Runic Games, Creators of Torchlight, are Shutting Down

The creators of the Torchlight series, Runic Games, has been shut down by owner and publisher Perfect World Entertainment.

Perfect World Entertainment, a games publisher based in China, purchased a majority stake in Runic Games in May 2010. Recently, they made a statement that they are closing Runic Games in an effort to continue towards their new strategy of providing online games as a service. What that fully means is uncertain.

Marsh Lefler, Head of Runic Studios, was able to confirm the studio's closing with a statement posted on the Runic Games website, which goes into detail about how thankful and proud he is with his team, and that while they are closing, the multiplayer functionality of their games will still be alive.

Here you can see the note in its entirety since it may not be there for long:

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 jobs@runicgames.com.

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