The publisher Perfect World has confirmed it has shut down Torchlight and Hob development studio Runic Games, as well as cutting staff at Gigantic studio Motiga. Runic’s closure may come as a bit of a surprise considering how recent the Hob launch was but it appears Perfect World saw no other option. The hero shooter Gigantic hasn’t been performing too well but instead of closing Motiga Perfect World has kept a core group of staff employed to keep the game running.
Perfect World released a statement to Kotaku.
Following the news that Motiga has reduced the staff of its studio, Perfect World Entertainment can confirm that as the publisher of Gigantic, the game will continue to be available on our platforms. A core team of developers remains at Motiga, who will work with us to support the game and its players, including moving full steam ahead with the upcoming November update and future content. We cannot thank everyone enough for their contributions in making Gigantic the outstanding experience it is today.
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.
Additionally Runic Games released its own statement following its closure.
Hey everyone,
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. Our team here at Runic has released three successful games, and over that time we have seen many changes; team members got married, kids were born, but the most important thing is that we have become a family.
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. If you are in games and looking for some of the best talent in the industry, please email [email protected].
For those that love the Torchlight series, there will be some news coming. And for all our fans, our community and multiplayer services will keep running even after the studio’s lights go off.
It has been an amazing experience. To my family here at Runic, I know we won’t be far from each other, and I’ll miss seeing you all every week.
You haven’t heard the last of us,
Marsh Lefler
Studio Head
As ever we hope the staff let go from both Runic and Motiga find opportunities elsewhere within the industry.
Starman
If only they’d put loot boxes in their games.
bunimomike
Gutted for Runic – especially with the very warm reception of Hob. Can’t wait to play it but just finishing off a couple of games first.
However, seeing as the Torchlight crowd is pretty strong (on PC), they should kickstart a new Torchlight. I’m convinced they’d get the funding easily.