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Zynga: On the hunt for domain names for its next big Facebook or mobile game

Zynga

As pointed out by Games.com blogger Joe Osborne, Zynga is looking for ideas on making its next game.  The survey, which can be found here, asks respondents “What games would you like to play?” 

“We want your input. We’ve got a lot of fun ideas, but we want to know which games you would be most excited to play. Please help us by rating the following game ideas on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 = I love the idea and 1 = I’m not interested at all. Thank you for your feedback!” 

Joe Osborne on Games.com wrote, “The game ideas span Hollywood acting and production to acting as a music mogul. But our favorite from the list is absolutely the idea for a pirates game in which players sail the high seas in search of treasure and–gasp!–romance aboard a massive ship.”

Zynga games and domains

If you know anything about Zynga, you know that the company buys domain names on the aftermarket. 

The social gaming giant paid only $400 on Sedo in April 2008 for YoVille.com.  But the company also spends thousands, paying $38,225 in June 2010 at Moniker for the domain name CityVille.com.  One of the company’s most recent aftermarket purchases for a developed title, was Rewardville.com for $4,500.

The company also looks for bargains, with its latest title Empires & Allies, apparently using a web address that was purchased for around $10 last summer.

On Thursday, the company registered several domains, likely as part of a brand protection strategy.  Although hidden by WHOIS privacy the domains were registered through MarkMonitor and include MafiaWarsBrazil.com and Drop7byZynga.com.

This week’s survey gives Zynga and domain enthusiasts a chance to speculate on the next game title.

“MYSTERY VILLE” “MYSTERY WORLD”

While MysteryVille.com and MysteryWorld.com are already taken, Zynga has plenty of options when it comes to thinking up new game titles.  The first question in the survey asked readers how they felt about solving mysteries with friends. 

“Every crime scene tells a story. Become the world’s most famous detective, travel to exotic locations, solve the toughest mysteries and capture the most notorious villains with the help of your friends.”

“HOLLYWOOD VILLE” “HOLLYWOOD WORLD”

You guessed it, Hollywoodville.com and Hollyworld.com are also taken. 

Zynga asked respondents for their thoughts on a game that lets you become a Hollywood VIP. 

“Be a star of the silver screen, produce the next blockbuster, run the industry’s top talent agency and more. Fame, fashion and fun await in the city of angels as you and your friends become Hollywood VIPs.”

While Zynga uses other phrases in its game titles, it’s not known for straying to far from its well recognized brands.  It’s latest take on hangman for the iOS is called Hanging with Friends, but the company also registered hangmanwithfriends.com back in early May.

There are other teasers in the survey, including one legendary tale of Robin Hood and Maid Marian as you protect the people from the King’s evil henchmen.

Do you own a domain that you think Zynga might want for its next blockbuster game?

Readers: Feel free to share your thoughts on Zynga’s next game based on what you read in the survey.

2 replies on “Zynga: On the hunt for domain names for its next big Facebook or mobile game”

Since Zynga is on the hunt.  They might need Crosshair.com for the title of a new game.

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