Build the resort of your dreams in Resortico, an HTML5 game coming soon to Facebook

The people behind Resortico, a new resort-building simulation game on Facebook, are happy to announce that not only is there game almost ready for launch, but that since the game is fully built in HTML5, you won't just be restricted to playing the game on your desktop computer or netbook. The game's HTML5 support means you'll be able to play the game anywhere, even on an iPad, without having to download an app specifically built for iOS (think FarmVille on iPhone for a comparison).



So far, the game's Facebook page only has the above teaser trailer, showing us that we'll be able to harvest palm trees (presumably for coconuts), and will be able to built huts, a lobster shack, a set of buildings that appear to be outhouses, and so on. You'll be able to move items on the fly, send items and otherwise interact with your friends, and purchase a premium currency which looks to be called "Shells."

It will definitely be interesting to see how Resortico takes off (or doesn't) once it launches. HTML5 is one of the fastest growing, and most exciting things in game development, in my humble opinion, as it allows players true freedom from traditional gameplay methods, allowing us to play our games whenever, and wherever we want. Who knows, if Resortico is a smashing success, maybe big players like Zynga will follow suit, allowing us to play future games on our iPads without the need for an app. Oh what a great day that will be.

Will you try Resortico once it launches on Facebook, or are you more excited for the potential to play Facebook game on your iPad without downloading apps?

Zynga Mobile Chief: Mobile is a 'new social gaming frontier'

Everyone else is right there with ya, big red. During an interview with The Guardian, Zynga Mobile SVP David Ko said, "We believe that mobile represents a new social gaming frontier. We've always said we want Zynga to be the best content creators in the world, and we are platform agnostic." More and more Zynga fans expect to play its games on their phones and tablets, which wasn't exactly where CEO Mark Pincus's heart was many moons ago.

Regardless of whether Zynga has been creating mobile games since Zynga Poker hit iOS devices in 2008, it was only the advent of Facebook Connect that motivated the company to dig deeper into the platform. From that we got games like FarmVille and CityVille Hometown, neither of which are feature-complete versions of their Facebook counterparts. (The latter of which is a different game entirely.)

Now, The Guardian reports that Zynga is looking to take advantage of mobile devices' key features like cameras and accelerometers in future games. And tablets appear to be a big deal in Zynga HQ--Ko told The Guardian the company was "very bullish" on the idea. And HTML5, the emergent web coding language that's been touted as the proverbial messiah for cross-platform social gaming, is something Ko admits the company is interested in.

"HTML5 is interesting, although I do feel it is early," Ko told The Guardian. "With those acquisitions, you can see into our thinking in this area a little bit." (Ko there is referring to companies like Newtoy and Dextrose.) Zynga already released one game through HTML5: Mafia Wars Atlantic City.

However, HTML5 games have yet to achieve the complexity of, say, Hanging With Friends, which Zynga just released on Android devices. Regardless, all eyes--including Zynga's--are on those 4-inch screens that rarely leave your side. And with companies as unlikely as Capcom making buku bucks on mobile games, you can bet Zynga is a' hustlin'.

Are you waiting for more mobile games from Zynga? What would you like to see the developer do next on smartphones? Sound off in the comments. 1 Comment