Virtual farming takes the internet by storm

FarmVille, an online game played through social networking site Facebook, was confirmed as the largest and fastest growing social game in history.

Since its launch in June this year, the role playing game has attracted more than one million users a week, with some 38 million people now playing every month.

In a similar set-up to popular computer game, the Sims, FarmVille sees users own and run their own farm, producing virtual crops, cows and milk to sell at market, using the money to further develop the farm.

Players also have options to invest in their farms by purchasing fruit trees and farm animals such as pigs and cows, and complement their crops with other farm assets such as barns, windmills and greenhouses.

Nurturing the farm is the key to success for players and those who tend their crops diligently will see their farms flourish and their bank accounts swell.

Mark Skaggs, vice-president of Zynga’s Social RTS studio said: “FarmVille’s growth is nothing short of spectacular and a clear indicator that we have a winning formula for giving players around the world a virtual farming experience that they truly enjoy.

“By combining the best elements of social gaming, with people’s instinct to nurture, we’ve created an incredibly fun, wholesome and rewarding experience.”

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