The estimated reading time for this post is 4 minutes
The Wonder of Tech is delighted to welcome guest author Reese Jones.
Over the past three decades video games have become an integral part of everyday life. 72% of American households play computer or video games, according to the latest statistics released by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Despite the reputation for games appealing to teenagers, the average player is 30 years old and has been playing video games for 12 years. As consumers spent a mighty $24.75 billion on video games, hardware and accessories in 2011, game designers are always coming up with new ways to appeal to audiences.†
One target market they are trying to appeal to is the so-called ‘casual gamer’, someone who didn’t define themselves as a keen video game player, but enjoys the odd game on their smartphone or tablet. After all, 33% of gamers play games on their smartphones, and 25% play games on a handheld device. As Facebook is one of the undeniable success stories of the internet – almost everyone seems to have an account there – games that appeal to Facebook users are the natural next step to appeal to both the casual and keen video game player.
Here are our top three multi-player Facebook games:
SongPop
Are you Top of the Pops? If you think you are, then SongPop may be music to your ears. It’s a quiz game based on listening to clips of songs. Players can challenge friends, as well as play against strangers. Although some users do think the app does need some tuning, the majority agree that it’s a fun-packed addition to the app world. If X-Factor or Pop Idol get you grasping for smartphones, then this could be one for you.
Pros
The game is one of those simple concepts that is super-addictive and will pull you in straight away. It works well as a multi-player game and really gets you in that competitive spirit. SongPop will remind you of old classics that you’ve forgotten and maybe start a renaissance in your music collection. The game could also be a great way to get in practice for those tricky Trivial Pursuit entertainment questions. The game’s features are now pretty attractive with high scores, tips, Twitter integration and weekly tournament bonus.
Cons
The game is still a bit of a work in progress with quite a few bugs squirming about. A recent update has not quite exterminated all of them, alas. The database is a little thin on the ground still, so the song selections get a little repetitive.
It could also do with a tie-breaker for drawn games.
SongPop is available free on Facebook and as an app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch at the iTunes App Store and for Android devices at Google Play.
Draw Something
This game is arguably the biggest draw in town. All you have to do is pick a word to etch and sit back and laugh as your friends try pen down what it is.
Pros
Even if you are not a budding Picasso, you can still have fun with your doodles. It even works on your smartphone! Lots of colours appeal to those looking to make their sunsets more spectacular. If you haven’t got time to sit through a whole game, then the turn-based Gameplay is perfect when you using your iPad or phone on the go. There is no shortage of takers for Draw Something, so you will always have someone to play against.
Cons
Users are experiencing a few glitches with the Android version.
Draw Something is available on Facebook and as a free app on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch from the iTunes App Store and for Android phones from Google Play.
Farmville 2
Learn all about the outdoors without getting your hands dirty. Ideal for those looking to muck about with a role-playing game on farming.
Pros
What’s not to like? You can help make cakes and tarts. The graphics are really sharp and will appeal to grown-ups and kids alike. Farmville 2 is an in-depth progressive game play that allows you to see the fruits of your labours.
Cons
You may get so involved you forget to go get your real groceries! Nevermind, you can always get out your phone and order something from a real shop.
Farmville 2 is available on Facebook. No mobile apps are available yet for this game.
Do you like to play games online? On your mobile device? On your game player? Have you tried any of these games? Let us know in the Comments section below!
† Statistics source: Entertainment Software Association
About the Author
Reese Jones is a tech and gadget lover, a die-hard fan of iOS and console games. She started her writing venture earlier this year and writes about everything from quick tech tips, to mobile-specific news from O2 to tech-related DIY.
Good Morning Carolyn, O my! Facebook games. I so use to be into the facebook games. That actually how I started with my online marketing. I probably had one of the largest most productive farms in farmville…hahahaha……The problem is after awhile they are very time consuming and addictive if I may add. For the person who just wants to unwind, meet allot of really cool people, for sure —facebook games are the way to go! You introduced 3 unique games that I did not even now they had. I am excited to see the farmville 2, as I am sure everyone outgrew their farmville 1. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Carol, Yes, Reese did a good job in showing us these three games. I was a big Farmville fan too but it was difficult to keep both a blog and an farm going so I gave up my farm.
I tried SongPop last night for the first time and it was actually a lot of fun! You only play for a short time, you identify five songs in a few seconds. It’s a fun break when you need a mini-mental vacation.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Carol.
Heya Carol and Carolyn,
Glad to know you both like my article. Games like ‘SongPop’ can be addictive, the thing is you don’t have to devote hours just to maintain what you gain in the game. Personally I often play ‘SongPop’ with my friends, indeed it is a very good stress reliever. With the simple game mechanics, you just have to sing your lungs out 🙂
I love Scrabble. It gives a discussion area and help areas. Games can last a week or more depending on travel, work, and life in general. I’ve been playing with various people over the last 2 years.
Hi Lee, Do you play Scrabble on your iPad? Does it match you with friends, strangers or both?
