While you might hate browser game FarmVille, Facebook revealed that it needs the game's developer, Zynga.
In its recent SCE filing, Facebook stated, "We currently generate significant revenue as a result of our relationship with Zynga, and, if we are unable to successfully maintain this relationship, our financial results could be harmed."
According to Facebook, Zynga accounted for 12 percent of revenue in 2011, either from microtransactions or Zynga ads running on Facebook. What's more, there are millions of eyes on Zynga browser game pages, which translate to millions looking at ads from other companies on Facebook.
"If the use of Zynga games on our Platform declines," Facebook stated, "if Zynga launches games on or migrates games to competing platforms, or if we fail to maintain good relations with Zynga, we may lose Zynga as a significant Platform developer and our financial results may be adversely affected."
And while Facebook expects users and revenue to decline over time, it needs developers like Zynga with proven track records. So you may hate Zynga and its stupid farms, but Facebook sure doesn't—those microtransactions make the world go round. No wonder Facebook is thinking of charging for non-gaming apps.
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(Top photo: Justin Sullivan | Getty)