Others agree. Intel sees it as a startup with big potential, especially in terms of targeting a younger demographic that Intel wants to reach.

"What I like about Empire Avenue is that it's global," says Rhoads. "You look at the community and it's all over the place. So, yes, it started as a Canadian startup but you can tell that the community is global. That's what we're looking for."It's telling that Intel, a huge, established company, believes Empire Avenue is on to something with social gaming. When you're small, it's hard to get noticed by a giant. Maybe it's because Intel sees a little bit of itself when it looks at the Canadian startup.

"There are many people who buy the Intel stock because of the dividends we pay in addition to being an innovative, growing firm with a vision," says Ardalan. "Empire Avenue works the same way."

Read more: http://www.itworldcanada.com/news/games-companies-play/145612#ixzz1xtPimGNL