Expanding In San Francisco |date=September 28, 2010 |publisher=Gamasutra.com |access-date=November 19, 2012 |archive-date=November 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112071709/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/121399/Zynga_Headquarters_Moving_Expanding_In_San_Francisco.php |url-status=live }} Zynga's headquarters, nicknamed "The Dog House",{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/talkingtech/story/2012-03-27/zynga-headquarters/53838038/1 | work=USA Today | title=Zynga's new headquarters is like a playful fantasy land | first=Jefferson | last=Graham | date=March 28, 2012 | access-date=September 19, 2017 | archive-date=July 12, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712095118/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/talkingtech/story/2012-03-27/zynga-headquarters/53838038/1 | url-status=live }} features a coffee shop, gaming arcade, gym, basketball court, and wellness center.{{cite news | url=http://www.refinery29.com/zynga-office-tour | work=Refinery29 | title=Zynga's Stylish Power Players Give Us A Tour Of Their Extra-Fun Office! | first=Katie | last=Hintz-Zambrano | date=April 13, 2012 | access-date=May 3, 2012 | archive-date=May 9, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509075233/http://www.refinery29.com/zynga-office-tour | url-status=live }} At its San Francisco headquarters, Zynga Founder Pincus's goal was to create a "playful gaming environment" that evokes a "fantasy land." Zynga employees, also referred to as "Zyngites", enjoy perks such as free gourmet meals, access to an in-house nutritionist, and personal training.{{cite news | url=http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/04/13/zynga-3/?iid=SF_F_Lead | work=Fortune | title=What it's really like to work at Zynga | first=JP | last=Mangalindan | date=April 13, 2012 | access-date=May 3, 2012 | archive-date=April 16, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416142950/http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/04/13/zynga-3/?iid=SF_F_Lead | url-status=live }}

In November 2011, The New York Times reported that Zynga "operates like a federation of city-states" with each of its games, such as FarmVille and CityVille, run by autonomous teams. This culture reportedly fostered "fierce internal competition" and caused some employees to complain about long hours and stressful deadlines.{{cite news|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/zyngas-tough-culture-risks-a-talent-drain/|title=DealBook: Zynga's Tough Culture Risks a Talent Drain|last=Rusli|first=Evelyn M.|date=November 27, 2011|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 28, 2011|archive-date=November 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128154716/http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/zyngas-tough-culture-risks-a-talent-drain/|url-status=live}} Two former senior Zynga employees, quoted anonymously by the Times, speculated that Zynga's corporate culture caused the company to lose a bid to acquire mobile game company PopCap and nearly derailed its acquisition of MyMiniLife, which later developed the technology that is the basis for FarmVille.

In 2017, Zynga donated a large sum to the University of Southern California to support the study of social mobile games, inclusive game production, and advancing diversity in the industry.{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/09/zynga-partners-with-usc-to-support-diversity-and-inclusive-game-production/|title=Zynga partners with USC to support diversity and inclusive game production|date=May 9, 2017|work=VentureBeat|access-date=March 20, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320170714/https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/09/zynga-partners-with-usc-to-support-diversity-and-inclusive-game-production/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Zynga.org}}

In 2009, Zynga started a nonprofit organization, Zynga.org, in charge of incorporating charitable contributions into its games such as FarmVille. As of 2015, Zynga.org efforts have raised $20 million for international humanitarian relief efforts and philanthropic initiatives.{{Cite news|url=https://pkv-judionline.netlify.app//articles/investing/060915/what-zynga-doing-increase-its-share-price.asp|title=Will Zynga's New Strategy Win Back Mobile Gamers?|last=Investopedia|date=June 9, 2015|work=Investopedia|access-date=February 11, 2018|language=en-US}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On July 18, 2011, Zynga filed an addendum to its Form S-1 detailing its relationship with Facebook, including the 2010 five-year agreement to use Facebook credits exclusively.{{cite news|last=Gobry|first=Pascal-Emmanuel|title=Facebook Basically Owns Zynga|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-basically-owns-zynga-2011-7|work=Business Insider|access-date=December 5, 2011|date=July 19, 2011|archive-date=September 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926042548/http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-basically-owns-zynga-2011-7|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Gannes|first=Liz|title=Zynga and Facebook Exclusivity Goes Far Beyond Credits|url=http://allthingsd.com/20110718/zynga-and-facebook-exclusivity-goes-far-beyond-credits/?mod=ATD_iphone|website=All Things Digital & Company|access-date=December 5, 2011|date=July 18, 2011|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127112311/http://allthingsd.com/20110718/zynga-and-facebook-exclusivity-goes-far-beyond-credits/?mod=ATD_iphone|url-status=live}}

