Echtra Games Studio Closure
The gaming world recently saw the unfortunate closure of Echtra Games, the studio behind Torchlight 3. This unexpected shutdown leaves many wondering about the future of their unannounced cross-platform ARPG and the impact on its talented team.
Echtra Games, founded by Max Schaefer, a key figure in the Diablo and Torchlight franchises, was acquired by Zynga in 2021. Since then, the studio had been developing a new, unannounced ARPG, intended for cross-platform release. However, this project, along with the studio itself, has been abruptly cancelled.
A Difficult Decision
Zynga cited strategic realignment of resources and priorities as the reason behind the closure. While the exact number of employees affected isn't publicly known, the impact on the team is undoubtedly significant. The company has pledged to support its affected employees during this challenging transition.
The closure comes on the heels of other significant changes within Zynga. The recent shutdown of Star Wars: Hunters, another project under the Zynga umbrella, highlights a broader trend of restructuring and project cancellations.
The Legacy of Echtra Games
Despite its relatively short lifespan, Echtra Games left a mark on the gaming industry. The studio's history, deeply rooted in the legacy of Diablo and Torchlight, attracted attention and high expectations. The cancellation of its unannounced project is a loss for gamers eagerly anticipating a new entry in the action RPG genre.
The reasons behind Echtra’s closure remain somewhat unclear, but it serves as a reminder of the inherent risks and challenges faced by game development studios, even those with prominent founders and successful past projects. The gaming industry is dynamic and competitive, and sometimes even the most promising ventures face unexpected setbacks.
Source: IGN