Tuesday, January 12, 2010

FARMS'R'US: Time for the FarmVille


You've seen it in your "other requests". You've seen it in your news feed and you've even seen it on your FB profile page. World, it has arrived and it's here with a plowing desire to seed your daily needs - FARMVILLE, likely on a computer near you.

Sure, it's been around the block a couple of times but this impressive social gaming network has more than doubled its active daily users in only three months. I dare you, no I double dare you to look at the computers around you to see if your neighbour is harvesting their crops right this minute. YES? NO? MAYBE SO? I mean, the probability is high - a one in five chance that there is an active user right beside you!

Yup, that's right, a recent study claimed that there are over seven million Canadian virtual farmers - just over half of the voter turnout numbers in the 2008 federal election. Sure, not every farmer is of legal voting age but these numbers are pretty telling of a growing phenomenon that doesn't seem to be on the out anytime soon.

FarmVille now boasts an impressive 73 million monthly users. With a number like that, I'm left scratching my head as to why multi-million dollar companies haven't jumped on the bandwagon.

Why hasn't Maple Leaf Foods branded the pigs and the cows?

Ohhhhhhh, riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Ok, well why in the world are the tractors not marked with a big "JOHN DEERE" logo?

HELLO!!! You'll know you've made it once you own a JD.

What better way to fertilize your neighbouring crops than with a dynamite piece of equipment. Surely, your "friends" are destined to be green with envy and you'll get some extra coin for the deed. That's right folks, FarmVille rewards you for your good doings and perpetuates the average user's competitive spirit.

"What's in it for you?" Nahhhhhh... "What's in it for me?"



FarmVille presents users with an opportunity to escape from reality and the possibility of reaching a personal euphoria on the world wide web. And really, what human being doesn't have the innate desire to accumulate wealth and status? Whoever coined "money can't buy happiness" didn't necessarily get that one right.

After giving in to its seducing pull, succumbing to its addictive strength and reaping the rewards of its capitalist effect - this tool allows its users to achieve social greatness without the woes of reality. It is only natural to want to be a part of such an ideal network and so, as fame seekers and power competitors, we are contributing to it's viral spread.

Here a MOO. There a MOO. Everywhere a MOO MOO! Stop avoiding the inevitable and join today!


This just in, Farmville is headed to iphone, ipad and Android and is now BRANDING!!!

Farmer Ging.

2 comments:

  1. Awesome entry Ginger. I have to admit that I do not participate in this crazy new phenomenon but I have seen friends in farming action and it does look somewhat addictive. I especially like the idea about branding the tractor, foods, etc. that is an excellent idea!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I liked the comparison to voter turn out. Good PR tactic, putting into context/terms that relate.

    Status & recognition just two elements of social capital.

    ReplyDelete