On October 11, 2011, Zynga announced plans to create their own platform on which users can play the company's games. It was Zynga's first major step away from the social media giant.{{cite web |url=http://www.keynoodle.com/zynga-unveils-new-games-and-new-platform-project-z/ |title=Zynga Unveils New Games and New Platform, Project Z |website=KeyNoodle |date=October 11, 2011 |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121040000/http://www.keynoodle.com/zynga-unveils-new-games-and-new-platform-project-z/ |url-status=live }}

At one point during 2011, Zynga made up 19 percent of Facebook's revenue, partly because of the special mutually beneficial relationship between the two companies.{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2018/01/14/facebook-punks-partners-again-how-publishers-can-fight-back/|title=Facebook delivers deathblow to ad-driven media models; how publishers can fight back|date=January 14, 2018|work=VentureBeat|access-date=April 15, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206160954/https://venturebeat.com/2018/01/14/facebook-punks-partners-again-how-publishers-can-fight-back/|url-status=live}}

In November 2012, Facebook ended its special agreement with Zynga. Effective March 31, 2013, Zynga was bound by the standard Facebook Platform policies.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20554441|title=Facebook and Zynga to end close relationship|date=November 30, 2012|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=December 22, 2012|archive-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825004224/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20554441|url-status=live}}

In May 2017, Zynga launched Words with Friends on Facebook's newly launched platform Instant Games, on Facebook's Messenger instant messaging app.{{Cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/02/zynga-launches-words-with-friends-for-instant-games-on-facebook-messenger/|title=Zynga launches Words With Friends for Instant Games on Facebook Messenger|date=May 2, 2017|work=VentureBeat|access-date=April 15, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507122238/https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/02/zynga-launches-words-with-friends-for-instant-games-on-facebook-messenger/|url-status=live}}

In the fall of 2010, Zynga signed a rental agreement for 270,000 square feet (25,000 m²) of office space at the site of former Sega offices.{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fg%2Fa%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2Fbusinessinsider-zyngas-new-headquarters-will-have-a-dog-run-on-the-roof-2011-6.DTL|title=Zynga's New Headquarters Will Have A Dog Run On The Roof|last=Rosoff|first=Matt|date=June 3, 2011|publisher=Business Insider|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-date=August 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803152744/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fg%2Fa%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2Fbusinessinsider-zyngas-new-headquarters-will-have-a-dog-run-on-the-roof-2011-6.DTL|url-status=live}} In 2012, the company purchased the entire building, with about 407,000 square feet of total space, for $228 million. The building was reported to be worth about $500 million in 2016.{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-04-05-inside-zynga-headquarters|title=Inside Zynga Headquarters|work=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=March 5, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224143507/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-04-05-inside-zynga-headquarters|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://therealdeal.com/2016/07/16/zynga-ditches-plan-to-sell-500m-headquarters/|title=Zynga ditches plan to sell $500M headquarters|date=July 16, 2016|work=The Real Deal New York|access-date=March 5, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620232423/https://therealdeal.com/2016/07/16/zynga-ditches-plan-to-sell-500m-headquarters/|url-status=live}}

In 2022, Zynga relocated its headquarters to San Mateo, California.{{Cite news |last=Browning |first=Kellen |date=February 22, 2022 |title=Big Tech Makes a Big Bet: Offices Are Still the Future |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/22/technology/big-tech-offices.html |access-date=August 12, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812163232/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/22/technology/big-tech-offices.html |url-status=live }}

Many of Zynga's games involve players posting messages to non-players, often for in-game benefits. Many non-players have notably complained about such communications created by those games that appear to them as "spammy." Peter Jamison described Zynga's communications as a "deluge" of "unwanted gifts or requests for neighborly 'help'". Facebook groups created to express displeasure regarding overexposure of Zynga's games attracted millions of members. As a result of this, Facebook modified their application developers policy to prevent applications from sending messages to news feeds of friends or submitting updates to the notifications bar.{{cite news|last=Saint|first=Nick|title=Why the No-Fun 'Farmville' Is So Popular|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/09/28/farmville.popularity/|publisher=CNN|access-date=September 28, 2010|date=September 28, 2010|archive-date=April 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417183340/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/09/28/farmville.popularity/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2010/01/20/facebook-applications-email|title=Facebook App Notifications Moving to Your E-mail Inbox|author=Jennifer Van Grove|date=January 20, 2010|publisher=Mashable|access-date=May 11, 2010|archive-date=May 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529173822/http://mashable.com/2010/01/20/facebook-applications-email/|url-status=live}} Kotaku attributed the removal of Facebook notifications to a decline of users of Zynga games in April and May 2010.{{cite web|last=Crecente|first=Brian|title=Farmville Maker is Hemorrhaging Players|date=May 11, 2010|url=http://kotaku.com/5536051/farmville-maker-is-hemorrhaging-players|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=May 11, 2010|archive-date=May 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514023507/http://kotaku.com/5536051/farmville-maker-is-hemorrhaging-players|url-status=live}}

