Since I announced my blog would be covering PokerCon, I’ve been asked “What is Zynga? What is Zynga-Poker? What is PokerCon?” Zynga is a multi-billion dollar game developer based out of San Francisco. They’re the tech company behind Farmville, Zynga Poker, Mafia Wars and recently acquired Words With Friends. Their latest addition, RewardVille, was launched at SXSW this week. RewardVille is a cross-platform for Zynga players. Or something like that.
Zynga games are integrated with social networking platforms. That’s a big deal, that’s their niche. Their games are played on facebook and MySpace using gamification. They also have apps for the iPhones and iPads. Being that poker is a social game, it was only a matter of time before poker became socially assimilated within social networks. Personally, I find the evolution of gaming rather fascinating, as it has come a long way since I played games on my Atari or Commodore 64.
Confused by the Con in PokerCon? True, combining the word “con” with Las Vegas and poker doesn’t exactly produce a positive mental image. However, PokerCon isn’t a con, but a two day CONference. This isn’t a new spin on words, my friends. Seriously, I’m not conning you. There are many Cons out there… PubCon, Wired Biz Con, Add-On-Con, Comic-Con and so on. There’s even a ShakaCon which is different from the singer Chaka Khan. I apologize, if Chaka Khan is stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
The 2011 PokerCon kicks off Friday morning. The convention offers poker training by Annie Duke, hands-on poker table labs, player’s lounge, meals, prizes and a VIP party featuring B.O.B. Other top poker pros expected to be in attendance: Doyle Brunson, Mike Sexton, Scotty Nguyen, David Williams, Vanessa Rousso and Gavin Smith.
Pokerati, Nemeth and I will provide semi-live and live updates on our blogs, facebook and Twitter. Of course, I’ll be posting pics on one of my favorite iPhone apps… Instagram. But be advised, if you’re looking for updates in Leet, my Leet days are long gone.
Here’s the link to Zynga’s PokerCon Typepad blog and the PokerCon schedule.
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