Last year, some game developers withdrew their offers marketing before Facebook banned their games on the networking site (See Lawsuit against Facebook, Zynga, Other Ad-Based Social Games). However, this month, Zynga is bringing it back, albeit with strict monitoring.
For the mean time, the company only has offers from eight companies: Netflix, HSBC Direct, Discover Card, Gamefly, Blockbuster, SnapFish, Book of the Month Club, and The New York Times. All of these have good ratings at Better Business Bureau.
In addition, before the offers get published on the site, these should first pass the Zynga’s advertising guidelines. Below are some of the strict rules now enforced by the company:
- It is prohibited to collect a player’s phone number and charge his or her phone bill. The only exception is when the user is buying in-game currency using Zynga-approved Mobile Payments processor.
- Only legitimate quizzes and surveys are allowed. However, these cannot be linked to any other offer and must not present any offers or promotions. Those that collect personal information cannot use or pass on a user’s personal information to any offer, advertiser, or 3rd party. These also cannot ask a user if they would like to be reached about any product or service.
- Price and billing must be clearly and accurately presented on the promoted website or any site that asks for Personally Identifiable Information (like name, birthday, phone number, etc.) or billing information.
- The word, “free” must not be used in a misleading ways.
Offers Marketing help developers earn. It also helps players purchase game items and others to improve their gaming experience. With vigilance, this re-launch might just work out.
