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Rovio snubbed $2.25 billion offer from Zynga

Written by James Delahunty @ 29 Nov 2011 9:41 User comments (3)

Rovio snubbed $2.25 billion offer from Zynga

Developer had concerns over working conditions.
According to reports, Angry Birds developer Rovio turned down a $2.25 billion buyout offer from casual games giant Zynga. The Farmville-developer proposed a $2.25 billion cash and stock acquisition, but Rovio walked away from discussions, citing concerns over the culture at Zynga.

The New York Times reported that Zynga's successful rise has been on the back of harsh working conditions with employees complaining about overbearing managers, long working hours and stressful deadlines. This situation also reportedly prompted PopCap to turn down a $950 million bid from Zynga.

PopCap was later swooped up by EA for $750 million in cash and stock, and potentially $550 million in bonuses.



Recruitment agencies are also swirling around Zynga as it approaches its initial public offering to be traded on Wall Street, looking to snap up top talent following the sale.

"I expect a lot of game and tech companies will begin recruiting Zynga's talent after their equity becomes liquid," EA human resources head Gabrielle Toledano said. "Competitors will make the case that they offer much more compelling opportunities for creative people."

Tags: Rovio Zynga
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3 user comments

129.11.2011 12:19

Huge mistake on Rovio's part. This Angry Bird gravy train won't last forever and they don't seem to be doing anything productive with all the cash their taking in. Zynga on the other hand is constantly producing new stuff. Oh well...

229.11.2011 13:16

Zynga is the newest in the longest list of old blood, just like the leeches of the record labels & casting directors, they're out to sign in desperate programmers to make a name for themselves. Folks willing to whore themselves out to make a name. Once the contract is up Zynga will have either gotten their only golden egg out of them & lost nothing or lost them off to another company to the tune of a lesser sophomore golden egg. Only in very rare occasions do mega-stars rise as a phoenix.

I'm just tired of the nickel & whoring that Zynga seems to think I'm going to pay to play their games.

330.11.2011 06:45

Rovio really need to step on the Gas!Bring out a new Bounce game...Zynga games suck...best suited to people with 90 below I.Q.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 30 Nov 2011 @ 6:47

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