Since being acquired by game goliath Electronic Arts three years ago, Seattle game company PopCap — of Bejeweled fame — has laid off staffers, cancelled games, closed studios and said farewell to former executives. But John Vechey, PopCap cofounder and honcho in charge (since January), tells Geekwire: “We made the right decision. EA has a reputation for acquiring companies and ruining them, and it’s different being a part of a big company, and there’s things that suck about being a part of a big company, and there’s things that suck about being independent — and that’s life.” True enough, John. PopCap could have gone public or picked a different acquisitor – Zynga was allegedly sniffing around. But that’s ancient history. Besides, according to Vechey, PopCap’s rocky “transition to freemium” has been “in our hands.” EA, he continued, has been supportive. “Our success or failure is on us.” — M.B.
PopCap's Vechey on life after acquisition
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By Mary Bruno
Mary was Crosscut's Editor-in-Chief and Interim Publisher. In more than 25 years as a journalist, she has worked as a writer, editor and editorial director for a variety of print and web publications,
Mary was Crosscut's Editor-in-Chief and Interim Publisher. In more than 25 years as a journalist, she has worked as a writer, editor and editorial director for a variety of print and web publications,