Zynga builds new version of social game CityVille

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Zynga on Thursday launched a 3-D version of CityVille, adding a new dimension as well as a mystery storyline in a sequel to the online social game.

"CityVille was a runaway hit that brought players a truly social and fun city building experience," said the sequel's director of design Mark Nelson.

"CityVille 2 immerses players in a storyline peppered with quirky and interesting characters, while also delivering a beautiful 3-D town where players can compete with or play with friends as they build their unique city."

The original CityVille launched two years ago and boasted 100 million monthly users at the peak of its popularity but the current number of players is less than a fifth of that figure.