Zynga has been accused several times of copying game concepts of popular games by competing developers.{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2009/10/08/meet-plinga-apparently-zyngas-german-copycat/|title=Meet Plinga, Apparently Zynga's German Copycat|last=Eldon|first=Eric|date=October 8, 2009|work=Inside Social Games|access-date=December 10, 2009|archive-date=October 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016065705/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2009/10/08/meet-plinga-apparently-zyngas-german-copycat/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2009/12/07/turning-the-tables-playfish-clones-zyngas-poker-game/|title=Turning the Tables, Playfish Clones Zynga's Poker Game on Facebook|last=Takahashi|first=Dean|date=December 7, 2009|work=VentureBeat|access-date=December 10, 2009|archive-date=December 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213042736/http://venturebeat.com/2009/12/07/turning-the-tables-playfish-clones-zyngas-poker-game/|url-status=live}} The launch of Mafia Wars sparked a lawsuit from the makers of Mob Wars.[https://techcrunch.com/2009/02/14/mob-wars-creator-sues-zynga-for-copyright-infringement/ Mob Wars Creator Puts A Hit Out On Zynga, Sues For Copyright Infringement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424194158/https://techcrunch.com/2009/02/14/mob-wars-creator-sues-zynga-for-copyright-infringement/ |date=April 24, 2017 }} from TechCrunch.com (February 14, 2009) An attorney for Psycho Monkey, the creators of Mob Wars, said that in making Mafia Wars, Zynga "copied virtually every important aspect of the game."{{cite news|last=Hoge|first=Patrick|title=Game makers fight over proliferating lookalikes|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/07/13/story7.html?b=1247457600%5E1858291|work=San Francisco Business Times|access-date=August 31, 2010|date=July 13, 2009|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108070210/http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/07/13/story7.html?b=1247457600%5E1858291|url-status=live}} The suit was settled out of court for $7–9 million.[https://techcrunch.com/2009/09/13/zynga-settles-mob-wars-litigation-as-it-settles-in-to-playdom-war/ Zynga Settles Mob Wars Litigation As It Settles In To Playdom Fight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424194204/https://techcrunch.com/2009/09/13/zynga-settles-mob-wars-litigation-as-it-settles-in-to-playdom-war/ |date=April 24, 2017 }}. Techcrunch.com (September 13, 2009). Retrieved on July 9, 2011. An Ars Technica column said that Zynga's Café World and Playfish's Restaurant City were "nearly identical"; Café World was released six months after Restaurant City. Its gameplay, design, graphics, avatars, and even in-game items are almost identical to the ones in Restaurant City.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/12/cloning-or-theft-ars-explores-game-design-with-jenova-chen.ars|title=Cloning or Theft? Ars Explores Game Design with Jenova Chen|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=December 9, 2009|work=Ars Technica|access-date=December 15, 2009|archive-date=December 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213033532/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/12/cloning-or-theft-ars-explores-game-design-with-jenova-chen.ars|url-status=live}} In addition, journalists have remarked that Zynga's FarmVille is similar to Farm Town, another Zynga game, with Peter Jamison calling it "uncannily similar."

