Hardcore gamers my scoff at free-to-play Facebook games such as Zynga’s FarmVille and CityVille, but the social games have proven to be more popular and lucrative than most major video game titles, according to estimates from IGN.

IGN reports that when revenues from Facebook games are stacked up alongside console games, the microtransaction-based browser games more than held their own. Based on estimates, Facebook games made up four of the top 10 most-played and highest-grossing titles last year. And the most successful Facebook entries, Zynga-made FarmVille and CityVille, made as much or more money and drew more players than the latest entries in the Madden and Halo franchises. Only Call of Duty: Black Ops managed to pass up the ‘Villes in terms of number of players and financial take.

If you play video games, which draw more of your attention and cash — console blockbusters or Facebook time-suckers?

Stacking Up Facebook Games [IGN]

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