FarmVille, one of the most popular Facebook games, is shutting down this year

FarmVille will not be playable on Facebook from December 31 onwards due to Adobe ending support for Flash Player.

FarmVille launched in 2009. (Zynga)

If you're an early user of Facebook you must have played or still play games such as FarmVille on the platform. After a crazy run of 11 years, Zynga has announced that FarmVille will be shutting down on December 31 this year.

The sad news comes due to Adobe's decision to stop distributing and updating Flash Player for all web browsers. Since FarmVille requires the Flash Player plugin, it won't be playable post the December 31 deadline. “We're aware that many of you have been with us since the very beginning, helping to build an incredible global community of players over the years who've enjoyed this game just as much as we have. For that we say thank you,” Zynga said in its announcement.

FarmVille launched back in 2009 just a few years after Facebook made its debut. FarmVille along with other games like CityVille offered a different kind of gaming experience that actually boosted social networking too.

It was addictive but not something you sit hours on since tasks took hours to complete. Also, the more friends you have the better for you to level up on the game. It was the perfect blend of gaming plus social networking.

Zynga announced the shutdown of FarmVille saying that in-app purchases will be available till November 17. The game's payment system will be turned off post this date. For players to make the most out of the game in the remaining time, Zynga said it will roll out some fun in-game activities soon. Existing players can continue playing FarmVille till December 31, 2020.

Those who still want to play FarmVille can do so with Farmville 2: Tropic Escape that's available on Android and iOS. Zynga is also slated to launch FarmVille 3 on mobile soon.