// startup autopsy
Playfish
Facebook gaming pioneer that EA bought and buried.
platform dependencyAcqui-hire
Fatal mistake: Playfish built its entire business on Facebook's social graph without developing a mobile strategy before the platform gravity shifted to smartphones.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Playfish founded in London to build social games on Facebook and other social networks.
FUNDING
Raised $21M total in funding; Pet Society and Restaurant City achieve massive viral growth on Facebook.
ACQUISITION ATTEMPT
EA acquires Playfish for ~$400M, betting on the social gaming boom continuing on Facebook.
PIVOT
Facebook gaming declines as mobile platforms surge; Playfish struggles to pivot under EA's corporate structure.
SHUTDOWN
EA shuts down Playfish and discontinues all titles including Pet Society, ending the studio's existence.
MEDIA_MENTION
After lengthy negotiations, Electronic Arts closed it's anticipated acquisition of social gaming startup Playfish for $275 million in cash.