In 2021, Zynga, the gaming giant, bought Torchlight 3 developer Echtra Games with intentions to expand into PC and console gaming. However, unexpectedly, Echtra Games is now shutting down, deviating from this initial plan.
Spilling the Tea on Torchlight's Twilight
In a surprise turn of events, Zynga has pulled the plug on Echtra Games, the team behind Torchlight 3. This ouchie decision marks the end of Echtra's journey, leading to the cancellation of upcoming projects, including a promising cross-platform RPG[1][3][4].
Zynga's decision to shutter Echtra reflects their broader move to rethink their strategic approach, aligning resources more efficiently[3][4]. The studio was founded in 2016 by none other than Max Schaefer, a gaming legend who also co-founded Runic Games and the Diablo powerhouse, Blizzard North[4].
Echtra's initial focus was on Torchlight Frontiers, an ambitious MMO. However, after engaging with players,internal teams, and their publisher, they shifted gears in 2020 to develop Torchlight 3 - a more conventional standalone game[4].
Sadly, Torchlight 3 failed to reignite the series' spark. Although the original Torchlight was a pulsating lightweight action-RPG in 2009, Torchlight 3 felt a tad flat compared to the competition in 2020[4]. Its free-to-play roots could be seen peeking through in certain areas, like a mobile game masquerading as an RPG[4].
Zynga swooped in to acquire Echtra in 2021, with the ambition of propelling the mobile-centric company into the PC and console gaming zones[4]. However, despite this acquisition, Echtra found it challenging to meet their strategic objectives, leading to the inevitable decision to close the studio[3][4].
This closure comes just three months after Zynga, a Take-Two Interactive division, announced the demise of NaturalMotion's Star Wars: Hunters game, a move that also axed the planned Steam release[2].
Things aren't looking all sunny at Take-Two. Last April, the company pulled the axe on approximately 5% of its workforce[1]. In November, they bid farewell to their indie-style Private Division publishing division, along with most of its games[1]. To add insult to injury, Take-Two's share price took a nosedive when they delayed the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 from fall 2025 to May 26, 2026 (only consoles, PC version TBA)[2].
Andy Chalk (AKA, Your Gaming Guru)Andy's gaming journey began on a cassette-based TRS80 back in the day. From simple text adventures and primitive action games, he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims[4]. He built his own rig and developed a soft spot for RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. Follow him for all gaming-related updates, from patch notes to Henry Cavill-sized scoops[4].
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- In an attempt to innovate, Zynga may be aiming to leverage the technology and intellect from Echtra to create a breakthrough game, possibly winning them a strong foothold in the PC and console market.
- The cancellation of the cross-platform RPG that Echtra was working on could be a significant loss for the gaming community, as many were looking forward to the race of becoming its champion.
- Despite the current gloomy season in the gaming industry, with numerous studio closures and game cancellations, it's crucial for developers to continue pushing the boundaries of game design and technology to ensure a win for the players and their companies.
