Zynga posts strange Cafe World survey; new contest in the works?

Zynga posted an odd question on its official Cafe World fan page today that reads, "Hiya Chefs! Help us plan a vacation for Lisa Latte and Joe Espresso!" The two oft-referenced characters are apparently planning a vacation and Zynga wants our help to decide where they go, as the company posted a link to a survey. The first question gives the following options for Joe and Lisa's destination for relaxation: Hawaii, California, Greece, the Philippines and New York. And that's it.

If you hadn't already arrived at the conclusion, something is definitely up. If this is the basis for just another Catering Goal or in-game event, why would it matter what we think? When Zynga released the 7th Inning Snack Goals the company didn't poll players for their favorite team. (That's a stretch of an analogy, but you get the point.) We get the feeling that "Lisa and Joe" is doublespeak for "You and a friend." It's logical to assume that Zynga wouldn't be asking us such a question unless it directly involved us, as in a plan to send us to one of these five destinations. Of course, this is purely speculation, but what else could the company be up to?

Have you seen or answered this strange survey question yet? Where would you like "Lisa and Joe" to vacation in?

One in nine Facebook users play music games; Guitar Hero finds a new home?

Has Guitar Hero found a new home on Facebook? According to data presented by MXP4, a social game developer based in Paris, it very well could be in the future. Of course, keep in mind that the survey was conducted by folks who have a vested interest in music games on Facebook. MXP4 found that one in nine Facebook users play music games, but more importantly that one in three Facebookers play social games. This is the exact demographic that MPX4 hit with its Pump It series in 2010, and has enjoyed mild success.

Here's what else MXP4 found in its survey:

    96 percent would like more opportunities to compete against their friends when playing Facebook games;
    49 percent said the they would play games on Facebook for the chance to win exclusive tickets, merchandise or opportunities to meet their favorite artists;
    12 percent would pay extra to have access to their favorite artist's latest tarcks on interactive music games.


While it's important to know that most people would want a multiplayer experience on Facebook, it's far more vital to see the possibilities for future Facebook music games.

If this many Facebook users played music games, that's more than enough of a following for companies like Activision and EA to go after. Just think of it, one last triumphant push from the music games genre to reassert is relevance. It's almost cinematic, really. If you think about it, games from these companies would last about as long as their ancestors. And that amounts to about enough money to fly to Mars and back, so, sweet deal.