Reports are emerging that PopCap Dublin has been closed down by EA following an "exploratory consultation" process. News of the closure has been reported by staff (via Twitter) and by MCV and follows months of speculation surrounding possible lay-offs.
Update
Edge just posted the following statement from PopCap and EA, confirming that the Irish-based studio has been closed. 96 staff have been affected.
"The consultation period in Ireland has been completed, and after having consulted fully with the employee representatives the PopCap leadership team has decided to close our Dublin office. 96 people have been affected by the decision. PopCap has provided outplacement support and many employees have offers in other parts of PopCap, at EA or new opportunities with technology partners in Ireland."
"Europe remains a critical market for PopCap and we will continue to grow our presence through centralised services operated from our North American offices and through the extensive European EA network. In Ireland, EA announced last week the addition of 300 jobs for its European Customer Experience Center in Galway, almost doubling the number of staff. The Galway facility currently employs close to 400 people."
"Worldwide, PopCap is still growing, and intends to continue hiring and developing current staff. We will continue to invest in new games, platforms, and markets while we expand the reach of hit franchises like Bejeweled and Plants Vs Zombies."