John Vechey is left as the only remaining founder of Popcap Games, as Dave Roberts has announced that he is leaving the company. The change is effective starting this coming January 8 the same date that Jason Kapalka is also scheduled to leave the company, although he will continue to be partially involved as a consultant.
This amounts to another footnote to the tumultuous chapter of Popcap’s history following their purchase by EA in 2011. Popcap was a giant in 2010, producing hits like Bejeweled, Bookworm, Peggle, Zuma, and Plants vs Zombies since 2000.
The company has seen it all, starting Bejeweled itself as a Flash game for, of all things, the long defunct Microsoft Zone. They were on preiOS mobile platforms like Java ME and Palm OS. They found early success as a browser game, and they were there when Facebook was a viable gaming platform in 2010.
Following EA’s purchase, however, the company dawdled in releasing new IP. They released Plants vs Zombies 2 summer 2013, and announced Peggle 2, as well as Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare, as Microsoft exclusives. While Plants vs Zombies 2 saw heavy downloads, there is no argument that it is not the success prior Popcap games have been. You can read more about that here.
You know Vechey; he jumped in the air last E3 to announce Peggle 2. When interviewed about his future plans for Popcap, Vechey says they are focusing on streamlining their iteration process, so that they could release more new IP per year.
Image is from Plants vs Zombies 2.
