Inside Social Games

Playfish is an established developer of a number of top social games including Pet Society, Bowling Buddies and Word Challenge. The title that seems to be performing best right now is also the one in which the company is introducing its first transaction based service.

Who Has the Biggest Brain? is a brain training game with a social gaming twist. Players have the option of a free-to-play “classic” game or the paid Pro option. The free version of the game lets you play through a series of 4 games that test how big your brain is. These tests vary from completing calculations to deciding which is the heaviest object, or memorizing objects. Thankfully, there is some variation in the game types so you don’t get bored.

Once the tests are done you get a visual map of your results and the total size of your brain is calculated in square centimeters. You are also awarded a brain level represented by a name such as “Nerd” or “Scholar”.

The social element comes from the challenge feature where you can invite what looks to be up to 10 friends to join in and try to prove they have a bigger brain than you.

The game has been available for just over 6 months and Playfish has already managed to get 6 million players. With this success in mind the company has started to expand the game, adding a range of achievements and more brain types for you to try and unlock. The Pro version is a new addition that allows the avid player to keep better track of their brain’s progress as well as allowing them to play new mini-games as they become available.

You really have to like this game to want to pay-to-play, however, and it will cost you US $9.99 for a one-year subscription or US $14.99 for 2 years. Playfish is hoping players will happily pay for the extra features, allowing them to develop their brain power without any interruption from advertisements.

Who Has The Biggest Brain? doesn’t seem to have any real competition on Facebook at the moment. If Playfish continues to expand the range of tests, adds to the achievements, and pushes the social aspect of letting your brain compete against others, players will keep coming back – and possibly even pay for the privilege.