I’ve been playing Words with Friends (review here: https://wonderoftech.com/words-with-friends-for-friendly-fun/) and it’s been a lot of fun connecting with Facebook friends through the game.
Like your Scrabble games, my WWF games can last for weeks. I like that there is no pressure to respond quickly. If you get busy, you can put your turn on the back burner until you have time to spare.
No, just on the laptop. My wife plays “solitaire” French Scrabble on the iPad at the top level against the computer. She says they use words that don’t exist sometimes…she even checks them with good French dictionaries — I don’t think she’s right on this but probably they are far out words…just like some of the English words.
Wow, that’s interesting, Lee. I wonder if there is a Scrabble dictionary in French. I’m thinking there probably is one. Some Scrabble words in English I never see but for Scrabble .
Of course there is. There’s one also within the iPad Scrabble game — opt for the French language in options. It is very good my problem is I can speak and read the language but in terms of spelling words I would be slaughtered.
Hi Lee, Yes, playing Scrabble in a different language would be very challenging, but what a great teaching tool for students who are learning a new language!
Hi Lee,
I have personal favorites on the iPad like the classic ‘Bookworms’ and ‘Text Twist’. Have you tried them?
Hi Reese,
Welcome to Carolyn’s place…
I’m not a big game player. The only thing I’ve ever enjoyed playing is solitaire. I know, I’m pretty boring. I’ll play it on the computer when I’m waiting for someone sometimes but I have a hand held game I’ve had for years. I’ll play it when I’m watching TV.
Since Carolyn introduced me to the iPod Touch last year I now play it on there too. Other then that, I’ve never heard of most of these games. I have Farmville, my goodness people went nuts for that awhile back.
I just really don’t have time for games in all honesty. But I know a lot of people that do nothing all day long but play games on Facebook. And they wonder why they never get anything done.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, That may be me soon. Since Reese introduced me to SongPop, I have become hooked. My husband and two of my daughters. Are playing now too. Luckily there is one member of our family who was willing to walk the dog today!
Thank you Adrienne for welcoming me here 🙂
Well I still play solitaire from time to time. Nothing beats classic especially when you are surrounded by all these growing technology games. Sometimes when you are really hooked, you didn’t realize the amount of time you spend in playing. I suggest you should try other card game or games with a simple aim like “Fruit Ninja” or “Angry Birds”.
Hey Carolyn, Hi Reese!
I must admit that I’m not a big gamer type of gal, but I have played both Song Pop and Draw Something and they are SO ADDICTIVE! lol
I had a chance to toy around with these a bit while I was recently recovering. Let me just say that I was impressed at how fun they were…aside from running out of song choices in Song Pop, as you mentioned.
I never tried Farmville or Farmville2, but that’s probably a good thing. I don’t need to get too hooked on video games! lol
Two other games I found to be cool were Words with Friends and Hanging with Friends. They’re word-challenge games which I tend to be very good at! – But warning, they are also quite addictive!
Great job on this fun piece!
Cat
Hi Cat, I haven’t tried Hanging with Friends yet, and I probably shouldn’t . SongPop has proven to be very addictive. Our family is really enjoying that game.
Yes, if you haven’t tried a FarmVille game, be careful. It’s very easy to get addicted to those games. But addictive generally means fun, right?
So good to have you back on the ‘Net, Cat! (*)
Heya Cat!
I’ll try ‘Hanging With Friends’ later, Just hope I don’t get addicted.
Hi Reese & Carolyn,
I’m a game addict 😉 I have played Draw Something and FarmVille. They are awesome. Mostly I use Draw Something on my mobile, but there are few issues in Android version as you mentioned. I used to play FarmVille a lot until I start to play games on Google+ as there is no ads 🙂
Haven’t heard of SongPop though 🙂 Sounds interesting. Well, Now I need to go and check out 😉
Cheers…
Hi Mayura, Wow, we’ll you’re probably addicted to SongPop by now. I like that the game has all kinds of music from different eras. You also unlock new songs as you level up so the songs aren’t as repetitive later on.
I’ve never tried Draw Something but I should probably stay away until I burn out on SongPop.
Good luck on SongPop, Mayura.
Hello Mayura,
I am currently browsing few games on Google+, games load faster versus on other browser. Any recommendations?
I have actually never played any games on Facebook. It started out with that I was so annoyed with all the various updates I received from my friends who were playing all sorts of games. But that was back in 2010. After that, I have been playing most of the games on my iPad. I have thought about testing Farmville, it sounds like a game I would enjoy 🙂
Hi Jens, Well, with a new baby and a new business, I would think starting FarmVille should be pretty close to the bottom of your to do list.
That being said, I played FarmVille for about two years and made some great friends along the way! But then again, you aren’t exactly lacking in the friends department. 🙂
SongPop doesn’t take much time and might be a nice break for you?
You should try ‘UNO’, ‘Reversi’ or “Diner Dash” series on Ipad. You can get a free version of ‘UNO’ and ‘Reversi’ while Diner Dash is free to download but you have to pay for other stages to play it.
