Bejeweled Blitz, a popular match-three puzzle game, was once a staple on Facebook. However, in recent years, the game has undergone significant changes, leaving many players wondering what happened to their beloved game. In this article, we will delve into the history of Bejeweled Blitz, its evolution, and the reasons behind its decline on Facebook.
A Brief History of Bejeweled Blitz
Bejeweled Blitz was first released in 2008 by PopCap Games, a renowned game development company. The game was an instant hit, attracting millions of players worldwide with its simple yet addictive gameplay. In 2010, PopCap Games was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA), which further expanded the game’s reach and popularity.
Initial Success on Facebook
Bejeweled Blitz was one of the first games to be released on Facebook, and it quickly became a top-grossing game on the platform. The game’s success can be attributed to its:
- Simple and intuitive gameplay
- Colorful and visually appealing graphics
- Social features, such as leaderboards and challenges
- Regular updates with new content and features
The Rise of Mobile Gaming
In the early 2010s, the gaming industry witnessed a significant shift towards mobile gaming. As smartphones became increasingly became an essential part of daily life, mobile games began to gain popularity. Bejeweled Blitz, being a popular game, was also released on mobile platforms, including iOS and Android.
Impact on Facebook Version
The rise of mobile gaming had a significant impact on the Facebook version of Bejeweled Blitz. As more players shifted to mobile devices, the game’s popularity on Facebook began to decline. The game’s developers, EA, also started to focus more on the mobile version, releasing regular updates and new content exclusively for mobile devices.
Changes to the Facebook Version
In an effort to revamp the game and attract new players, EA made significant changes to the Facebook version of Bejeweled Blitz. Some of the notable changes include:
- New game modes: EA introduced new game modes, such as the “Blitz” mode, which offered a faster-paced gameplay experience.
- Updated graphics: The game’s graphics were updated to match the mobile version, providing a more modern and visually appealing experience.
- Increased focus on in-app purchases: EA introduced more in-app purchases, allowing players to buy in-game currency, boosters, and other virtual items.
Player Backlash
However, the changes made to the Facebook version of Bejeweled Blitz were not well-received by all players. Many players felt that the game had become too focused on in-app purchases, making it less enjoyable and more expensive to play. The updated graphics and new game modes were also met with criticism, with some players feeling that they had altered the game’s original charm.
The Decline of Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook
Despite the efforts to revamp the game, Bejeweled Blitz continued to decline in popularity on Facebook. The game’s player base dwindled, and the game’s revenue decreased significantly. In 2020, EA announced that it would be discontinuing support for the Facebook version of Bejeweled Blitz, effectively ending the game’s life on the platform.
Reasons for Decline
The decline of Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Shift to mobile gaming: The rise of mobile gaming led to a decline in players on Facebook.
- Changes to the game: The updates made to the game were not well-received by players, leading to a decline in popularity.
- Lack of support: EA’s decision to discontinue support for the game ultimately led to its demise on Facebook.
Legacy of Bejeweled Blitz
Despite its decline on Facebook, Bejeweled Blitz remains a beloved game among many players. The game’s legacy can be seen in the many match-three puzzle games that have followed in its footsteps. The game’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and it will always be remembered as one of the pioneers of the match-three puzzle genre.
Conclusion
Bejeweled Blitz was once a staple on Facebook, but its decline was inevitable due to the shift towards mobile gaming and the changes made to the game. Despite its demise on Facebook, the game’s legacy lives on, and it remains a beloved game among many players. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other games adapt to the changing landscape.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Bejeweled Blitz was first released by PopCap Games. |
| 2010 | PopCap Games was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA). |
| 2010s | The rise of mobile gaming led to a decline in players on Facebook. |
| 2020 | EA announced that it would be discontinuing support for the Facebook version of Bejeweled Blitz. |
In conclusion, Bejeweled Blitz was a pioneering game that left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Its decline on Facebook was a result of the shift towards mobile gaming and the changes made to the game. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other games adapt to the changing landscape.
What happened to Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook?
Bejeweled Blitz was a popular match-three puzzle game on Facebook, developed by PopCap Games and published by Electronic Arts (EA). However, in 2019, EA announced that they would be discontinuing support for the game on Facebook. As a result, the game was removed from the platform, and players could no longer access it.
The decision to discontinue Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook was likely due to a combination of factors, including declining player engagement and revenue, as well as the rising costs of maintaining and updating the game. Additionally, EA may have chosen to focus on other platforms, such as mobile devices, where the game was still popular.
Why was Bejeweled Blitz discontinued on Facebook?
While EA did not provide a detailed explanation for the discontinuation of Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook, it is likely that the decision was based on a combination of factors, including declining player engagement and revenue. The game had been available on Facebook for many years, and its popularity may have waned over time.
Additionally, the Facebook gaming landscape has evolved significantly since Bejeweled Blitz was first released, with many new games and genres emerging. EA may have chosen to focus on other titles that were more popular or had greater growth potential, rather than continuing to support a game that was no longer as widely played.
Can I still play Bejeweled Blitz on other platforms?
Yes, Bejeweled Blitz is still available on other platforms, including mobile devices (iOS and Android) and PC (via Origin and other digital distribution platforms). Players can download the game on these platforms and continue to play, although their progress may not be synced with their Facebook account.
It’s worth noting that the mobile and PC versions of Bejeweled Blitz may have different features and gameplay mechanics compared to the Facebook version. However, the core gameplay remains the same, and players can still enjoy the classic match-three puzzle experience.
Will Bejeweled Blitz be re-released on Facebook?
There has been no official announcement from EA regarding the re-release of Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook. Given that the game was discontinued due to declining player engagement and revenue, it is unlikely that EA would choose to re-release the game on the same platform.
However, it’s possible that EA could release a new version of Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook in the future, potentially with updated features and gameplay mechanics. If this were to happen, it would likely be announced through official channels, such as the EA website or social media.
What are some alternatives to Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook?
There are many alternative match-three puzzle games available on Facebook, including titles like Candy Crush Saga, Gardenscapes, and Toon Blast. These games offer similar gameplay mechanics to Bejeweled Blitz, although with different themes and features.
Players can also explore other genres and game types on Facebook, such as strategy games, simulation games, or role-playing games. The platform offers a wide range of games, so players can find something that suits their interests and preferences.
Can I transfer my Bejeweled Blitz progress to another platform?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to transfer Bejeweled Blitz progress from Facebook to another platform. The game’s progress is tied to the player’s Facebook account, and EA does not offer a mechanism for transferring progress to other platforms.
However, players can start fresh on another platform and begin playing from the beginning. This may be a good opportunity to experience the game in a new way, or to try out different features and gameplay mechanics that may not have been available on Facebook.
What can I do with my remaining Bejeweled Blitz coins and boosters?
Since Bejeweled Blitz is no longer available on Facebook, players can no longer use their coins and boosters in the game. However, EA may offer alternative uses for these items, such as redeeming them for rewards or bonuses in other games.
Players can also contact EA customer support to inquire about potential alternatives or refunds for their remaining coins and boosters. However, it’s unlikely that EA would offer refunds, given that the game was free-to-play and the items were purchased voluntarily.