In September 2010, SF Weekly reported that an employee recalled Mark Pincus advising him to "copy what [Zynga's competitors] do and do it until you get their numbers."{{cite news|last=Jamison|first=Peter|title=FarmVillains|url=http://www.sfweekly.com/2010-09-08/news/farmvillains/|access-date=September 8, 2010|newspaper=SF Weekly|date=September 8, 2010|archive-date=August 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802144310/http://www.sfweekly.com/2010-09-08/news/farmvillains/|url-status=dead}} NimbleBit founder Ian Marsh has accused Zynga of copying its award-winning Tiny Tower game to create Dream Heights.{{cite web |url=http://toucharcade.com/2012/01/24/zynga-shamelessly-rips-off-tiny-tower-with-canadian-release-of-dream-heights/ |title=Zynga Shamelessly Rips Off 'Tiny Tower' With Canadian Release of 'Dream Heights' |publisher=Touch Arcade |date=January 24, 2012 |access-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001011119/http://toucharcade.com/2012/01/24/zynga-shamelessly-rips-off-tiny-tower-with-canadian-release-of-dream-heights/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|last=Tassi|first=Paul|title=Everything Wrong with Zynga in One Image|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/01/25/everything-wrong-with-zynga-in-one-image/|work=Forbes|access-date=January 25, 2012|date=January 25, 2012|archive-date=January 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126143408/http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/01/25/everything-wrong-with-zynga-in-one-image/|url-status=live}} Within a week, Buffalo Studios alleged that its game Bingo Blitz was copied by Zynga in making Zynga Bingo.{{cite web|last=Reisinger|first=Don|title=Another day, another accusation that Zynga is copying competitors|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-57368167-2/another-day-another-accusation-that-zynga-is-copying-competitors/|publisher=CNET|access-date=January 30, 2012|date=January 30, 2012|archive-date=February 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227060938/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=www.cnet.com|url-status=live}} Pincus responded by saying that tower-building games have existed since SimTower (1994) and that Zynga uses mechanics and ideas developed throughout the history of video games to create the "best-in-market games." He added that Bingo Blitz has similarities to the discontinued Zynga game Poker Blitz.{{cite web|last=Takahashi|first=Dean|title=Zynga CEO: We aren't the copycats on Bingo social game (exclusive interview)|url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/01/31/zynga-mark-pincus-copycat-interview/|access-date=February 1, 2012|date=January 31, 2012|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605151455/https://venturebeat.com/2012/01/31/zynga-mark-pincus-copycat-interview/|url-status=live}} In response, Marsh argued that other tower games like SimTower and Tower Bloxx are substantially different from Tiny Tower and Dream Heights, and that Zynga copied Tiny Tower's "core gameplay mechanics and rules" and tutorial steps.{{cite web|last=Hodapp|first=Eli|title=More 'TinyTower' Drama: Glu Releases Second Knock-Off; Zynga Responds, as Does NimbleBit|url=http://toucharcade.com/2012/01/31/more-tinytower-drama/|publisher=Touch Arcade|access-date=February 1, 2012|date=January 31, 2012|archive-date=February 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202072342/http://toucharcade.com/2012/01/31/more-tinytower-drama/|url-status=live}} Inside Social Games writer Pete Davison said that although Zynga's The Ville is "not a complete clone" of The Sims Social, it was "very similar."{{cite web|last=Davison|first=Pete|title=The Ville review|url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/06/28/the-ville-review/|work=Inside Social Games|publisher=WebMediaBrands|access-date=June 28, 2012|date=June 28, 2012|archive-date=July 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701023058/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/06/28/the-ville-review/|url-status=live}}

