In 2000, John Vechey founded what is now one of the most popular computer video game creators of all time. With the introduction of Steam, an online platform that provides users with installation and automatic updating of games on computers, community features such as friends lists, and even cloud-saving capabilities, the PC gaming industry is being revolutionized right before our eyes.
Beginning on August 30, 2006, 17 of PopCap’s products became available via Steam. In keeping with PopCap tradition, each PopCap game offered through Steam is available for a free trial period as well as for purchase. Some of PopCap’s most popular games include Bejeweled, Chuzzle, Peggle, and Plants vs. Zombies. These titles became so popular that on July 12, 2011, Electronic Arts (EA) announced it was buying PopCap for $650 million with an additional $100 million stock option.
PopCap’s leading title Bejeweled has sold more than $50 million units across all major platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Wii, iPhone, and Android. Now, the business is a part of EA Games and the creator, John Vechey, is worth over $60 million. This just goes to show that no matter who you are, you can come into any industry with your creative ideas and make an impact.
Check out PopCap Games at popcap.com
I never would have thought that such a simple game could make so much! It interesting with apps since once you get the population addicted, the idea just explodes. Apps are a continually growing market and it will be interesting to see what is developed in the next few years.
I like this because I have actually played some of the games that have made this company so successful. Viral games capture interest and maintain, and it is cool to see that this company adapts with the changing interests of their customers. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, such simple games that leaded to so much profit, pretty interesting to see consumer buying habits when it comes to apps and games and things of that nature. just simple mind numbing games that are now worth so much.
I have actually played plants vs. zombies before. My little cousin is the one that showed it to me. But what was interesting about it was that it was the Xbox one version. Before this i had no idea it was any bigger than an app. It’s really cool that such a small game blew up into something a lot bigger than where it began.