Zynga Raises $150M; Launches Japan Joint Venture;

Zynga, the San Francisco, CA-based developer of social games such as FarmVille, Treasure Isle, Zynga Poker, Mafia Wars, YoVille, Café World, FishVille, PetVille and FrontierVille, has received a $150m investment from Softbank, a technology company connecting consumers through its broadband infrastructure, fixed-line telecommunications, and mobile communications services.

In addition, the two companies have created a Tokyo-based joint venture – called Zynga Japan – that will develop and distribute social games across the country.

The joint venture extends Zynga’s reach to a wider global audience. The San Francisco based company will leverage Softbank’s innovative mobile and Web technology to produce other social games in the market.