Zynga founder Mark Pincus has dismissed the criticisms, saying that competing video game makers have always released similar titles for each genre of game.{{cite news|publisher=CNN|title=The Facebook games that millions love (and hate)|author=Doug Gross|date=February 23, 2010|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/02/23/facebook.games/?hpt=Sbin|access-date=April 3, 2010|archive-date=March 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328224949/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/02/23/facebook.games/?hpt=Sbin|url-status=live}} The managing director of Lightspeed Venture Partners, Jeremy Liew, said that creating similar competing games has "always been part of the game industry." Following Zynga's January 2012 release of Hidden Chronicles, Paul Tassi of Forbes wrote that Zynga "refuses to innovate in any way, and is merely a follower when it comes to ideas and game design."{{cite web|last=Tassi|first=Paul|title=Zynga Stock Falls as Second Post-IPO Game Fails to Impress|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/01/06/zynga-stock-falls-as-second-post-ipo-game-fails-to-impress/|work=Forbes|access-date=January 7, 2012|date=January 6, 2012|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108093248/http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/01/06/zynga-stock-falls-as-second-post-ipo-game-fails-to-impress/|url-status=live}} In September 2009 Zynga was threatened with legal action by Nissan for using their trademarks in the game Street Racing. Zynga subsequently renamed and changed the thumbnail images of all cars that were branded Nissan and Infiniti to "Sindats" and "Fujis" with the thumbnails changed.[http://forums.zynga.com/showthread.php?t=195814 Cars FKA Nissan/Infiniti Graphics and Name Poll – Zynga Community Forums]{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Forums.zynga.com. Retrieved on July 9, 2011. At the time they also renamed and redesigned automobiles depicted as being made by GM, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Saab, and others. In September 2009, Zynga initiated trade secrets lawsuits against Playdom and 22 other rivals,{{cite web|title=Zynga Goes To The Mattresses 22 Lawsuits Filed This Year And Counting|url=http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/09/14/zynga-goes-to-the-mattresses-22-lawsuits-filed-this-year-and-counting/|access-date=December 2, 2011|archive-date=September 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910011952/http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/09/14/zynga-goes-to-the-mattresses-22-lawsuits-filed-this-year-and-counting/|url-status=live}} including Green Patch which Playdom acquired in November 2009. These lawsuits were finally settled in November 2010.{{cite web|title=Zynga is Extremely Pleased With Playdom Disney Litigation Settlement|date=November 23, 2010|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/23/zynga-is-extremely-pleased-with-playdomdisney-litigation-settlement/|access-date=December 2, 2011|archive-date=February 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212023625/http://techcrunch.com/2010/11/23/zynga-is-extremely-pleased-with-playdomdisney-litigation-settlement/|url-status=live}} In October 2010, Zynga was criticized on Hacker News{{Cite web|url=https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1818971|title=Zynga wants to patent virtual currency in gambling games | Hacker News|website=news.ycombinator.com|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426144218/https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1818971|url-status=live}} and other social media sites for having filed a patent application[https://web.archive.org/web/20160127112312/http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220100227675%22.PGNR.&OS=DN%2F20100227675&RS=DN%2F20100227675 United States Patent Application 20100227675] . Appft1.uspto.gov. Retrieved on July 9, 2011. relating to the ability to purchase virtual currency for cash on gambling and other gaming sites. Commentators said that significant prior art exists for the concept.{{Cite news|url=https://www.socialgameslaw.com/2010/10/what-does-zyngas-attempt-to-patent-virtual-currency-mean.html|title=Is Zynga Patenting Virtual Currency? - Internet & Social Media Law Blog - October 29, 2010|date=October 29, 2010|work=Internet & Social Media Law Blog|access-date=April 25, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425113515/https://www.socialgameslaw.com/2010/10/what-does-zyngas-attempt-to-patent-virtual-currency-mean.html|url-status=live}}

In January 2011, Techdirt reported that Zynga sent a cease and desist letter to Blingville alleging trademark infringement for its use of the letters "ville" in the name of a proposed Facebook game. Blingville filed a suit for declaratory judgment that it did not infringe on a Zynga trademark.{{cite web|last=Masnick|first=Mike|title=Zynga Becoming A Trademark Bully: Threatens Blingville For Daring To Use 'ville'|url=http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110117/02525512697/zynga-becoming-trademark-bully-threatens-blingville-daring-to-use-ville.shtml|work=Techdirt|access-date=January 21, 2011|date=January 19, 2011|archive-date=January 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121103439/http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20110117/02525512697/zynga-becoming-trademark-bully-threatens-blingville-daring-to-use-ville.shtml|url-status=live}} As reported in Gamasutra, Jay Monahan of Zynga responded by saying that Blingville's "[use] of the name 'BlingVille' is an obvious attempt to capitalize on the fame and goodwill associated with Zynga's family of 'ville' games which includes FarmVille and CityVille".{{cite web|last=Caoili|first=Eric|title=Zynga Threatening To Sue Blingville Over Trademark Infringement|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/zynga-threatening-to-sue-blingville-over-trademark-infringement|work=Gamasutra|access-date=January 25, 2011|date=January 24, 2011|archive-date=January 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127010545/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32608/Zynga_Threatening_To_Sue_Blingville_Over_Trademark_Infringement.php|url-status=live}}

