When the Facebook development platform opened to independent developers, many rushed to create games for the space. In the beginning the games were primitive. Now social games are complex and the most lucrative form of Facebook applications. Long-term users are key to the success of these games.

Creators of Facebook role-playing games (RPG’s) delight long-term players with a variety of engaging application features.Features like gift invites, collections, wish lists and new players joining as “recent arrivals” keep players interested and engaged with their favorite Facebook RPGs.

RPGs use standard features on Facebook, like gifting and invites. They also have developed a variety of in-game features.

Gifting within Facebook RPGs allows players to be generous and with their friends, and enjoy receiving gifts in return. Some gifts are free, or earned within a game, and some can be purchased: this is one aspect of the monetization of popular Facebook RPG games.

Another feature involving monetization is the scope of games. Some games are completely free to play at low levels. Other Facebook RPGs require you to purchase access to advanced levels.

New players joining as “recent arrivals” keep the game fresh for everyone, and allow more experienced players to team with junior players and show off their skills.

RPGs also make missions more interesting by enhancing the play with rewards for continued play. In Mafia Wars, after the fourth level of mastery, we advance to bronze, silver, gold, and finally platinum mastery levels and are awarded special prizes per mission. This makes the game more interesting for the player and motivates them to achieve higher skill levels.

Collections and wishlists make the game even more social. If a player needs loot, or an item like an energy drink, for a mission, and they don’t have them,they can request money or items from friends as gifts.

RPG developer’s ongoing innovations are driving millions to play –and keep playing- their favorite games.

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