Torchlight Developer Runic Games Shuts Down

Not long after word broke out that Gigantic developer Motiga was being closed by parent company Perfect World, a sister studio receives a similar fate. Perfect World will be closing Runic Games, the developers behind the Torchlight series.

Studio boss Marsh Lefler made the announcement over the front page of Runic's official website, bringing an end to a nine-year existence. The studio's most recent release was last September's Hob, a mostly excellent 3D platformer. 

Perfect World issued the following statement:

Perfect World Entertainment recently closed the Seattle office of Runic Games as part of the company's continued strategy to focus on online games as a service. We're grateful to the team for all of their hard work bringing incredible experiences like Torchlight, Torchlight II and Hob to life. Runic Games will remain a part of Perfect World Entertainment's portfolio of studios, and its games will continue to be available to players, as we stay committed to supporting and growing Runic Games' beloved franchises.

The staff reduction at Motiga and the closure of Runic Games Seattle were unrelated. Perfect World Entertainment stands committed to delivering the best massively multiplayer online gameplay experiences to our players.

Between Motiga and Runic, a lot of good folks are losing jobs. Our best wishes go out to all of them.