Zynga partners with SessionM to offer real-word rewards

mPOINTS can be redeemed for iTunes and Amazon gift cards, or for entering SessionM contests

Zynga has been putting most, if not all, of its hopes on making money from real-money gambling games. Problem is that they are still not legal in the U.S., even though Zynga has been lobbying to make it so. That means that the company is going to need to a find another source of revenue, and quick, if it wants to stay afloat.

And, hey, looks like Zynga just found it!

The social gaming company will be partering with mobile loyalty and ad platform SessionM to offer points that can then be used go toward real-world rewards, it was announced Wednesday. 

Starting in July, players of the Zynga game Scramble With Friends will be able to click on an icon that allows them to earm mPOINTS by unlocking in-game achievements and interacting with ad experiences as they play, such video ads that are entirely opt-in.

Rather than just being used inside games to either get to new levels or buy power-ups, mPOINTS actually have real-world value. They can be redeemable for rewards that include iTunes and Amazon gift cards. Or they can be used to enter additional SessionM sweepstakes and contests.

"Zynga is committed to delivering the most innovative and meaningful ways for our global network of players to engage with their favorite brands," Adam Sussman, SVP of sales and distribution for Zynga, said in a statement. "Partnering with SessionM enables us to launch Zynga's first mobile real-world rewards program to benefit our players while providing a unique value to brands, which can engage directly with their target audience."

Zynga is in a state of transition at the moment, as it tries to streamline to becoming a mobile first company. It has been removing excess bloat, laying off a significant number of employees and closing down studios, including OMGPOP, that are not performing.

Couple that with the recent resignation of its long-time CEO Mark Pincus earlier this month, and a deal like this one could go a long way toward showing investors that the company is growing its revenue, even as so much change is taking place.

Boston-based SessionM was founded in 2011 as a platform that will connect consumers with mobile content and advertising. The company's clients include Viacom Interactive, The Weather Channel, Demand Media, PepsiCo, Universal, Volvo and Unilever. 

The company has raised $26.5 million, including a $20 million Series B from Charles River Ventures in May of 2012.

Zynga's stock currently up .72%, or 2 cents, to $3.48 a share.

(Image source: https://www.nimble.com)