Homescapes had 4,160 levels in April 2020, when the last ad was posted, while Gardenscapes had 5,895. The developer said most players stop playing towards the start of the game, with only 45% reaching level 20, and only 18% reaching level 100. However, Playrix has added other mechanics and gameplay types over time towards the later stages - including these pin puzzles. Homescapes and Gardenscapes are both known for their match-three gameplay, which is used to progress through the story and unlock options to renovate either a house or garden.

Playrix insisted the content seen in the ads is included in both games, and provided the ASA with a recording showing the mini-games featured.

One example shows a woman locked away, with a burglar between her and the main character of Playrix's games, with the player challenged to remove the pins in a way that reunites the couple without them encountering the burglar.Īt the bottom of each video, text notes that: 'Not all images represent actual gameplay.' Images of the ads in questionĪccording to the ASA, seven people complained about these ads, claiming they were misleading. The Advertising Standards Agency has banned two Facebook ads for Playrix's casual hits Homescapes and Gardenscapes.īoth ads, posted in March and April this year, depicted a pin puzzle mini-game.

Homescapes character plot