PopCap CEO Dave Roberts to retire, co-founder John Vechey to take over position

PopCap CEO Dave Roberts will be stepping down after nine years ago to hand the reins over to co-founder John Vechey, effective January 8.

According to GamesBeat, Vechey is the only co-founder remaining, as Jason Kapalka will also exit the firm on January 8; however, he will still maintain ties to the firm as a creative consultant in the interim.

Vechey told GamesBeat that PopCap needs to “get back to the place where we used to be and not just in mobile."

“PopCap’s mission right now is to create the greatest mobile game studio in the world, and we’re going to do that by only making games that are beloved by players," he said. "We’re focusing on our foundation in 2014 – talent, process, and most importantly, great products, around that mission.”

EA purchased PopCap in July 2011 for $750 million, with the acquisition being finalized the following month.