Caroline Beinke, an employee for liberal, Australian politician Victor Dominello has been given permission by her boss to play Bejeweled Blitz while on the job. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Beinke needs a distraction to pass the time while taking long phone calls. How much do you want him for a boss?
"When I have long conversations on the phone to constituents it is my version of doodling, a mental chewing gum of sorts," Beinke said. That's odd, because PopCap's gem-buster gets pretty intense in my sessions. Regardless, Dominello said that it is alright with him if it's alright with the Speaker. "My staff work very very hard," Dominello said. "If they are sitting at their desk on hold to a department for 15 minutes, I do not have a problem with it."
Unfortunately, Legislative Assembly Speaker Richard Torbay said he would deny the approval, though he has yet to see it, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. "I put filters in place to stop staff accessing inappropriate websites in the Parliament and I do not think we should be paying people to play games, " Torbay said. Oh, lighten up, guy. We all need a break once in a while, right?
Not to mention this isn't the first time social games have crept their way into the political world, either. Bulgarian politician Dimitar Kerin was removed from his party last year for playing too much FarmVille. His defense? "He said he had reached only Level 40, whereas Daniela Zhelyazkova, a councilor from the rightist Democrats for Strong Bulgaria party, was already at Level 46."
[Via Kill Screen Magazine Twitter]
[Image Credit: We Interrupt]
Do you play social games at work or have you ever asked permission? How do you feel about social games in the workplace?
Friday, January 6, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Cafe World gets new Cookbook in scrumptious update
Finally, Zynga has taken it upon itself to update the unnavigable horror that once was the Cafe World Cookbook. It seems the company has applied many of the same principles in its Catering redesign to the new menu. At last, you can sort the list of recipes by cuisine, name, level requirement and more. Mousing over recipes will reveal cooking statistics like Cafe Points yielded and servings created. It's unsure when the update will be released or whether it's slowly rolling out to players now, but keep your eyes peeled as you work on that 7th Inning Snacks Order. Hopefully this is just a taste of future interface updates across Zynga games. (If only Flash had a spell checker--take a close look five seconds in.)
Have you seen the new Cookbook make way into your game? What do you think of the redesign and what else do you think could use a second look?
Have you seen the new Cookbook make way into your game? What do you think of the redesign and what else do you think could use a second look?
Playdom's Deep Realms launches on Facebook
Several weeks ago, Games.com - The Blog! got a sneak peek at a new casual role-playing game from Playdom called Deep Realms -- and today the game officially launches on Facebook.
"We wanted to make a social game for core players, a game that we, as developers, would want to play," says Deep Realms Executive Producer Alex Ou. "Deep Realms introduces the depth of console RPGs to social gamers with elements of interaction that go beyond those in the current generation of social games."
To start the game, you create an avatar and then take off on a journey that will have you finding hidden treasure and fighting big monsters -- growing your skills as you progress. Even though this game is designed to be "a game for gamers" -- it will still have to be casual enough to appeal to the people more likely to play games on Facebook.
We'll be taking a closer look at this game in the next couple of days to see if it achieves that balance. In the meantime, you can check it out for yourself at http://apps.facebook.com/deeprealms/.
Looking for friends to play Deep Realms with?
"We wanted to make a social game for core players, a game that we, as developers, would want to play," says Deep Realms Executive Producer Alex Ou. "Deep Realms introduces the depth of console RPGs to social gamers with elements of interaction that go beyond those in the current generation of social games."
To start the game, you create an avatar and then take off on a journey that will have you finding hidden treasure and fighting big monsters -- growing your skills as you progress. Even though this game is designed to be "a game for gamers" -- it will still have to be casual enough to appeal to the people more likely to play games on Facebook.
We'll be taking a closer look at this game in the next couple of days to see if it achieves that balance. In the meantime, you can check it out for yourself at http://apps.facebook.com/deeprealms/.
Looking for friends to play Deep Realms with?
FarmVille English Countryside Cheats and Tips: A Characters Guide
One of the most touted features of English Countryside, the first ever expansion to FarmVille, is its focus on characters and storyline. Sure, it's a feature that's seen liberal use in both FrontierVille and CityVille, but does that fact make it any less exciting? Not really. To finally have one of the biggest improvements in Zynga's game design come full circle is certainly something to be psyched about, especially with the implications for the future. But since the expansion is only one day old, let's focus on the now and take a detailed look at the game's current cast of characters.
Duke
Duke, The Airship Pilot
This is the bloke who started it all. It's Duke who swoops--more like crashes--in to tell you that he and his friends in the English Countryside need your farming expertise to bring their farmland back to its former glory. So, it's your job to fix his airship and follow him back to England and get started on your second farm. It wouldn't be wrong to consider Duke the proverbial Frontier Jack of this game, guiding you along in Goals and introducing you to new characters. Now, does Duke have any single nieces?
