Digital Chocolate lays off 180 people, Hawkins stands down as CEO

Social studio Digital Chocolate has laid off 180 of its staff, with CEO Trip Hawkins also stepping down from his role as CEO of the company.

On his company blog, which seems to have disappeared, Hawkins stated why he made his departure from the studio.

"I am transitioning now into a consulting and advisory relationship with Digital Chocolate. For its next stage of growth, Digital Chocolate is narrowing its focus and it made sense to get more streamlined," he said.

Hawkins' leaving comes on the 30th anniversary today of him founding and incorporating Electronic Arts on May 28, 1982.

According to TechCrunch, Marc Metis has made the step up from president to intrim CEO.

In addition, 180 staff have been let go through studios San Mateo and Bangalore, with studio closures in Mexicali and Armenia, plus offices from Sandlot - Digital Chocolate bought the company in 2009 - in Bothell, Washington and St. Petersburg.

Thanks, GI International.