That sound you hear is exactly what the Scorpions told us about back in the 80s: The wind of change. It seems like just a matter of time until players everywhere, including the United States, will be able to gamble for real money on their computers and mobile devices. Video game developers and gaming companies have taken steps to prepare, forming alliances and generally getting themselves in the best possible position to begin taking bets.
Zynga pre-announced yesterday weaker than expected earnings for the third quarter, which follows a previously horrible second quarter. Zynga's new game The Ville underperformed, it had to write off $90 million from the OMGPOP Draw Something acquisition, CEO Mark Pincus may have hinted at layoffs in an internal memo, and people are leaving (the founding creators behind Words with Friends are the latest two). The stock has dropped today to $2.30 a share (far below the $10/share IPO price).