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Game Over for 11 Zynga Games

Zynga is ringing in the new year by cutting 11 of its popular online games, including PetVille, Mafia Wars 2, and Treasure Isle.

December 31, 2012

Zynga is ringing in the New Year by cutting 11 of its popular online games.

The changes have been slowly rolling out to almost a dozen of the company's titles, including PetVille, Mafia Wars 2, and Treasure Isle.

As TechCrunch first reported on Sunday, Zynga engineers, designers, and product teams were spread thin among 35-plus games, which cost the company money it doesn't have.

The full list encompasses some of Zynga's most popular games, most of which were playable via Facebook, and some that were also available on iOS and Android devices.

Shut down Dec. 5: FishVille, Vampire Wars, Treasure Isle

Shut down Dec. 21: Montopia

Shut down Dec. 30: PetVille, Mafia Wars 2

Closed to new players and expected to shut down Jan. 14: Indiana Jones Adventure World

Pulled from app stores: Mafia Wars Shakedown, Forestville, Mojitomo, Word Scramble Challenge

The changes may not seem like a big deal to those who still have access to Words With Friends or simply shun all social media-based games. But for many, Zynga's decision has been a real loss.

In response to a Dec. 14 Facebook message to PetVille players, Monique Wylie practically begged the company to reverse its decision.

"Please don't shut down PetVille," she wrote. "I love me wee cat. It's one of the only games I play and have for years! You suck if [you're] going to do this."

Others flat out boycotted the company.

"Zynga can rot," angry player Rena Phillips wrote. "If they will take this game away they'll take other away, so I'd urge anyone playing Zynga games to tell them what tossers they are and quit."

Those looking for a replacement can still turn to other popular Zynga games, like Farmville 2, The Ville, Words With Friends, and Zynga Poker. But it probably won't numb the pain of those heartbroken over their dead virtual pets.

It's no surprise that game maker Zynga is shuttering a number of its titles, following the roller coaster of a year that the company has had. In January, the company was . By April, it , the possible impetus for that accused Zynga of failing to warn stockholders about declining revenue.

In early August, Electronic Arts put Zynga in its crosshairs, for copyright infringement. Days later, , leaving the company with .

ended October, while Zynga announced recently that its by the end of January.