Amazon Wants a Piece of the Social Media and Social Games Pie (SocialMediaToday.com)
While the Forrester Survey revealed that 84% of companies had no plans to use online social games for their marketing strategies, Amazon has started a new Social Games Group to take on Zynga. With this new development, perhaps more companies may begin to consider integrating games into their strategy.
Best Buy’s Dive Into CityVille: What We Can Learn (SocialTimes.com)
The effect of social gaming on marketing efforts isn’t only limited to how to get people to play the game. In the case of Best Buy, teaming up with Zynga’s CityVille creates better brand awareness by allowing players to interact with the brand in the game. In turn, Zynga also finds a marketing opportunity on Best Buy’s fan gate.
Nintendos and Don’ts: Nintendo Finally Socializes (IgniteSocialMedia.com)
Among gaming consoles, Nintendo has a habit of resisting inevitable innovations. This includes resisting the pull of social media which the Xbox and Playstation have readily embraced. Although Nintendo has now given into the need to establish a social media presence, there is still much that the company needs to learn.
Social Media Scores a Touchdown with the NFL (DigitalOperative.com)
Going social isn’t only for online games. When it comes to keeping fans informed and interested even when it isn’t game day, the NFL turns to social media. Today, fans can follow specific players or teams and even commentators to keep the sports conversation going.
Farmville For Real Farming: Grow The Planet Launches Social Network To Teach You To Grow Your Own Food (TechCrunch.com)
With organic food and personal vegetable gardens on the rise, start-up company Grow the Planet takes advantage of the booming gardening market by making a Farmville for the real world. As a social network for hobby farmers, Grow the Planet aims to aggregate information and tips, and offer a venue for these farmers to trade advice or even their own produce.