August 31, 2011
Best Buy and Zynga have announced a partnership that integrates the first retail branded store into Zynga's CityVille, the largest game on Facebook according to AppData. Beginning Wednesday, August 31 and ending a week later on September 6, users can place a Best Buy store into their city to collect the hottest technology products and unlock a limited edition decorative item. Players can also visit the Best Buy Facebook page to acquire an additional decorative item for their city.
"We are constantly looking for unexpected ways to stay connected with our customers through new digital platforms and with the popularity of CityVille, this was a natural step for us," said Alix Hart, senior director, digital marketing at Best Buy. "We look forward to seeing how players engage with us in these new virtual landscapes."
Players can collect five different, virtual items from the Best Buy store throughout the course of the week, including a smartphone, DSLR camera, refrigerator, TV and a Deal of the Day badge. A few perks for CityVille players when they collect from the Best Buy store include experience points, energy to boost their game play, game coins and Geek Squad vehicles dispatched into the game.
"We're always looking for ways to make our games more realistic and personal for our players," said Ryan Linton, senior director of business development at Zynga. "This integration with Best Buy, coupled with roaming Geek Squad vehicles, creates a refreshing surprise for CityVille players. Our games allow players to connect with one another and express themselves, and we feel like we can do that better than any other form of entertainment."