In November 2011, Inside Mobile Apps wrote that Zynga's lawyers demanded that mobile game developer Latman Interactive abandon its trademark registration for the game Quackville.{{cite web|last=Cutler|first=Kim-Mai|title=Put Ville in a Mobile App's Name. Risk Litigation from Zynga|url=http://www.insidemobileapps.com/2011/11/18/ville-latman-interactive-zynga-trademark-infringement/|work=Inside Mobile Apps|publisher=Inside Network|access-date=November 19, 2011|date=November 18, 2011|archive-date=November 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120120608/http://www.insidemobileapps.com/2011/11/18/ville-latman-interactive-zynga-trademark-infringement/|url-status=usurped}} Night Owl Games has also filed a lawsuit for declaratory judgment that its game Dungeonville does not infringe any Zynga trademarks after Zynga protested Night Owl's registration of the Dungeonville trademark.{{cite web|last=Weisman|first=Laura|title=Houston Firm's Dungeonville in Fight with Farmville Company|url=http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2011/11/houston-firms-dungeonville-in-fight-with-farmville-company/|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=November 21, 2011|archive-date=February 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202050310/http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2011/11/houston-firms-dungeonville-in-fight-with-farmville-company/|url-status=live}} In May 2012, Zynga sued Kobojo for trademark infringement for calling one of its games PyramidVille.{{cite web|last=Shih|first=Gerry|title=Zynga sues French game developer over Ville title|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-zynga-trademarkbre846139-20120507,0,7815967.story|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=May 8, 2012|date=May 7, 2012|archive-date=February 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227060930/https://www.chicagotribune.com/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Essers|first=Loek|title=Zynga Sues French Game Publisher for Copyright Infringement|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/255202/zynga_sues_french_game_publisher_for_copyright_infringement.html|publisher=PCWorld|access-date=May 8, 2012|date=May 8, 2012|archive-date=August 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823020022/http://www.pcworld.com/article/255202/zynga_sues_french_game_publisher_for_copyright_infringement.html|url-status=live}} In October that year Zynga and Kobojo settled the suit with neither party making any payment as part of the settlement.{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/179692/Zynga_settles_lawsuit_with_PyramidVille_developer.php|title=Zynga settles lawsuit with PyramidVille developer|last=Caoili|first=Eric|access-date=April 25, 2018|language=en|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183937/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/179692/Zynga_settles_lawsuit_with_PyramidVille_developer.php|url-status=dead}}

On May 20, 2011, it was reported that The Learning Company, owners of The Oregon Trail trademark, filed a trademark infringement suit against Zynga, which was planning an "Oregon Trail" expansion to FrontierVille.{{cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|title=You have died from dysentery: Zynga sued over Oregon Trail|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/05/you-have-died-from-dysentery-zynga-sued-over-oregon-trail.ars|work=Ars Technica|publisher=Conde Nast Digital|access-date=May 20, 2011|date=May 20, 2011|archive-date=May 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522182518/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/05/you-have-died-from-dysentery-zynga-sued-over-oregon-trail.ars|url-status=live}} The Learning Company had previously contacted Zynga about an Oregon Trail game on Facebook, but Zynga declined.{{cite web|title=After law-suit Zynga makes a comeback releasing Slingo|url=http://www.bestusbingo.com/after-law-suit-ofer-oregon-trail-zynga-releases-slingo-a-game-that-combines-slots-and-bingo/|work=BestUsBingo|access-date=February 16, 2012|author=BestUsBingo|date=February 16, 2012|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127112337/http://www.bestusbingo.com/after-law-suit-ofer-oregon-trail-zynga-releases-slingo-a-game-that-combines-slots-and-bingo/|url-status=live}} On May 24, Games.com writer Brandy Shaul wrote that Zynga was dropping the Oregon Trail name and soliciting new names for the expansion.{{cite web|last=Shaul|first=Brandy|title=FrontierVille: Zynga drops 'Oregon Trail' name; help pick a new one|url=http://blog.games.com/2011/05/24/frontierville-zynga-drops-oregon-trail-name-help-pick-a-new/|work=Games.com The Blog|publisher=AOL|access-date=May 25, 2011|date=May 24, 2011|archive-date=May 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530132508/http://blog.games.com/2011/05/24/frontierville-zynga-drops-oregon-trail-name-help-pick-a-new/|url-status=live}} The name of the expansion became "Pioneer Trail." In March 2015 Zynga announced it was closing six games, including Pioneer Trail.{{Cite news|url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-to-shutter-six-games-including-pioneer-trail/|title=Zynga to Shutter Six Games - Including Pioneer Trail|access-date=April 25, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425185756/http://www.adweek.com/digital/zynga-to-shutter-six-games-including-pioneer-trail/|url-status=live}}

