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FarmVille has long been the focal point for social gaming, what with its millions of users, socially-relevant gameplay, and showcasing the gaming potential in Facebook. However, its recent foray into branded experiences in and around the game have introduced a whole new level of possibilities on the virtual farm, something that General Mills‘ organic food brand, Cascadian Farm, saw as a perfect fit for promoting their products.

Denuo was brought on board to help Cascadian Farm extend the already awesome idea to put organic crops into the game outward into both the Farmville community and Cascadian Farm’s community. Since both communities were made up of dedicated, passionate, and extremely vocal folks, the challenge was bringing these two groups together without alienating either side.

We considered the changing gaming space and how folks are playing with each other these days and, using three key things we know about gaming culture, built a couple of ways to mix the groups together to equally enjoy this unique experience.

We approached E3 2010 like a kid approaches Christmas Day, tearing into the cornucopia of gaming goodness, grinning ear to ear at what surprises lay within. After the fun and spectacle abated, we caught our breath and took a good look at how this show set the table for further growth within the gaming industry.

With analysts quick to pronounce gaming on the decline, E3 came roaring out in defiance of this speculation, showcasing the “something for everyone” attitude gaming has taken in the face of new gamers. Social games, accessible games, motion-controlled games, and downloadable games all had their day in the sun next to the usual slate of blockbuster titles, each vying for attention on a diverse showfloor. Between Nintendo’s 3DS, Microsoft’s Kinect, and Sony’s Move, each company had new tech to reintroduce gamers to their platforms, while also turning to classic franchises to reinvigorate a gamer base anxious for the next big thing.

Did you miss us? We sure missed you. Most of all, we missed bringing you the latest gaming industry news and trends in this excited-for-E3 issue of PLAYED. This month, we consider the celebrity of developers and how it may shape the industry in years to come. We also check out Apple’s latest step into the gaming space with their Game Center mobile network and proprietary approach to the mobile space, along with the industry’s “green” efforts towards an improved environment. Finally, with achievements and rewards an integral part of gaming, we look at how high scores and in-game bonuses are influencing real-life programs and activities.

This month’s issue of PLAYED takes a trip to the Game Developers Conference to bring you the insights and trends that are taking shape from the core of the gaming industry. From Sony’s motion control to new advents in digital distribution, the conference showcased what the future of gaming could be through the eyes of gaming’s best and brightest. We also take a look at how publishers are changing the way they promote their media opportunities to marketers, and check out how Valve’s Steam distribution platform continues its trendsetting ways. Finally, in an increasingly connected culture where information is accessed instantly, we look at how gaming behavior is shifting to match this demand. .

Our love affair with games and the gaming industry continues unabated in the February issue. This month, PLAYED examines downloadable content as another smart way for marketers to get involved in the gaming space. We also look at how gaming companies are assisting relief efforts in Haiti, as well as at home, by putting their users to work. With the release of the iPad, we analyze how Apple’s new device isn’t necessarily changing the game, but allowing more and more folks be a part of the space. Finally, as casual and social gaming captures increasing mainstream attention and player time, we wonder whether the new casual gamer is just as hardcore as the “typical” gaming demographic.