Author: Dan Gendro

Zynga continues to struggle toward mobile games

| June 11, 2013

Mobile games transition proves turbulent for Zynga

Once-acclaimed game developer Zynga continues to work toward recovering from its recent fall from grace with consumers. The company has faced harsh criticism over the years due to its approach to gaming. Some of this criticism suggests that Zynga blatantly copied other, more popular games in order to attract consumers through confusion. After Facebook cut ties with the developer, the company has been working to reclaim its position through a strong focus on mobile games.

Zynga continues to see financial difficulty and criticism from consumers

Though Zynga believes that mobile games will lead to its eventual ascension to fame, the company is still struggling in its transition into the mobile space. Much of Zynga’s interest in mobile games comes from the success other companies have seen in this sector, such as Japan’s GungHo Online Entertainment. Even major publishers, such as Electronic Arts, have been finding success in mobile games, largely due to the simplistic nature of these games and how much they appeal to a massive number of consumers.

Mobile Games - Zynga strugglesZynga makes drastic cuts to staff

Zynga has been having trouble acclimating to the mobile space, however. The company has yet to produce a single mobile game as much of its focus is currently centered on reinventing itself. While Zynga is making progress toward embracing mobile games, the company has yet to shrug off its complications. Late last week, the company announced that it had laid off 18% of its staff throughout the U.S. This move was meant to save the company as much as $80 million annually but has done little to win the company the confidence of investors who consider Zynga’s acquisition of OMGPOP in 2012 as the mark of the company’s ultimate decline.

OMGPOP now defunct

OMGPOP is the development studio behind the acclaimed Draw Something, which is largely considered to be one of the most successful mobile games on the market. Since acquiring Zynga acquires OMGPOP in 2012 for $200 million, but has had to make several cuts to the development studio in an effort to save money. Zynga had once considered OMGPOP to be a powerful step in its journey toward mobile games, but Zynga closed the studio last week without having it produce another game.

Mobile security threats could become more serious due to 4G networks

| June 9, 2013

4G could exaggerate the mobile security risks that businesses and consumers face

Security has been a growing concern in the mobile space for years. As consumers become more reliant on mobile technology, the more malicious parties begin to target smartphones and tablets to attain valuable information. Security concerns have become more pronounced due to the growing popularity of mobile commerce. With mobile payments growing more common, mobile security has become a top priority for many businesses and organizations around the world. Voltage is one such company.

Voltage predicts surge in cyber crime

Voltage is a leading security firm that believes a surge in cyber crime is on the horizon. While the advent of mobile commerce has lead to a rise in hacking and other such attacks, it may be the expansion of the 4G network that could make threats significantly more dangerous for consumers and businesses alike. Voltage suggests that the introduction of 4G speeds could leave businesses, especially, somewhat exposed to cyber attacks.

Mobile Security Threats 4GMobile devices may not be as secure as they can be

4G connectivity allows consumers using mobile devices to access the Internet more quickly. For businesses, 4G means faster online services, which could mean better consumer engagement. Many businesses already encourage employees to use their mobile devices for a variety of purposes, especially when it comes to consumer engagement. As 4G connectivity becomes more common, these devices may begin to pose a significant mobile security threat for businesses, as these devices are not necessarily protected against the major risks they face.

Consumers and businesses encouraged to take steps to protect themselves

Voltage suggests that businesses should take steps to protect themselves from the expansion of 4G networks. These networks themselves are not considered a problem, but they could become a very popular avenue for hackers and malicious groups that are looking to take advantage of any mobile security shortfalls that may exist. Consumers are also being encouraged to take measures to protect themselves, especially those that participate in mobile commerce.