Angus
Angus, The Sheep Breeder
This little fellow knows more than you think about running a farm, especially when it comes to livestock. Angus is the local sheep breeder, and is ready to pass his limitless knowledge of the woolly creatures to you. This bugger is the guy who will narrate and guide all of your Sheep Breeding quests until you get the hang of it. He even gives you a few of his own prized ram and ewe to start. But this all gets us thinking, where are his parents?
Agnes
Agnes, The Arborist
This lady sure knows how to grow an apple tree or two. Agnes will reintroduce you to the world of Orchards and will guide you along in building your very own. She also has a stash of supplies, and if you complete the Goals she provides, she'll throw you a couple shovels and watering cans. Aw, isn't she just special?
Olivia
Olivia, The Pub Keeper
This tanned maiden runs the local pub, but is on the brink of leaving it all behind, according to Duke. She has a serious rat problem in her fine establishment that's literally driving the customers away. So, she's asked for your help to keep the rodentia at bay while you provide her with more ingredients to brew her famous beers and wines. Olivia will guide you through the process of using Bushels to create new recipes in this brand new Crafting Building.
Lily
Lily, The Dairy Farmer
While she's yet to make an appearance in the English Countryside for most players, Lily is a cheese master. We first heard word of her from a postcard she sent to us on our old farms, declaring her excitement to finally meet you. We imagine that Lily will introduce us to the Dairy Farm, a new building that will double as a stable for Cows and a Crafting Building in which we'll make--what else?--cheese!
Professor Milton
Professor Milton, The Archaeologist
Don't ask us what a fossil nut is doing on a farm, but Professor Milton is your go-to guy for all things old and underground. We doubt many players have seen him in the game as of yet, but he's around here somewhere. All we can guess is that old Prof will introduce us to a brand new, unique feature.
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
What do you think of Zynga's new focus on character development in FarmVille? Are there any characters that you've met which we have yet to mention?
Duke
Duke, The Airship Pilot
This is the bloke who started it all. It's Duke who swoops--more like crashes--in to tell you that he and his friends in the English Countryside need your farming expertise to bring their farmland back to its former glory. So, it's your job to fix his airship and follow him back to England and get started on your second farm. It wouldn't be wrong to consider Duke the proverbial Frontier Jack of this game, guiding you along in Goals and introducing you to new characters. Now, does Duke have any single nieces?
Angus
Angus, The Sheep Breeder
This little fellow knows more than you think about running a farm, especially when it comes to livestock. Angus is the local sheep breeder, and is ready to pass his limitless knowledge of the woolly creatures to you. This bugger is the guy who will narrate and guide all of your Sheep Breeding quests until you get the hang of it. He even gives you a few of his own prized ram and ewe to start. But this all gets us thinking, where are his parents?
Agnes
Agnes, The Arborist
This lady sure knows how to grow an apple tree or two. Agnes will reintroduce you to the world of Orchards and will guide you along in building your very own. She also has a stash of supplies, and if you complete the Goals she provides, she'll throw you a couple shovels and watering cans. Aw, isn't she just special?
Olivia
Olivia, The Pub Keeper
This tanned maiden runs the local pub, but is on the brink of leaving it all behind, according to Duke. She has a serious rat problem in her fine establishment that's literally driving the customers away. So, she's asked for your help to keep the rodentia at bay while you provide her with more ingredients to brew her famous beers and wines. Olivia will guide you through the process of using Bushels to create new recipes in this brand new Crafting Building.
Lily
Lily, The Dairy Farmer
While she's yet to make an appearance in the English Countryside for most players, Lily is a cheese master. We first heard word of her from a postcard she sent to us on our old farms, declaring her excitement to finally meet you. We imagine that Lily will introduce us to the Dairy Farm, a new building that will double as a stable for Cows and a Crafting Building in which we'll make--what else?--cheese!
Professor Milton
Professor Milton, The Archaeologist
Don't ask us what a fossil nut is doing on a farm, but Professor Milton is your go-to guy for all things old and underground. We doubt many players have seen him in the game as of yet, but he's around here somewhere. All we can guess is that old Prof will introduce us to a brand new, unique feature.
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
What do you think of Zynga's new focus on character development in FarmVille? Are there any characters that you've met which we have yet to mention?
FarmVille Mystery Game receives English animal update
In honor of the launch of the English Countryside in FarmVille, Zynga has updated the Mystery Game with a full set of English animals. This Mystery Game udpated later than usual this week, rather than the Sunday night update that became the norm during the Winter Holiday season. We're not sure if this means that FarmVille is back to its original Tues/Thursday update scheme, but it is something to think about.
