The week in gaming news: December 23, 2011 edition

It’s Christmas Eve eve! And with much of the world, including the gaming world, dreaming of spending time with family and opening up lots of gifts, the news flow slowed to a trickle. But just in case you missed anything, we’ve rounded up the week’s news in one handy place. And don’t forget to check out our ongoing Best of 2011 series, which will keep on going strong until the end of the month. This week we looked at everything from the biggest disappointments of the year to the top iPhone games.

Monday

• Feeling lost with all of the talk of Zynga and IPOs? In this week’s Monday Morning Quarterback editorial our own Joel Brodie took the time to analyze just what’s going on in Zynga-ville.
• Gamefly decided to go the Netflix route with a new PC digital download store.
• DotEmu got in the holiday spirit with a sale offering up to 80 percent off certain games.

Tuesday

• The Cut the Rope updates continue, with the latest introducing bees into the mobile game.
• Who pays for stuff in freemium games? Older people, it turns out, while younger gamers stick to playing for free.
• The iOS version of Catan has already had several updates, and you can expect to see even more in the future.
• Four of Kabam’s social games are now available as desktop downloads through the Pokki platform.
• Vostu games now have their own in-game radio service. At least in Brazil.
• Not to be outdone, Steam is having some massive sales over the holidays.

Wednesday

• Nothing to see here. Move along.

Thursday

• Just a few days after announcing its new digital games service, Gamefly joined forces with Direct2Drive.
• Have an iPhone? Well lucky you, there are plenty of games on sale for the holidays.
• Facebook announced its most popular games of 2011, and Gardens of Time topped the list.
• Things are going well for Gamersgate, and the company opened up a new New York-based office.
• Want yet another holiday sale? Great! Indie Royale has unveiled its latest bundle.

Friday

• What better way to get ready for Christmas than with Angry Birds.

Andrew Webster