Zynga, Softbank form social games JV in Japan

Social gaming website Zynga and Japanese operator Softbank have formed a joint venture Zynga Japan that will develop and distribute social games across Japan. The new joint venture Zynga Japan, brings together companies in social games and consumer technology to offer new users the ability to play social games anytime and anywhere. In conjunction with this JV, Softbank has completed a USD 150 million investment in Zynga. The joint venture extends Zynga's reach to a wider global audience and marks the company's first foray into the internet and mobile market in Japan. Based in Tokyo, Zynga Japan will use Softbank's mobile and web technology to offer social games.