When you log onto your Facebook account what do you see? Do you notice friends and colleagues involved in games with icons that catch your eye and wonder what they are? I know that when I log onto my Facebook page I see a lot of this. Over the years, it has changed quite a bit. When I started, there were games to garden and tend to plants. Then, strategy games with words became very popular.

These days social gaming has grown in leaps and bounds. According to a 2011 Popcap Games Social Gaming Research (September 2011), the numbers show a major trend where people are playing more often and for longer periods of time. Popcap’s study showed dramatic changed in one calendar year. Those who play several times a day went from 36% to 44%. The number of people that place over six hours per week more than doubled from 7% to 15%. With the increase of mobile devices, it is not surprising to see numbers change since people can check in with their friends on the go more and devote down time to gaming when home.

Thanks to Global Influence, I recently heard about a new Facebook game called Tail Towns that intrigued me. It isn’t everyday that you hear about a game that is free, has photo-like graphics, and is filled with drama that likens itself to a juicy soap opera tale. While playing briefly the other day, I uncovered a snafu with some of the characters that meant my poor critter was sent packing from an orchard and had been scolded. No doubt, I will uncover more as I have more time to explore.  Yes, Tail Towns allows you to create a getaway where you can customize your home in the country and more.

You can also buy Tail Towns figurines like the one below. When you register to secret code online within your game, you will receive rewards and hidden storylines for your specific character. Yes, this will help to add to the drama of the game and grow the tale that unfolds before your eyes.

For more information, Tail Towns has a blog, they also have a fan page on Facebook,  and you can also get a taste of the action by watching this fun video:

The folks at Ganz World would like to help you to get started with your adventure in Tail Towns. One lucky reader will receive a Tail Towns figure from the first series. To enter you must have a Twitter account and Tweet the following:

Describe your ‘dream garden’ or ‘country getaway’ using the HASHTAG  #TailTowns.

Once you Tweet, please be sure to come back here and link to your entry Tweet.

Please follow the rules above within the comment section. Giveaway begins July 31, 2012 and ends August 10, 2012 at 10:59 EST. You do not have to be a blogger to enter (you will need a Twitter account), but must leave a valid e-mail address for me to contact you for mailing address once the giveaway is over. I will select the winner using random.org and contact you via e-mail. You will have 48 hours to claim the prize. If there is no response, another winner will be selected. Open to US residents only.

Disclosure: I wrote this post as part of a compensated Global Influence campaign. As someone who enjoys social gaming, it was fun to learn more about this dramatic and unique game that continues to intrigue me. Now I hope to find more time to experience more of the fun myself.