Rival gaming networks compete for developer attention

The Social Gaming Network, which operates gaming applications like Warbook and Super Snake for social-networking developer platforms, announced on Thursday that it has opened a platform of its own. Developers can now access an application program interface (API) so that they can contribute; the company is set to let developers in on Thursday night and put out more information next week at the Game Developers' Conference.

The Social Gaming Network is owned by Webs.com, the Web 1.0 veteran formerly known as Freewebs, and currently works with Facebook and Bebo's platforms.

It's the second gaming start-up to put out an announcement about developers this week. Zynga, a similar site recently launched by Tribe.net founder Mark Pincus and funded by Valley luminaries like LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and PayPal founder Peter Thiel, announced earlier on Thursday that it would be launching a developer initiative so that game publishers and developers can get their applications on more social-networking sites. Currently, Zynga's games are compatible with Facebook, Bebo, Friendster, and Meebo, with MySpace.com on the way.

Zynga and the Social Gaming Network aren't the best of friends--Social Gaming Network founder Shervin Pishevar has been critical of Zynga's games, which he claims infringe upon existing ones (Sea Wars, for example, is a lot like Battleship), and company representatives have said that they think Zynga's popularity metrics are exaggerated. Both gaming start-ups claim to be "the biggest social gaming network." It might not be HD DVD vs. Blu-ray, but this is a rivalry that could get ugly.

[BANNED_FROM_MAFIA_WARS]

This company is B.S. I played an app. of theirs called Mafia Wars, which became an addicting game. You had an option to buy godfather points to assist you in the game in which I did and so did many other people I know. They had a Zynga Consultant that played the game too name Mike aka Hitman Fred. He was top fighter for which has also become unbeatable. I spent lost of money trying to beat this person and so have others. Only to find out it's impossible. This is deceptive and he even used a glitch that the game had to attack those he didn't like. This is one screwed up company and when you complained, they didn't do anything about it. So basicly you spend your money on their game and they could care less about your problems. And to spend thousands of dollars only to have them suspend my account a week ago and they have not replied to any of my emails. This company is just out to get your money. Mark Pincus and shove zynga up his ass.

[BANNED_FROM_MAFIA_WARS]

This company is B.S. I played an app. of theirs called Mafia Wars, which became an addicting game. You had an option to buy godfather points to assist you in the game in which I did and so did many other people I know. They had a Zynga Consultant that played the game too name Mike aka Hitman Fred. He was top fighter for which has also become unbeatable. I spent lost of money trying to beat this person and so have others. Only to find out it's impossible. This is deceptive and he even used a glitch that the game had to attack those he didn't like. This is one screwed up company and when you complained, they didn't do anything about it. So basicly you spend your money on their game and they could care less about your problems. And to spend thousands of dollars only to have them suspend my account a week ago and they have not replied to any of my emails. This company is just out to get your money. Mark Pincus can shove zynga up his ass.