In August 2012, Electronic Arts (EA) sued Zynga for copyright infringement, alleging that Zynga's The Ville copied expressive elements of EA's The Sims Social.{{cite web|last=Thompson|first=Mike|title=Update: EA taking Zynga to court over The Ville|url=http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/08/03/ea-taking-zynga-to-court-over-the-ville/|work=Inside Social Games|publisher=WebMediaBrands|access-date=August 3, 2012|date=August 3, 2012|archive-date=August 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805224618/http://www.insidesocialgames.com/2012/08/03/ea-taking-zynga-to-court-over-the-ville/|url-status=live}} Zynga's counsel responded by alleging that EA's SimCity Social "bears an uncanny resemblance to Zynga's CityVille". The litigants settled their suit in February 2013.{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/ea-and-zynga-settle-the-ville-lawsuits/|title=EA and Zynga settle The Ville lawsuits|work=Engadget|access-date=April 25, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426011657/https://www.engadget.com/2013/02/15/ea-and-zynga-settle-the-ville-lawsuits/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-electronicarts-zynga-lawsuit/electronic-arts-zynga-settle-competing-lawsuits-idUSBRE91E0YG20130215|title=Electronic Arts, Zynga settle competing lawsuits|last=Stempel|first=Jonathan|work=U.S.|access-date=April 25, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183400/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-electronicarts-zynga-lawsuit/electronic-arts-zynga-settle-competing-lawsuits-idUSBRE91E0YG20130215|url-status=live}} The agreement stipulated that each side would bear its own legal costs and drop the allegations.{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/ea-zynga-the-ville-lawsuit-2013-2|title=EA And Zynga Have Given Up On A Pointless Lawsuit Over An All-But-Dead Game|work=Business Insider|access-date=April 25, 2018|archive-date=April 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426011725/http://www.businessinsider.com/ea-zynga-the-ville-lawsuit-2013-2|url-status=live}}

On October 14, 2012, Zynga filed a lawsuit against a former general manager Alan Patmore, for allegedly misappropriating trade secrets. The suit claimed Patmore misappropriated trade secrets and was in breach of contract.{{cite news|url=http://allthingsd.com/20121014/zynga-files-suit-against-former-staffer-claiming-theft-of-trade-secrets/?refcat=news|title=Zynga Files Suit Against Former Staffer, Claiming Theft of Trade Secrets|date=October 14, 2012|access-date=October 15, 2012|publisher=All Things D|archive-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019005812/http://allthingsd.com/20121014/zynga-files-suit-against-former-staffer-claiming-theft-of-trade-secrets/?refcat=news|url-status=live}} The suit was settled in September 2013.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/9/12/4722710/zynga-settles-lawsuit-alan-patmore-kixeye-alleged-theft-of-trade-secrets|title=Zynga settles lawsuit over former GM's alleged theft of trade secrets|last=Sarkar|first=Samit|date=September 12, 2013|website=Polygon|access-date=February 12, 2018|archive-date=February 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212201520/https://www.polygon.com/2013/9/12/4722710/zynga-settles-lawsuit-alan-patmore-kixeye-alleged-theft-of-trade-secrets|url-status=live}}

In July 2012, a class action lawsuit was filed against Zynga, alleging that Mark Pincus and some other insiders were allowed to sell shares before disappointing Q2 results were revealed.{{cite web |last=Primack |first=Dan |url=http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/07/31/fraudville-zynga-sued-for-insider-trading/ |title=FraudVille? Zynga sued for insider trading, CNNMoney |publisher=Finance.fortune.cnn.com |date=July 31, 2012 |access-date=November 19, 2012 |archive-date=October 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005045020/http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/07/31/fraudville-zynga-sued-for-insider-trading/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|last=Orland|first=Kyle|title=Law firms investigating Zynga for insider stock sell-off|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/07/law-firms-investigating-zynga-for-insider-stock-sell-off/|work=Ars Technica|access-date=July 27, 2012|date=July 27, 2012|archive-date=July 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728231014/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/07/law-firms-investigating-zynga-for-insider-stock-sell-off/|url-status=live}} The lawsuit was settled in August 2015 for $23 million.{{cite web|last1=Stempel|first1=Jonathan|title=UPDATE 1-Zynga in $23 mln settlement over alleged fraud tied to IPO|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/zynga-settlement/update-1-zynga-in-23-mln-settlement-over-alleged-fraud-tied-to-ipo-idUSL1N10I2MO20150807|publisher=Reuters|access-date=April 15, 2018|date=August 8, 2015|archive-date=April 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190425/https://www.reuters.com/article/zynga-settlement/update-1-zynga-in-23-mln-settlement-over-alleged-fraud-tied-to-ipo-idUSL1N10I2MO20150807|url-status=live}}

In March 2015, a district judge ruled that plaintiffs can pursue a lawsuit against Zynga on claims executives inflated the company's value prior to its 2011 initial public offering by concealing weaknesses in its R&D pipeline of new games, numbers of users and their purchasing patterns, and other key metrics.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-zynga-lawsuit-idUSKBN0MM1XP20150326|title=Zynga must face U.S. lawsuit alleging fraud tied to IPO|author=Jonathan Stempel 6 :19 UTC|date=March 26, 2015|publisher=reuters.com|access-date=May 3, 2015|archive-date=January 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102053730/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-zynga-lawsuit-idUSKBN0MM1XP20150326|url-status=live}}

