To tap into one of the world's largest online markets, Zynga are planning on hiring about a hundred computer scientists and research engineers experienced in large volume computing environments. The idea is to build a full fledged game studio here that can do end to end game development. Needless to say, they will also be looking to woo a sizeable chunk of our internet users to add to their already impressive 235 Million monthly active user community.
We managed to catch up with Shan Kadavil, Country Manager, Zynga India during his brief visit to the city. This is what he had to say.
AD: What brings Zynga to India?
SK: India is already one of the largest online markets in the world which we would certainly like to explore. Also there is immense talent that exists here which we would like to tap into. Hence the decision to setup operations here in Bangalore.
AD: What kind of operation are you looking to setup here?
SK: Everything from development to sales and marketing. It will be the first and largest centre outside the US for Zynga.
AD: By development do you mean right from scratch or only certain modules would be outsourced here?
SK: Complete development. We are setting up game studios here that can do end to end game development. We are looking to hire about a hundred computer scientists and research engineers for the same.
AD: How soon will it be operational?
SK: It should be up and running by next quarter.
AD: That's good to hear. Talking of your company, what was the thought behind taking social gaming route rather than the traditional 3D or as we like to call it 'Serious' gaming, which in itself, is a massive global industry.
SK: Serious gaming is limited to a select audience. We wanted to go beyond. Our company's mission is to connect the world through games; games that are not intimidating and easy for all. Also, the development cost and rollout time are lot lesser as compared to 3D games. So it made perfect business sense and it paid off.
AD: Yes, it sure did. And going by the rumors that Zynga is worth 5 Billion USD if you were to go public
SK: Actually I was talking about our 235 Million monthly active user base.
AD: So are you planning to go public soon?
SK: No, our CEO has categorically denied any plans of going public anytime soon. We have sufficient cash reserves. Another thing to note is that, Zynga has been profitable from the first year of operation itself and we haven't looked back since.
AD: Fair point. Your primary source of revenue is micro-transactions in games. Do you intend to stick to that or you also plan to introduce in-game ads?
SK: We have explored the option of introducing ads in our games but it hasn't been as fruitful as micro-transactions. Though I wouldn't rule it out completely in the future, for now, it is not worth the efforts.
AD: Do you intend to stick to Facebook as a platform or are you exploring other avenues too, including your site?
SK: Facebook has been a great platform for our games. 6 of the top 10 games on Facebook have been developed by Zynga. Having said that, we are present across other platforms too like MySpace, Yahoo and we are looking at other social networking platforms too.
AD: Any plans of getting into Hardcore 3D Gaming or MMOG?
SK: We wouldn't mind if it is social and appeals to the whole family.
AD: Thank you for your time, Shan. I wish you and Zynga great success in India.
SK: Thank you.
The hardcore gamer in us may despise them for taking away seriousness from gaming, but one has to give them credit for getting so many to game irrespective of gender or age. And let's face it, gaming was never meant to be serious. That's why we got into it, in the first place.
Online Gaming News, April 2010
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