Zynga acquires Wonderland Software in UK mobile game expansion

Game maker Zynga has expanded its game development reach into the United Kingdom with the acquisition today of Wonderland Software.

The deal adds more mobile game development talent to Zynga’s fold as it tries to rapidly expand into the smartphone and tablet game markets. While Zynga dominates social games on Facebook with 259 million monthly active users, it doesn’t have nearly the same presence in mobile, which could turn out to be a larger and more lucrative gaming market. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition also gives Zynga access to talented developers in the UK. Wonderland Software is known for making GodFinger, a big hit on the iPhone that was published by Ngmoco. The purchase of the studio does not include rights to Godfinger, though it includes other intellectual property owned by Wonderland.

Wonderland Software chief executive Matthew Wiggins assumes the job of general manager of Zynga Mobile UK, reporting to David Ko, senior vice president of mobile at Zynga. Zynga will use the team to create new mobile social games. Wonderland Software was started by Wiggins, Mark Rose and Al Harding in 1999. The deal is Zynga’s 12th acquisition or purchase of a game team in 12 months.