In late May 2010, the Norwegian Consumer Council filed a complaint to the Data Inspectorate regarding breaches of the Data Protection Act.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbrukerradet.no/pressemelding/klager-inn-facebook-for-datatilsynet/|title=Klager inn Facebook for Datatilsynet : Forbrukerrådet|date=May 26, 2010|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806145415/https://www.forbrukerradet.no/pressemelding/klager-inn-facebook-for-datatilsynet/|url-status=live}} In August 2011 the Data Inspectorate concluded that Facebook is not under Norwegian jurisdiction, since the company is established in Ireland and not in Norway. The complaint was therefore forwarded to the Irish commissioner of data protection.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbrukerradet.no/pressemelding/irish-law-for-norwegian-facebook-users/|title=Irish law for Norwegian Facebook users : Forbrukerrådet|website=www.forbrukerradet.no|date=August 18, 2011|language=nb-NO|access-date=April 15, 2018|archive-date=April 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415192105/https://www.forbrukerradet.no/pressemelding/irish-law-for-norwegian-facebook-users/|url-status=live}}

In August 2010, the San Francisco city attorney's office complained about the firm's guerrilla marketing campaign for its Mafia Wars game that pasted fake money on city sidewalks, calling it "vandalism".{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/zynga-draws-heat-in-hometown-over-marketing-2010-08-20|title=Zynga catches heat in hometown over marketing ploy|first=John|last=Letzing|website=MarketWatch|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806145411/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/zynga-draws-heat-in-hometown-over-marketing-2010-08-20|url-status=live}} Davis Elen Advertising took responsibility for the ad campaign and agreed to pay the city of San Francisco $45,000 in fines for illegal marketing tactics.{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/5688806/mafia-wars-marketers-take-the-rap-for-vandal-marketing-stunt|title=Mafia Wars Agency Takes The Rap For Vandal-Marketing Stunt|last=Good|first=Owen|work=Kotaku|access-date=April 15, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=April 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190302/https://kotaku.com/5688806/mafia-wars-marketers-take-the-rap-for-vandal-marketing-stunt|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-and-pr-firm-stuck-with-sf-cleaning-bill-2010-8|title=Zynga's Marketing Firm Vandalizes San Francisco, Gets Stuck With Cleaning Bill|work=Business Insider|access-date=April 15, 2018|archive-date=April 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415191851/http://www.businessinsider.com/zynga-and-pr-firm-stuck-with-sf-cleaning-bill-2010-8|url-status=live}}

In September 2019, a Pakistani hacker that goes by the name Gnosticplayers claimed to have hacked into Zynga's database of Words with Friends players and gained access to the 218 million accounts registered there. While Zynga affirmed the hack and that the information revealed included names, emails, Login IDs, hashed and salted passwords (SHA-1), password reset tokens, Zynga account IDs and connections to Facebook and other social media services, they did not state how many accounts were affected, but would contact those players with affected accounts. The data breach-tracking website Have I Been Pwned? affirmed in December 2019 that more than 173 million accounts were affected.{{cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2019/09/30/words-with-friends-player-data-allegedly-stolen-for-218-million-users/ | title = Words With Friends player data allegedly stolen for 218 million users | first = Dean | last = Takahashi | date = September 30, 2019 | access-date = September 30, 2019 | work = Venture Beat | archive-date = September 30, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190930202622/https://venturebeat.com/2019/09/30/words-with-friends-player-data-allegedly-stolen-for-218-million-users/ | url-status = live }}{{cite web |url= https://thehackernews.com/2019/09/zynga-game-hacking.html?m=1 |title= Exclusive Hacker steals over 218 million Zynga's — Words with Friends — game players' login information, including email IDs and passwords |work= TheHackerNews |date= September 29, 2019 |access-date= September 29, 2019 |archive-date= December 8, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191208051648/https://thehackernews.com/2019/09/zynga-game-hacking.html?m=1 |url-status= live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/19/21029682/zynga-hack-words-with-friends-draw-something-password-data-breach | title = Zynga hack affected 170 million accounts | date = December 19, 2019 | access-date = December 19, 2019 | work = The Verge | archive-date = December 19, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191219161355/https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/19/21029682/zynga-hack-words-with-friends-draw-something-password-data-breach | url-status = live }}

• Browser game
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