Yup, Zynga is still worth more than EA, recent filing reveals

A few months ago, Zynga's estimated valuation was rumored to be nearly $10 billion. Now, a recent Zynga filing reveals a sale of $490 million in shares slated for March of this year, Inside Social Games reports.

That number could indicate a post-money valuation, or an estimation of how much it's worth, of $9.1 billion. (Dr. Evil is rolling in his space pod right now.) This is all thanks to several big-name investors like Morgan Stanley, Fidelity Investments, T. Rowe Price and Kleiner Perkins.

However, Inside Social Games says that it's more complicated than that, thanks to several sales of Zynga stock in both directions that haven't been officially confirmed. In other words, Mark Pincus and crew have been vigilant of keeping their exact worth under wraps until the company decides to go public at some point. And, according to the New York Times, don't count on that in 2011. (Sorry, small time investors.)

Regardless, a slightly more confirmed valuation of $9.1 billion still has Zynga in the running as the second most valuable gaming company in the world. According to TechCrunch, EA is worth around $6.2 billion while Activision Blizzard sits pretty at $13 billion. So yes, Zynga is just about as loaded as we thought it was, and it's all thanks to our addictions to uniquely-colored Cows and Sheep.

Do you think Zynga could eventually surpass Activision? How will the two publishers respond to both being beaten by Zynga and it encroaching on the number one spot?

Like cutesy birds? How about ropes? Then you'll love Rope Rescue

How do you best the crazy success of two of your most beloved iOS games? Make one game to rule them all! At least that's what seems to be EA and Chillingo's idea behind Rope Rescue. This upcoming game for iOS devices is set to release "soon," according to video posted by Kotaku's Brian Crecente (found below).

The game was spotted at an EA fall preview event, and it challenges players with--using a rope attached to one bird across pulleys and avoiding obstacles--freeing a slew of caged birds. Hmm, colorful, animated birds guiding ropes that are in danger of being cut?

That sounds as if Chillingo and EA are looking to hook Angry Birds and Cut the Rope (you know, the two astronomical iPhone games?) fans--though, that could entirely coincidental. In the duo's defense, neither are these birds "angry" nor is the goal of the game to "cut the rope." (In fact, your mission is to keep the rope intact amidst floating knives, bursts of flame and other threats.)


There looks to be around 60 levels that will be ready at launch, which will grow in complexity as you progress. And as you rescue more birds, they will be featured in a bird sanctuary of sorts. It also displays secret butterflies, should you manage to find them in each level. No official release date or price was announced during the event, but Kotaku seems to think we'll be seeing the game this September. Stay tuned, folks: This might be the next Angry Birds ... or should I say Cut the Rope? Oh, whatever.

[Image Credit: Modojo]

Are you psyched for an iOS game that has both birds and ropes in it? Do you think Rope Rescue could take off like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope did for Chillingo?

Want exclusive freebies in The Sims Social? Register on the forums

I'd put away that credit card, if I were you, at least for the moment. I know, it's burning a hole and blah, blah, blah, but Playfish recently announced that it will give The Sims Social players exclusive freebies on a regular basis, but under one condition: You have to register on the Playfish forums. In fact, the game's community team created a new forum category just for this purpose.

Starting last week, Playfish gave away some free Relaxation--an ingredient used in crafting Fun Potions--in a short 24-hour window. So, it looks like, if you do decide to partake in the freebie-fest, you'll have to visit the Playfish forums on a regular basis to catch the next free giveaway that pops up. Perhaps eventually the developer will start to dole some beefier prizes like decorations for your Sim's house or straight-up Simoleons and Social Points.

EA and Playfish have been on a freebie frenzy as of late for all The Sims Social players. Just recently, the developer announced a week-long event in which it will post even more handouts on its Facebook page. At this point, we can't help but ask: Why? Well, considering just how close The Sims Social is to overtaking Zynga's CityVille as the number one game on Facebook in daily players, we're not surprised that Playfish would be pulling all the stops. To register on the Playfish forums, click right here.

Have you been reaping the rewards from Playfish on the forums and on The Sims Social Facebook page? What do you think of the game so far? Share with us in the comments. 1 Comment