Are you one of those chronically bored at work individuals who has become a part of the new web game Facebook phenomenon.  It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I learned that these silly web games like Cafe World, Mafia Wars and Farmville really were.  I’d always see folks sharing plates of food or asking for help in some mob sting and I was confused.  While I still don’t see the attraction these games have garnered huge traffic for Facebook and have established the perfect platform for sponsorship and product placement = $$$$.

In effort to capitalize on the popularity of Facebook gaming game development studio and online publisher, Heatwave Interactive has announced the launch of a brand new game, Platinum Life, geared toward attracting the Facebook’s Hip Hop users.

A recent press release described Platinum Life as a game that “gives players the chance to interact with the hip hop universe as they try to make the transition from unsigned musician to superstar celebrity. Work your way from playing shows at local dive bars to selling out world-renown venues, climbing up the ladder to fame and stardom. Along the way you’ll encounter some of hip hop’s brightest stars who will help you break into the big time.”

I would hope that Hip Hop is smarter than to feed into this stereotypical madness but as evidence by activity in recent years, no one can be too certain.  Facebook attracts a slightly older demographic than the target Hip Hop audience is today which to me appears to be a slight flaw in Heatwave’s model especially given how hokey and borderline offensive the game appears to be.  I’d imagine those among the Nation who are into Facebook gaming would feel some sort of way about feeding into the stereotype.  What do yall think?  SOUND OFF!