Words with Friends 2 launches with new social features like co-op play

The word of the day is “sequel” — as in Zynga launched Words with Friends 2 today to follow up its hit puzzle game Words with Friends, which became a part of its portfolio when it acquired developer Newtoy in 2011. The original came out in 2009 and has more than 250 million downloads. Though Zynga has released a Facebook Instant Games version of the original — and made plans for a TV show — Words with Friends 2 is the first time the game gets a major overhaul. On top of the core gameplay, new features include multiplayer co-op, a new solo challenge, and skill boosts.

“At any given moment more than 57 million [Words with Friends] games are being played,” said Michelle David, Zynga’s lead experience designer. “That’s a big deal for us. To us, that means our game is really important for people, to our players. We think of our game as more than a game, but also a catalyst for our players to connect with their loved ones, and even to new friends.”