It looks like the great wave of browser-based social games is finally receding, with companies like Zynga facing stiff cutbacks and players abandoning their titles for mobile and tablet fare. And with the decline in browser-based social gaming comes a big hit to Facebook, which relies on that niche of its site for a not-small amount of its operating income.

Since social games seem to be tanking, Facebook has a new plan to keep you playing and paying: Hardcore titles. The social media giant has plans to launch 10 new “hardcore” games in the next 12 months in the hopes of piquing the interest of folks that have previously avoided Facebook titles. With Facebook’s game revenue dropping by 20% in 2012, it’s no surprise they’re taking such a hard turn.

Here is the requisite PR speak from Sean Ryan, Facebook’s games guy:

“You'll see a whole set of games hitting in the next two quarters in particular and throughout the year that really start to redefine what people think of Facebook games.”

According to Ryan, Facebook is looking to focus on MMO titles, RTS games and FPS launches. We’ll just have to see how that ends up working out.

Do you play any games via Facebook?

[Gamasutra]

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