Losing a job is never an easy thing, but it is an all-too-prominent occurrence in game development. Developer Runic Games, who built their name on Torchlight and its sequel announced earlier today that they would be closing their doors for good. The studio had just released Hob, a single player action adventure game back at the end of September to much less fanfare than the Torchlight series.
In a statement on the Runic Games website, Studio Head Marsh Lefler thanked the community of fans for supporting the studio.
"It’s been over nine years since a rag-tag team of 17 developers helped open Runic Games. We’ve been so lucky for the community that has supported us and made us successful. Thanks to that support, we have had the chance to meet and work with the best people in the world," he said.
"I’m sorry to say that today will be Runic’s last day open. Our focus is on our family here, and helping them find a new place to call home."
Lefler also teased that some "news" for Torchlight fans would be "coming" and that their multiplayer services will remain online despite the studio's closure.
Torchlight originally released back in October of 2009, with its sequel Torchlight II coming three years later and introduced co-op online and LAN multiplayer. The sequel was very well received by fans, as the game currently sits at an "Overwhelmingly Positive" 95% positive user rating on Steam. The game is pretty much a simplified Diablo clone, but it offers a wealth of content for its price point and is a great time with friends.
Good luck to all of those affected by the layoffs at Runic Games.
