PopCap Co-Founder John Vechey to Keynote 2011 Game Developers Conference Online in Austin, TX

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- John Vechey, co-founder of PopCap Games, the worldwide leader in casual games, will keynote the 2011 Game Developers Conference Online (GDC Online) when the event returns to Austin, Texas. Vechey's keynote, titled "Playing Well With Others – How PopCap Creates Compelling Social Game Experiences," will explore how the company is adapting its catalog of some of the most successful single player games of all time to social platforms. GDC Online 2011, presented by the UBM TechWeb Game Network, brings the premier online game development event back to the Austin Convention Center from October 10-13, 2011. Early registration discounts are available through September 1.

In his keynote, Vechey will examine how PopCap is translating their single-player game success of award-winning franchises such as Bejeweled®, Zuma™, and Plants vs. Zombies™ to the social space. The talk will address how mobile and social platforms have impacted the design philosophy of the PopCap team, which is known for their hyper focus on quality and refining products before bringing them to market. Vechey will attempt to answer questions such as 'How have mobile and social platforms impacted the design philosophy of the PopCap team?,' 'What makes a great single player game?,' 'What makes a great social game?,' and, 'In the end, what just makes a great game?'

Vechey launched PopCap in 2000 with co-founders Brian Fiete and Jason Kapalka and has been instrumental in driving nearly every aspect of the company's operations. As interim CEO of PopCap until 2003, Vechey oversaw all aspects of the company's Web presence while directing e-commerce, privacy/security and online games services. Vechey's major contributions at PopCap include securing some of the company's largest partnerships with major Web portals and game publishers, helping to launch the immensely popular title Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook which went from zero to 25 million users in its first twelve months, and establishing PopCap as a major player in the social games business. Currently the VP of Internal Business Development, Vechey manages PopCap's strategic investments and acquisitions, and helps shape and guide the global business and product strategy.

"In just a few short years, the social gaming space has evolved to be one of the key areas of online game development. PopCap, which continues to develop and deliver chart-topping casual games, has successfully brought this formula to social games," said Izora de Lillard, event director of GDC Online. "John Vechey, as co-founder, has a unique perspective and will share his insight and design philosophy to inspire developers to keep pushing the boundaries of online game development."

GDC Online takes place in Austin, Texas from October 10-13, 2011. Further information about the keynote, all other sessions and registration — including details about the early registration discounts of up to 40% off conference passes through 11:59 p.m. ET on September 1 — can be found at www.GDCOnline.com.

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