As for the Mystery Game itself, it will cost you 20 Farm Cash per dart, which is more than the normal price tag of 16 Farm Cash. For that price, you'll have a chance of receiving one of six animals:
Hedgehog
Jersey Cow
Mole
Red Fox
Short Hair Cat
Thoroughbred Horse
Of course, if you receive either the Jersey Cow or the Thoroughbred Horse, these two do come with the possibility of offspring. Place the Jersey Cow in the Dairy Farm and you'll have a chance at a Jersey Calf, while placing the Thoroughbred Horse in the Horse Stable will give you a chance to breed a Thoroughbred Foal that can be shared with friends.
You'll only have a few more days to win these exclusive items, so play fast to not miss your chance.
Which animal did you win from this week's Mystery Game?
As for the Mystery Game itself, it will cost you 20 Farm Cash per dart, which is more than the normal price tag of 16 Farm Cash. For that price, you'll have a chance of receiving one of six animals:
Hedgehog
Jersey Cow
Mole
Red Fox
Short Hair Cat
Thoroughbred Horse
Of course, if you receive either the Jersey Cow or the Thoroughbred Horse, these two do come with the possibility of offspring. Place the Jersey Cow in the Dairy Farm and you'll have a chance at a Jersey Calf, while placing the Thoroughbred Horse in the Horse Stable will give you a chance to breed a Thoroughbred Foal that can be shared with friends.
You'll only have a few more days to win these exclusive items, so play fast to not miss your chance.
Which animal did you win from this week's Mystery Game?
FarmVille English Countryside Sweepstakes: Head to England in the real world too!
With the launch of the English Countryside in FarmVille comes the launch of the official English Countryside Sweepstakes, being thrown by Zynga. Zynga has been previewing this sweepstakes for a couple of weeks now, alerting players that some very lucky farmers are going to win free, real-world trips to England via the contest.
You'll see that the contest is now available to enter via a new bar that has appeared underneath the FarmVille gameplay window (whether you're playing on your Home Farm or in your new English Farm). You will need to have completed the Bon Voyage Party, or have simply bought your way into England in order to enter this contest.
The rules are simple: Once you've unlocked your second farm, simply travel to that farm to earn an entry into the sweepstakes. You'll be eligible to earn three more entries everyday of the contest by harvesting crops in the English Countryside, up to a maximum of 64 total entries per person during the contest's run, that ends on April 12.
Five Grand Prize winners will receive a 5 night trip for two to England, a mini HD video camera, and $5,000 in spending cash. 25 First Prizes offer 1,000 Farm Cash and a real-world FarmVille hoodie, and finally, 500 Second Prize winners will receive 150 Farm Cash.
What are you waiting for? If you haven't made your way to England make sure to check out our complete guide on how to reach your second farm the fastest, so you can start racking up entries to the contest! Good luck!
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
Have you entered the English Countryside sweepstakes yet, or are you still trying to make your way over the pond?
You'll see that the contest is now available to enter via a new bar that has appeared underneath the FarmVille gameplay window (whether you're playing on your Home Farm or in your new English Farm). You will need to have completed the Bon Voyage Party, or have simply bought your way into England in order to enter this contest.
The rules are simple: Once you've unlocked your second farm, simply travel to that farm to earn an entry into the sweepstakes. You'll be eligible to earn three more entries everyday of the contest by harvesting crops in the English Countryside, up to a maximum of 64 total entries per person during the contest's run, that ends on April 12.
Five Grand Prize winners will receive a 5 night trip for two to England, a mini HD video camera, and $5,000 in spending cash. 25 First Prizes offer 1,000 Farm Cash and a real-world FarmVille hoodie, and finally, 500 Second Prize winners will receive 150 Farm Cash.
What are you waiting for? If you haven't made your way to England make sure to check out our complete guide on how to reach your second farm the fastest, so you can start racking up entries to the contest! Good luck!
Check out the rest of our English Countryside coverage right here.
Have you entered the English Countryside sweepstakes yet, or are you still trying to make your way over the pond?
Friday, December 30, 2011
Game of the Day: Arctic Quest 2
The Game of the Day has got your word games, right here! In Arctic Quest 2, the the son of the Snow King sets out to turn Earth into an icy prison for all living creatures. To foil his evil plans, you must solve 100 inlay puzzles. New powers are available to help you win, including water elements that can fill in the empty pieces of a puzzle and fire elements that can wipe out all of your hard work!
Click --> Play Arctic Quest 2
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
Click --> Play Arctic Quest 2
Important side note: Just by playing The Game of the Day you will be entered into a monthly drawing to win a FlipCam HD. You don't need to do anything else, just play! The more you play, the more chances you have to win. For more information on the Game of Day check out the official Game of the Day hub.
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