I love games and play them all the time, though not very often on FB. I do enjoy Scrabble, though.
Hi Brian, it sounds as if you and Lee should join in a Scrabble game. But perhaps you should wait until December, when your race is over. :-bd
That is an excellent point. If I’m not writing, I better be sleeping or eating, because I don’t have time for games this month. 🙂
Don’t forget to breathe! Your time is especially precious in November. At least it’s a short month…
I have played farmville but songpop and draw something are new to me. Songpop looks interesting and engaging too. Thanks for the update. 🙂
Hi Vicky, welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m glad you enjoyed this article. I hope you enjoy SongPop and Draw Something without getting too addicted. 😉
Hi Reese,
I think, this is the 1st time that I am reading your post on Carolyn’s blog! 🙂
Between the 1st & the last game played by me on Facebook was Farm Ville… I was soo addicted to it that finally I realized the fact of my work efficiency getting reduced, & hence I just quitted the game! 🙂
Hi Zainil, You’re right, this is the first time Reese has written an article for The Wonder of Tech.
Yes, it’s easy to get addicted to Farmville, but it’s great that you realized your addiction and quit the game. Players should set a strict time limit for playing these games to make sure that they are using them as short breaks and not letting these games take over their lives.
Good list of games Carolyn. I remember playing song pop but it was a while back. I now enjoy playing subway surfer which uses Facebook to connect with friends and complete with them.
Hi Eddie, Interesting that you have played SongPop before. I discovered it through this article and now am hooked!
My kids are playing Subway Surfer, they really enjoy that game too. I’ll have to give it a look.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Eddie!
I really love Farmville and I’m playing it for almost 2 years with my friends. Initially I spend 3-4 hours to play this game alone, but later on I controlled my habit and only give 15 minutes each day.
Hi Aasma, You are very good to be able to control yourself with Farmville. As the challenges and quests developed, I found it very difficult to run my farm without using up gobs of time. Your self-control will serve you well in life! :-bd
Facebook is a fun place to connect to people from all over the world. Playing games with these people is even more fun. I often play 8 ball pool with my friends and relatives online through facebook and have set a good record. This also helps us overcome daily stress and concentrate better.
Hello Jack, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Great point, taking a short break from the issues of the day can help relieve stress.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us!
I’ve never played games on facebook. I don’t understand how fun and exciting it can be lol. A lot of these games look like they are trying to substitute a real life for a fake one, So when you stop playing, reality sets in and BAM, depressed. You have provided wonderful blog, I will surely play Songpong.
Hi Sam, Yes, I imagine if you run a real farm and play Farmville that growing your own crops may seem a little depressing. I’m not sure how the crops manage to grow in Farmville because it never rains there!
Amazing article Carolyn! Draw Something and Farmville 2 is amazing games to play on Facebook with friends. Apart from this, I recommend playing 8 Ball Pool Multiplayer as it is more interesting to play. I love playing tournament of pool because that is more exciting. I have been playing this game from several years and still I am not bored of it. I will definitely try playing SongPop as per your suggestion. Great Post!
Hi Paul, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m so glad you enjoyed this article, but Reese deserves the credit. I can’t picture playing pool online, but I’m glad you’re having fun with the game!
I quit FarmVille. It takes a LOT of time to play – thousands of clicks – and they haven’t provided nearly enough automation. Plus, the expansion options have stagnated. It’s a good idea, but tedious. I probably would have stuck with it if they would have had some excitement – farm accidents, rustlers, and maybe cows that explode if you forget to milk them!
Hi Nikol, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! You’re right, Farmville does take a lot of time, but I like your ideas for speeding up the game! 🙂
Hi Carolyan
It is nice and great post thank for share it. I used to play Sims, Farmville, Frontierville and all those others… mostly because I was always recovering from a surgery of some sort. I woke up one day and discovered that I weighed 240 pounds and was too fat and lazy to have a real life. Now I go to the gym, walk and watch what I eat.
Hi Clark, Wow, that’s so great that you were able to turn your life around that way. I can understand that when you’re recovering from surgery and not very mobile, online games can be a useful distraction. But it’s also important to play them in moderation. If you overdo playing these games, you definitely could affect your health and friendships negatively.
Congratulations to you for recognizing this as an issue and taking steps to make positive changes in your life.
Hi Reese – Nice to read your article here. I am a total game addict and that is the reason why i actually stay away from them as much as possible 🙂
I recently got hooked on to Bike Race TFG which again allows you to play with your FaceBook friends, it is a well designed game and I just couldnt get enough of it. My best bet is to first get my wife hooked onto it so I dont have to worry about any nagging and not spending enough time with family 🙂
Hi Praveen, Brilliant idea to get your wife involved with your favorite game! After I read this article, I got hooked on SongPop and now my husband loves it too. He is really good at the game, which is a first for him because he isn’t even on Facebook!