Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA) is preparing to launch non-fungible token (NFT) based games, according to reports, with acquisitions and partnerships anticipated by the end of the second quarter.
The creator behind popular games such as Farmville and Mafia Wars intends to build blockchain focused games from the ground up rather than updating its existing titles to be Web3 compatible according to vice president of blockchain gaming Matt Wolf.
Wolf told CoinDesk that the company will build and expand into the virtual reality world through alliances, partnerships and possibly acquisitions, although he remained coy over which companies are being targeted.
He said the company is “fully tuned up to do acquisitions on the Web3 game published side,” adding the company has a “long history of growth through acquisition.”
It started to delve into the digital world late last year when it announced a partnership with blockchain infrastructure company Forte.
The Nasdaq listed company also hopes for organic expansion, with Wolf adding the blockchain team will increase from 15 to 100 people, including the filling out of senior roles.
“We are taking our community building seriously. We are ramping up that team deeply. When we ignite the community, we will be actively engaged with that community, myself included,” Wolf told CoinDesk.
Zynga is also the target of an acquisition, with video game giant Take-Two Interactive announcing it plans to acquire the business in a US$12.7bn, although a deal is yet to be finalised.