Zynga Launches New Game, Poker Blitz

This week Zynga launched its latest new game, Poker Blitz. This game does not replace Zynga's earlier poker game, Zynga Poker, which remains Zynga's third-largest title at 28 million monthly active users. Instead, Poker Blitz is targeting a different user demographic. Poker Blitz features a full graphical interface, including YoVille-like customizable avatars, and gives players special powers they can use to improve the quality of their hand. 

The game is also one-on-one against the dealer instead of a true multiplayer game like Zynga Poker. Rounds are limited to 60 seconds (though this can be extended somewhat by winning hands) and players can only play a limited number of rounds per day. Poker Blitz is in beta, so players currently can't pay to extend their time, but it seems likely. There are also inventory areas that will likely be for collectibles and an inaccessible "virtual home" area that will likely be customizable. 

As in real poker, users can bet virtual currency on the outcome of hands, though Poker Blitz limits the amount players can bet early on. The ability to modify bet amounts, double down, or do other basic things in Texas Hold 'Em poker is unlocked as the player levels up. In some ways, Poker Blitz functions as a poker tutorial that may serve to prepare new social gamers for the more rigorous and skill-based play in Zynga Poker.

The most unusual aspect of the game's current iteration is that players must subscribe to Zynga's email feed in order to play, which is a violation of Facebook's developer guidelines. Zynga may intend to remove this in future iterations, as Facebook usually requires that players have the ability to opt out. Other Zynga games are designed to permit this. For now, Poker Blitz seems to indicate that Zynga's new games are going to continue to be FarmVille-style affairs meant for broad, general audiences. 

Join us for the App Developers Conference – October 26-27, 2011 in Santa Clara