PopCap

PopCap Games is an American video game developer and publisher known for casual puzzle and arcade-style titles that appeal to broad audiences. The company was founded in 2001 by John Vechey, Brian Fiete, and Jason Kapalka in Seattle, Washington. Its early success came with Bejeweled (2001), a tile-matching puzzle game that helped popularize casual PC and browser gaming. The studio followed with a string of popular titles, including Zuma (2003), Bookworm (2003), and Peggle (2007), and later achieved major momentum with Plants vs. Zombies (2009), a tower defense title that expanded onto multiple platforms. PopCap’s portfolio emphasized accessible mechanics, bright visuals, and easy entry points for new players, contributing to its status as a leading name in casual gaming.

Electronic Arts acquired PopCap in 2011 for approximately $1.3 billion in cash and stock, integrating the studio into EA’s publishing structure. The acquisition broadened EA’s casual games catalog and distribution, particularly on mobile platforms, while PopCap continued to develop and support its enduring franchises across PC, web, and mobile. Plants vs. Zombies became a flagship property within EA’s casual lineup, and Bejeweled remained a staple across multiple platforms in the years that followed.

In the years after the acquisition, PopCap operated as a studio within Electronic Arts, with branding sometimes appearing as EA PopCap in corporate materials. The company is remembered for its role in popularizing casual, accessible video games during the 2000s and for creating several enduring franchises that extended beyond their initial releases.