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.

About the UBM TechWeb Game Network

A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the UBM TechWeb Game Network – formerly known as the Think Services Game Group - offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include the Game Developers Conference®, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com and network of sites, the Game Advertising Online ad network, the Game Developers Conference® Online, the Game Developers Conference™ Europe, the Game Developers Conference™ China, Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Game Career Seminars and GameCareerGuide.com, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. Visit www.jointhegamenetwork.com

About UBM TechWeb

UBM TechWeb, the global leader in technology media and professional information, enables people and organizations to harness the transformative power of technology. Through its three core businesses – media solutions, marketing services and paid content – UBM TechWeb produces the most respected and consumed brands and media applications in the technology market. More than 14.5 million business and technology professionals (CIOs and IT managers, Web & Digital professionals, Software Developers, Government decision makers, and Telecom providers) actively engage in UBM TechWeb's communities and information resources monthly. UBM TechWeb brands includes: global face-to-face events such as Interop, Web 2.0, Black Hat and Enterprise Connect; award-winning online resources such as InformationWeek, Light Reading, and Network Computing; and market-leading magazines InformationWeek, Wall Street & Technology, and Advanced Trading. UBM TechWeb is a UBM plc company, a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion. Visit: www.ubmtechweb.com

SOURCE UBM TechWeb Game Network

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