Digital Chocolate founder takes his last bite, steps down as CEO

Who doesn't like chocolate? Video game industry legend Trip Hawkins might have grown tired of it, as he has reportedly left his own social gaming company, Digital Chocolate. TechCrunch reports that Hawkins--founder of both EA and 3DO back in the day--left the company and announced as much on his personal blog.

"I am transitioning now into a consulting and advisory relationship with Digital Chocolate," Hawkins wrote. "For its next stage of growth, Digital Chocolate is narrowing its focus and it made sense to get more streamlined." TechCrunch also says, based on a "report", that the company has laid off up to 180 people across its offices in Russia, San Mateo, India and more.

According to TechCrunch, the layoffs have resulted in the closing of Digital Chocolate's Mexico office as well as spots in Armenia, Bothell, Washington, and St. Petersburg--the latter belong to Sandlot, a company the developer acquired back in August 2011.

Aside from possible layoffs and closures, times are tough for Digital Chocolate. The developer is ranked number 61 in terms of monthly players, and its most popular games are all on a downward slope, according to AppData. Digital Chocolate president Marc Metis is reported to take the helm as CEO. We'll see whether he steers this ship in the right direction. We've contacted Digital Chocolate for comment.

[Via Digital Trends]

Are you bummed to see Digital Chocolate in a potentially sad state? What's your favorite game from the developer? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.