Google+ Games shows its colors with new game discovery features

The seemingly endless tit for tat battle between Google+ and Facebook may finally be over. Well, at least where games are concerned. The search giant of the same name (minus the "+") issued an update to Google+ Games that includes three new ways for players to discover which games to play next. The lists are "Top Games"," "New Games" and "Staff Picks."

They're pretty much self-explanatory, but the key takeaway here is that features like these take full advantage of the fact that Google+ Games is its own tucked-away section of the social network. Therefore, Google has opted to take more of an app store approach that you'd find at Apple's App Store or the Android Market than Facebook's highly ad-driven and social approach.

Each list appears on the left hand sidebar of the Google+ Games home page, and clicking on each opens a new page. While the way each list is populated is entirely different, they each look identical. Each page features a number of game icons in a grid layout, and mousing over each reveals a description of the game and the option to play. If a player wants to find the newest games on Google+, the guy or gal can simply click on "New Games" and instantly find brand new games to play.

Well, brand new in theory: The majority of social games on Google+ are already available on Facebook, save for exclusive releases like The Godfather: Five Families and GT Racing: Motor Academy. As the platform matures, game discovery features like these could be the selling point for Google+ Games. Your move, Facebook.

Do you think these features could pique your interest in gaming on Google+ once it brings in more games? How do you think Facebook will respond ?

Vostu goes for (another) Goooaaal with GolMania on Google+

Alright, so we just really like saying "Goooaaal!" At any rate, Brazilian social game maker Vostu has released its impressive soccer/football game GolMania on Google+. According to the developer, over 35 million matches have been played since GolMania's release on Facebook and Orkut in September. We're gonna' guess that's thanks to the game's real-time multiplayer.

Well, that and the game's smooth animations, skilled-based play mechanics and flashy visuals. GolMania was developed by MP Studio, a recent addition to Vostu responsible for several themed web games for brands like Nickelodeon and Coca-Cola. We generally don't recommend gamers play Google+ ports of Facebook games in the interest of, well, having friends. But since GolMania runs on the Vostu Game Network, players can compete across social networks.

Since the game launched earlier this fall, Vostu has introduced interpretations of real-life football clubs, like Boca Juniors and River Plate Buenos Aires, the two most famous clubs in Argentina, according to the developer. While the game is currently only available in Portugese, Spanish and English, Vostu didn't pass up the chance for some friendly trash talk: "So far, when the legendary match-up occurs between players from Brazil and players from Italy, Brazil wins 56 percent of the time."

Of course, GolMania doesn't forget that its a cartoon soccer world. Players can duke it out in real time on the moon, bounce the ball off stadium walls and--perhaps the most fanciful--tackle players without fear of a red card. In other words, prepare to take your hand off the mouse in a social game for once.

Click here to play GolMania on Google+ Now >

Have you tried GolMania yet on Facebook or Orkut? Do real-time, 3D multiplayer games have a chance on social networks?

Zynga looks to give CityVille a boost, launches on Google+ Games

CityVille might have just scored a much-needed shot in the arm, as Zynga's most popular Facebook game has launched on Google+. Zynga announced the move today, and the game is already playable on the platform. Unfortunately, folks who decide to take the plunge into CityVille on Google+ Games will have to start all over again.

But considering its top game has been in decline in both monthly and daily players for some time, it's clear that Zynga is looking for new users with this move. Before today, CityVille was exclusive to Facebook for Western audiences, though the developer will soon expand the game to Asian audiences on the Tencent social network.

It was previously understood that Zynga had an agreement with Facebook that prevented the company from launching its games on directly-competing platforms. It looks like there is some fine print in that exclusivity deal that allows Zynga to do just that. This is especially evident considering Zynga has already released Zynga Poker to Google+ Games. With the largest Facebook game now on Google+ Games, Facebook's competitor just received reinforcements in its battle for social gaming dominance. (Now, Google+ has a whopping 18 social games!)

However, this move also speaks to Zynga's growing understanding that it needs to expand to grow its thriving business. With games like EA's The Sims Social gaining fast on the red dog's top spot with now over 60 million monthly players, competition is growing for the developer on Facebook.

Zynga is also hopeful that diversification will help the company grow and increase revenues ahead of its planned $1 billion IPO (initial public offering), the prospects of which have become shaky lately. Hopefully for Google, the presence of a huge name like CityVille will instill confidence in developers to bring new game ideas to Google+.

[Via VentureBeat]

Do you plan to try out CityVille on Google+ Games? Do you think CityVille has seen its best days, or will this expansion help the game find its second wind? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment