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{{Short description|Defunct video game studio}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Runic Games
| name = Runic Games
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| fate = [[Dissolution (law)|Dissolved]]
| fate = [[Dissolution (law)|Dissolved]]
| founded = {{Start date and age|2008|08|11}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|2008|08|11}}
| founder = {{Unbulleted list|Travis Baldree|Max Schaefer|Erich Schaefer|Peter Hu}}
| founder = {{Unbulleted list|[[Travis Baldree]]|Max Schaefer|Erich Schaefer|Peter Hu}}
| defunct = {{End date|2017|11|03}}
| defunct = {{End date|2017|11|03}}
| hq_location_city = [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| hq_location_city = [[Seattle]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list|Max Schaefer ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])|Travis Baldree ([[President (corporate title)|president]])}}
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list|Max Schaefer ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])|[[Travis Baldree]] ([[President (corporate title)|president]])}}
| products = {{Unbulleted list|''[[Torchlight]]''|''[[Torchlight II]]''|''[[Hob (video game)|Hob]]''}}
| products = {{Unbulleted list|''[[Torchlight]]''|''[[Torchlight II]]''|''[[Hob (video game)|Hob]]''}}
| num_employees =
| num_employees =
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}}
}}


'''Runic Games''' was a [[Seattle]]-based American [[video game developer|computer game company]] formed by Travis Baldree (creator of ''[[Fate (video game)|Fate]]''), Max Schaefer and Erich Schaefer (co-founders of [[Blizzard North]], creators of ''[[Diablo (series)|Diablo]]''), Peter Hu, and the [[Flagship Studios]] Seattle team responsible for ''[[Mythos (video game)|Mythos]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecyte.com/?p=2930 |title=Captaining The Lifeboat: Runic Games' Max Schaefer and Travis Baldree |publisher=Gamecyte |author=Sean Hollister |access-date=2009-04-11 |date=2008-08-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081121015714/http://www.gamecyte.com/2008/08/14/captaining-the-lifeboat-runic-games-max-schaefer-and-travis-baldree/2930 |archive-date=November 21, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="warcry" /> It was a subsidiary of [[Perfect World (company)|Perfect World]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110715214240/http://www.runicgamesfansite.com/news/3318-torchlight-xbla-press-release.html]</ref> In 2009, the company released ''[[Torchlight]]'', a single-player [[action role-playing game]]. They released a sequel, ''[[Torchlight II]]'', in 2012. It was at this time the developers revealed they were no longer pursuing plans to create an MMO in the ''Torchlight'' universe.<ref name="theverge">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/9/20/3363844/runic-games-has-no-plans-to-work-on-torchlight-mmo |title=Runic Games has 'no plans' to work on Torchlight MMO |publisher=TheVerge |author=Griffin McElroy |access-date=2012-09-20 |date=2012-09-20}}</ref>
'''Runic Games''' was an American [[video game developer|computer game developer]] based in [[Seattle]]. It was formed by former [[Flagship Studios]] developers in August 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecyte.com/?p=2930 |title=Captaining The Lifeboat: Runic Games' Max Schaefer and Travis Baldree |publisher=Gamecyte |author=Sean Hollister |access-date=2009-04-11 |date=2008-08-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081121015714/http://www.gamecyte.com/2008/08/14/captaining-the-lifeboat-runic-games-max-schaefer-and-travis-baldree/2930 |archive-date=November 21, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="warcry" /> In 2009, the company released ''[[Torchlight]]'', a single-player [[action role-playing game]]. It was acquired by [[Perfect World (company)|Perfect World]] in May 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Torchlight XBLA Press Release |url=http://www.runicgamesfansite.com/news/3318-torchlight-xbla-press-release.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715214240/http://www.runicgamesfansite.com/news/3318-torchlight-xbla-press-release.html |archive-date=15 July 2011 |access-date=13 January 2022 |website=www.runicgamesfansite.com}}</ref> They released a sequel, ''[[Torchlight II]]'', in 2012. It was at this time the developers revealed they were no longer pursuing plans to create an MMO in the ''Torchlight'' universe.<ref name="theverge">{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2012/9/20/3363844/runic-games-has-no-plans-to-work-on-torchlight-mmo |title=Runic Games has 'no plans' to work on Torchlight MMO |publisher=TheVerge |author=Griffin McElroy |access-date=2012-09-20 |date=2012-09-20}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Runic Games was founded on August 11, 2008, by Travis Baldree, Max Schaefer, Erich Schaefer, and Peter Hu.<ref name="rpgamerint">{{cite web |url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/other/pc/torchlight/torchlightint.html |title=Torchlight Interview |publisher=rpgamer.com |author=Michael Cunningham |access-date=2009-08-21 |date=2009-08-21}}</ref><ref name="kotakuhist">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/how-microsoft-almost-published-torchlight-and-other-me-1820176500 |title=How Microsoft Almost Published Torchlight, And Other Memories From Runic Games |first=Jason |last=Schreier |date=November 6, 2017 |website=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref> Originally, the company was incorporated with the placeholder name "Surprise Truck", as suggested by Max Schaefer.<ref name="kotakuhist" /> The naming resulted in the company receiving a multitude of calls asking whether they were available to do truck delivery jobs.<ref name="kotakuhist" /> Runic Games was formed specifically for the purpose of keeping the team behind the game ''[[Mythos (video game)|Mythos]]'' together to develop a new [[action role-playing game|action RPG]] video game as a "[[spiritual successor]]" to their previous project.<ref name="gamepro">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/208782/runic-games-max-schaefer-warns-indie-devs-talks-secret-new-game-diablo-3/ |title=Runic Games' Max Schaefer warns indie devs, talks secret new game, Diablo 3 |publisher=GamePro |author=Sid Shuman |access-date=2009-04-06 |date=2009-02-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210053727/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/208782/runic-games-max-schaefer-warns-indie-devs-talks-secret-new-game-diablo-3/ |archive-date=2009-02-10}}</ref> Following the dissolution of Flagship Studios in 2008, all 14 members of the Seattle team that developed ''Mythos'' signed onto Runic Games.<ref name="warcry">{{cite web |url=http://www.warcry.com/articles/view/interviews/5127-WarCry-Interviews-Runic-Games-Travis-Baldree |title=WarCry Interviews Runic Games' Travis Baldree |publisher=WarCry Network |author=Suzie Ford |access-date=2009-04-06 |date=2008-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19769 |title=Mythos Team Reforms As Runic Games |publisher=Gamasutra |author=David Jenkins |access-date=2009-04-06 |date=2008-08-11}}</ref>
Runic Games was founded on August 11, 2008, by Travis Baldree (''[[Fate (video game)|Fate]]'' designer), Max Schaefer, Erich Schaefer (co-founder of [[Blizzard North]]), and Peter Hu.<ref name="rpgamerint">{{cite web |url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/other/pc/torchlight/torchlightint.html |title=Torchlight Interview |publisher=rpgamer.com |author=Michael Cunningham |access-date=2009-08-21 |date=2009-08-21}}</ref><ref name="kotakuhist">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/how-microsoft-almost-published-torchlight-and-other-me-1820176500 |title=How Microsoft Almost Published Torchlight, And Other Memories From Runic Games |first=Jason |last=Schreier |date=November 6, 2017 |website=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref> Originally, the company was incorporated with the placeholder name "Surprise Truck", as suggested by Max Schaefer.<ref name="kotakuhist" /> The naming resulted in the company receiving a multitude of calls asking whether they were available to do truck delivery jobs.<ref name="kotakuhist" /> Runic Games was formed specifically for the purpose of keeping the team behind the game ''[[Mythos (video game)|Mythos]]'' together to develop a new [[action role-playing game|action RPG]] video game as a "[[spiritual successor]]" to their previous project.<ref name="gamepro">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/208782/runic-games-max-schaefer-warns-indie-devs-talks-secret-new-game-diablo-3/ |title=Runic Games' Max Schaefer warns indie devs, talks secret new game, Diablo 3 |publisher=GamePro |author=Sid Shuman |access-date=2009-04-06 |date=2009-02-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210053727/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/208782/runic-games-max-schaefer-warns-indie-devs-talks-secret-new-game-diablo-3/ |archive-date=2009-02-10}}</ref> Following the dissolution of Flagship Studios in 2008, all 14 members of the Seattle team that developed ''Mythos'' signed onto Runic Games.<ref name="warcry">{{cite web |url=http://www.warcry.com/articles/view/interviews/5127-WarCry-Interviews-Runic-Games-Travis-Baldree |title=WarCry Interviews Runic Games' Travis Baldree |publisher=WarCry Network |author=Suzie Ford |access-date=2009-04-06 |date=2008-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19769 |title=Mythos Team Reforms As Runic Games |publisher=Gamasutra |author=David Jenkins |access-date=2009-04-06 |date=2008-08-11}}</ref>


Full production on the game started around November 2008, meaning that the game's total development period was approximately 11 months.<ref name="g4tv">{{cite web |url=http://g4tv.com/games/pc/62407/torchlight/articles/68712/Torchlight-Interview-With-Runic-Games-CEO-Max-Schaefer/ |title=Torchlight Interview With Runic Games CEO Max Schaefer |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4 TV]] |author=Patrick Klepek |access-date=2009-10-14 |date=2009-10-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323075127/http://www.g4tv.com/games/pc/62407/torchlight/articles/68712/Torchlight-Interview-With-Runic-Games-CEO-Max-Schaefer/ |archive-date=March 23, 2012}}</ref> At the 2009 [[Game Developers Conference]] some members of the Runic Games team were present with an early version of their single-player game, at which point it was revealed that the title would be ''[[Torchlight]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.runicinsider.com/?p=12 |title=Announcing: Torchlight! |publisher=Runic Insider |author=TiberiusAudley |access-date=2009-04-06 |date=2009-03-28}}</ref> One notable addition to the staff was [[Matt Uelmen]], composer for [[Blizzard Entertainment]]'s [[Diablo series]]. As of mid-2009, the company employed no fewer than 26 people.<ref name="rpgamerint" /><ref name="pcgames.de">{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgames.de/aid,690812/Torchlight-Mega-Interview-und-neue-Screenshots-zum-Action-RPG-im-Diablo-Stil/PC/Special/?page=5 |title=Torchlight: Mega-Interview |publisher=Pcgames.de |author= |access-date=2010-01-10 |date=2009-07-24}}</ref>
Full production on the game started around November 2008, meaning that the game's total development period was approximately 11 months.<ref name="g4tv">{{cite web |url=http://g4tv.com/games/pc/62407/torchlight/articles/68712/Torchlight-Interview-With-Runic-Games-CEO-Max-Schaefer/ |title=Torchlight Interview With Runic Games CEO Max Schaefer |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4 TV]] |author=Patrick Klepek |access-date=2009-10-14 |date=2009-10-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323075127/http://www.g4tv.com/games/pc/62407/torchlight/articles/68712/Torchlight-Interview-With-Runic-Games-CEO-Max-Schaefer/ |archive-date=March 23, 2012}}</ref> At the 2009 [[Game Developers Conference]] some members of the Runic Games team were present with an early version of their single-player game, at which point it was revealed that the title would be ''[[Torchlight]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.runicinsider.com/?p=12 |title=Announcing: Torchlight! |publisher=Runic Insider |author=TiberiusAudley |access-date=2009-04-06 |date=2009-03-28 |archive-date=2009-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530170638/http://www.runicinsider.com/?p=12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> One notable addition to the staff was [[Matt Uelmen]], composer for [[Blizzard Entertainment]]'s [[Diablo series]]. As of mid-2009, the company employed no fewer than 26 people.<ref name="rpgamerint" /><ref name="pcgames.de">{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgames.de/aid,690812/Torchlight-Mega-Interview-und-neue-Screenshots-zum-Action-RPG-im-Diablo-Stil/PC/Special/?page=5 |title=Torchlight: Mega-Interview |publisher=Pcgames.de |author= |access-date=2010-01-10 |date=2009-07-24}}</ref> [[Gamasutra]] named Runic Games one of its "Top 5 Developers" of 2009 for the studio's ability to create the "highly-polished" ''Torchlight'' in only 11 months.<ref name="gama-top5">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/26242/Gamasutras_Best_Of_2009_Top_5_Developers.php |title=Gamasutra's Best Of 2009: Top 5 Developers |publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |author=Chris Remo |access-date=2010-01-10 |date=2009-12-17}}</ref> The company was also praised for its responsiveness to its player community, citing one particular incident:


[[Gamasutra]] named Runic Games one of its "Top 5 Developers" of 2009 for the studio's ability to create the "highly-polished" ''Torchlight'' in only 11 months.<ref name="gama-top5">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/26242/Gamasutras_Best_Of_2009_Top_5_Developers.php |title=Gamasutra's Best Of 2009: Top 5 Developers |publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |author=Chris Remo |access-date=2010-01-10 |date=2009-12-17}}</ref> The company was also praised for its responsiveness to its player community, citing one particular incident:
{{Quote|text=Mere hours after a forum member mentioned that one of the game's camera effects left her unable to play sections of the games due to an uncommon eye condition, a Runic developer patched in a user toggle for the option -- at 8:00 am on a Sunday morning, no less.|sign=Chris Remo|source="[http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/26242/Gamasutras_Best_Of_2009_Top_5_Developers.php Gamasutra's Best Of 2009: Top 5 Developers]" [[Gamasutra]]}}
{{Quote|text=Mere hours after a forum member mentioned that one of the game's camera effects left her unable to play sections of the games due to an uncommon eye condition, a Runic developer patched in a user toggle for the option -- at 8:00 am on a Sunday morning, no less.|sign=Chris Remo|source="Gamasutra's Best Of 2009: Top 5 Developers" [[Gamasutra]]}}


Following the 2009 release of ''Torchlight'', the studio shifted to the production of a sequel ''[[Torchlight II]]''.<ref name="massively">{{cite web |url=http://www.massively.com/2009/12/09/runic-games-talks-torchlight-the-upcoming-mmo-diablo-compariso/ |title=Runic Games talks Torchlight, the upcoming MMO, Diablo comparisons, more |publisher=Massively.com |author=Tracey John |access-date=2010-01-10 |date=2009-12-09}}</ref><ref name="Gamasutra TL2">{{cite web |url=http://gamasutra.com/view/news/29743/Interview_Runic_CEO_On_Torchlight_II_Digital_Strengths.php |title=Interview: Runic CEO On Torchlight II, Digital Strengths |author=Graft, Kris |publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=2010-08-06}}</ref>
Following the 2009 release of ''Torchlight'', the studio shifted to the production of a sequel ''[[Torchlight II]]''.<ref name="massively">{{cite web |url=http://www.massively.com/2009/12/09/runic-games-talks-torchlight-the-upcoming-mmo-diablo-compariso/ |title=Runic Games talks Torchlight, the upcoming MMO, Diablo comparisons, more |publisher=Massively.com |author=Tracey John |access-date=2010-01-10 |date=2009-12-09}}</ref><ref name="Gamasutra TL2">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/interview-runic-ceo-on-i-torchlight-ii-i-digital-strengths |title=Interview: Runic CEO On Torchlight II, Digital Strengths |author=Graft, Kris |publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=2010-08-06}}</ref> In 2010, [[Perfect World (company)|Perfect World Entertainment, Inc.]] bought an $8.4 million majority stake in Runic Games.<ref>{{cite web

In 2010, [[Perfect World (company)|Perfect World Entertainment, Inc.]] bought an $8.4 million majority stake in Runic Games.<ref>{{cite web
| url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/perfect-world-acquires-majority-stake-in-runic-games
| url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/perfect-world-acquires-majority-stake-in-runic-games
| title=Perfect World acquires majority stake in Runic Games
| title=Perfect World acquires majority stake in Runic Games
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| publisher=gamesindustry.biz
| publisher=gamesindustry.biz
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719231129/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/perfect-world-acquires-majority-stake-in-runic-games
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719231129/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/perfect-world-acquires-majority-stake-in-runic-games
| archive-date=2021-04-25
| archive-date=2020-07-19
| quote=''By collaborating more closely with Runic's professional team, we seek to combine their creativity and expertise in game development with our deep understanding of the online game market to create global titles.''
| quote=''By collaborating more closely with Runic's professional team, we seek to combine their creativity and expertise in game development with our deep understanding of the online game market to create global titles.''
| access-date=2021-04-25}}</ref> In March 2014, co-founders Erich Schaefer and Travis Baldree decided to leave Runic and form a new indie studio, Double Damage Games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Runic Games • View topic - Announcement : Next Things |url=http://forums.runicgames.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=59642&sid=e01161b6601dee85c0835bd395568b32 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328172013/http://forums.runicgames.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=59642&sid=e01161b6601dee85c0835bd395568b32 |archive-date=2014-03-28 |website=Runic Games Forums}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-27-co-founders-of-torchlight-dev-runic-exit-studio-to-go-indie |title=Co-founders of Torchlight dev Runic exit studio to go indie |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=August 9, 2018 |work=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> Max Schaefer left the studio in early 2016; he then founded [[Echtra Games]], which included a number of former Blizzard and Runic developers. In August 2018, Echtra announced ''[[Torchlight Frontiers]]'', a shared world game build on the ''Torchlight'' IP.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/08/09/torchlight-frontiers-announced/ |title=Torchlight Frontiers taking action-RPG to 'shared world' |first=Alice |last=O'Conners |date=August 9, 2018 |access-date=August 9, 2018 |work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]}}</ref>
⚫
| access-date=2021-04-25}}</ref>

In March 2014, co-founder Erich Schaefer and Travis Baldree decided to leave Runic and form a new indie studio, Double Damage Games.<ref>[http://forums.runicgames.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=59642&sid=e01161b6601dee85c0835bd395568b32 "Announcement: Next Things," Runic Games official forums]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-27-co-founders-of-torchlight-dev-runic-exit-studio-to-go-indie |title=Co-founders of Torchlight dev Runic exit studio to go indie |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=August 9, 2018 |work=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref>

Max Schaefer left the studio in early 2016; he then founded [[Echtra Games]], which included a number of former Blizzard and Runic developers. In August 2018, Echtra announced ''[[Torchlight Frontiers]]'', a shared world game build on the ''Torchlight'' IP.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/08/09/torchlight-frontiers-announced/ |title=Torchlight Frontiers taking action-RPG to 'shared world' |first=Alice |last=O'Conners |date=August 9, 2018 |access-date=August 9, 2018 |work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]}}</ref>


On November 3, 2017, Perfect World announced the closure of Runic Games, along with large layoffs at [[Motiga]]. Perfect World said the closure was to reflect their company's focus on games as a service.<ref>{{cite web
On November 3, 2017, Perfect World announced the closure of Runic Games, along with large layoffs at [[Motiga]]. Perfect World said the closure was to reflect their company's focus on games as a service.<ref>{{cite web
| url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/308970/Perfect_World_shuts_down_Runic_Games_studio.php
| url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/308970/Perfect_World_shuts_down_Runic_Games_studio.php
| title=Perfect World acquires majority stake in Runic Games
| title=Perfect World shuts down Runic Games studio
| date=2017-11-03
| date=2017-11-03
| publisher=[[Gamasutra]]
| publisher=[[Gamasutra]]
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118044850/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/308970/Perfect_World_shuts_down_Runic_Games_studio.php
⚫
| archive-date=2021-01-18
| quote=''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''
| quote=''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''
| access-date=2021-04-25}}</ref> One set of developers from Runic, including Marsh Lefler, Patrick Blank, Allen Fong, and John Dunbar, along with former [[Gearbox Software]] members, established Monster Squad Games and are currently developing a player-versus-environment cooperative game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/former-torchlight-devs-have-teamed-up-for-a-new-co-op-game/ |title=Former Torchlight devs have teamed up for a new co-op game |first=Samuel |last=Horti |date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=October 25, 2018 |work=[[PC Gamer]]}}</ref>
| access-date=2021-04-25}}</ref> One set of developers from Runic, including Marsh Lefler, Patrick Blank, Allen Fong, and John Dunbar, along with former [[Gearbox Software]] members, established Monster Squad Games and are currently developing a player-versus-environment cooperative game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/former-torchlight-devs-have-teamed-up-for-a-new-co-op-game/ |title=Former Torchlight devs have teamed up for a new co-op game |first=Samuel |last=Horti |date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=October 25, 2018 |work=[[PC Gamer]]}}</ref>
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===''Torchlight'' (2009)===
===''Torchlight'' (2009)===
{{Main|Torchlight}}
{{Main|Torchlight}}
Runic Games' first product is ''Torchlight'', a single-player [[action role-playing game]] published by [[Perfect World (company)|Perfect World Entertainment, Inc.]] and [[Encore, Inc]], and released for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] on October 27, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175903 |title=Release Date Revealed For Torchlight |publisher=1up.com |author=Kat Bailey |access-date=2009-09-04 |date=2009-09-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6BpOMukKN?url=http://www.1up.com/news/release-date-revealed-torchlight |archive-date=2012-10-31 }}</ref> The [[fantasy]]-themed game is set in the fictional town of Torchlight and the expansive caverns and dungeons nearby, which adventurers explore to collect valuable loot and battle hordes of monsters. Following the initial [[digital distribution]] release, Encore, Inc published a Windows retail box version in January 2010, a port for [[Mac OS X]] was developed by World Domination Industries and released through [[Steam (service)|Steam]]<ref name="steamrelease">[http://store.steampowered.com/news/3808/ Steam For Mac Launch Details Revealed, SteamPowered.com]</ref> in May 2010, and it was released for the [[Xbox 360]] via [[XBLA]] on March 9, 2011.<ref name="xbla">{{cite web |url=http://www.torchlightgame.com/gamenews/2011/03/09/happy-torchlight-xbla-launch-day/ |title=Happy Torchlight XBLA day |publisher=Runic Games |access-date=2011-03-09 |date=2011-03-09}}</ref> The game was met with a generally positive critical reception, holding a [[Metacritic]] score of 83 based on 57 reviews.<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/torchlight |title=Torchlight (pc) Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2009-10-29 |date=2009-10-29}}</ref>
Runic Games' first product is ''Torchlight'', a single-player [[action role-playing game]] published by [[Perfect World (company)|Perfect World Entertainment, Inc.]] and [[Encore, Inc]], and released for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] on October 27, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175903 |title=Release Date Revealed For Torchlight |publisher=1up.com |author=Kat Bailey |access-date=2009-09-04 |date=2009-09-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012044546/http://www.1up.com/news/release-date-revealed-torchlight |archive-date=2012-10-12 }}</ref> The [[fantasy]]-themed game is set in the fictional town of Torchlight and the expansive caverns and dungeons nearby, which adventurers explore to collect valuable loot and battle hordes of monsters. Following the initial [[digital distribution]] release, Encore, Inc published a Windows retail box version in January 2010, a port for [[Mac OS X]] was developed by World Domination Industries and released through [[Steam (service)|Steam]]<ref name="steamrelease">{{Cite web |title=News - Steam For Mac Launch Details Revealed |url=https://store.steampowered.com/oldnews/3808 |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=store.steampowered.com |language=en}}</ref> in May 2010, and it was released for the [[Xbox 360]] via [[XBLA]] on March 9, 2011.<ref name="xbla">{{cite web |url=http://www.torchlightgame.com/gamenews/2011/03/09/happy-torchlight-xbla-launch-day/ |title=Happy Torchlight XBLA day |publisher=Runic Games |access-date=2011-03-09 |date=2011-03-09}}</ref> The game was met with a generally positive critical reception, holding a [[Metacritic]] score of 83 based on 57 reviews.<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/torchlight |title=Torchlight (pc) Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2009-10-29 |date=2009-10-29}}</ref>


===''Torchlight II'' (2012)===
===''Torchlight II'' (2012)===
{{Main|Torchlight II}}
{{Main|Torchlight II}}
Runic Games announced ''Torchlight II'', a sequel that features multiplayer [[Cooperative video game|co-op]]. The company decided to develop the sequel to "give [the players] what they're asking for" in terms of a multiplayer experience, while serving as an intermediate step toward their planned MMORPG.<ref name="Gamasutra TL2" /> Torchlight II was released on September 20, 2012.<ref>[http://www.torchlight2game.com/news/2012/08/31/release-date-announcement/ "Torchlight 2 Release Date," Torchlight II official site]</ref>
Runic Games announced ''Torchlight II'', a sequel that features multiplayer [[Cooperative video game|co-op]]. The company decided to develop the sequel to "give [the players] what they're asking for" in terms of a multiplayer experience, while serving as an intermediate step toward their planned MMORPG.<ref name="Gamasutra TL2" /> Torchlight II was released on September 20, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2012|title=9.20.12 |url=http://www.runicgames.com/blog/2012/08/31/release-date-announcement/ |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=www.runicgames.com}}</ref>


Though not listed anywhere in their marketing materials,<ref>http://www.torchlight2game.com/about</ref> Torchlight II requires a Runic Games account to play in Internet Multiplayer games.
Though not listed anywhere in their marketing materials,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.torchlight2game.com/about|title=Torchlight II}}</ref> Torchlight II requires a Runic Games account to play in Internet Multiplayer games.


===''Hob'' (2017)===
===''Hob'' (2017)===
{{main|Hob (video game)}}
{{main|Hob (video game)}}
Runic Games announced ''Hob'' on August 17, 2015.
Runic Games announced ''Hob'' on August 17, 2015.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}


Hob is set on a beautiful and dangerous unknown world, with buzzing life above and the whirrs of mysterious machinery below. The more players delve into the world's design, the more they uncover a planet in peril. Players must learn to survive, understand their true purpose through acquiring skills, and ultimately transform the nature of the world itself.
Hob is set on a beautiful and dangerous unknown world, with buzzing life above and the whirrs of mysterious machinery below. The more players delve into the world's design, the more they uncover a planet in peril. Players must learn to survive, understand their true purpose through acquiring skills, and ultimately transform the nature of the world itself.


"Hob is presented without text or dialogue. Narrative is revealed as players explore and interact with their mysterious planet, and the strange life forms that inhabit it. Hob features smooth controller gameplay, multi-layered puzzles, and striking visuals".<ref>http://www.runicgames.com/about/press/2015/08/17/runic-games-announces-hob</ref>
"Hob is presented without text or dialogue. Narrative is revealed as players explore and interact with their mysterious planet, and the strange life forms that inhabit it. Hob features smooth controller gameplay, multi-layered puzzles, and striking visuals".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.runicgames.com/about/press/2015/08/17/runic-games-announces-hob|title = Runic Games Announces}}</ref>


Hob was released on September 26, 2017.
Hob was released on September 26, 2017.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 18:47, 17 September 2024

Runic Games
FormerlySurprise Truck (2008)
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
FoundedAugust 11, 2008; 16 years ago (2008-08-11)
Founder
DefunctNovember 3, 2017 (2017-11-03)
FateDissolved
Headquarters
Seattle, Washington
,
U.S.
Key people
Products
ParentPerfect World (2010–2017)
Websiterunicgames.com

Runic Games was an American computer game developer based in Seattle. It was formed by former Flagship Studios developers in August 2008.[1][2] In 2009, the company released Torchlight, a single-player action role-playing game. It was acquired by Perfect World in May 2010.[3] They released a sequel, Torchlight II, in 2012. It was at this time the developers revealed they were no longer pursuing plans to create an MMO in the Torchlight universe.[4]

History

[edit]

Runic Games was founded on August 11, 2008, by Travis Baldree (Fate designer), Max Schaefer, Erich Schaefer (co-founder of Blizzard North), and Peter Hu.[5][6] Originally, the company was incorporated with the placeholder name "Surprise Truck", as suggested by Max Schaefer.[6] The naming resulted in the company receiving a multitude of calls asking whether they were available to do truck delivery jobs.[6] Runic Games was formed specifically for the purpose of keeping the team behind the game Mythos together to develop a new action RPG video game as a "spiritual successor" to their previous project.[7] Following the dissolution of Flagship Studios in 2008, all 14 members of the Seattle team that developed Mythos signed onto Runic Games.[2][8]

Full production on the game started around November 2008, meaning that the game's total development period was approximately 11 months.[9] At the 2009 Game Developers Conference some members of the Runic Games team were present with an early version of their single-player game, at which point it was revealed that the title would be Torchlight.[10] One notable addition to the staff was Matt Uelmen, composer for Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo series. As of mid-2009, the company employed no fewer than 26 people.[5][11] Gamasutra named Runic Games one of its "Top 5 Developers" of 2009 for the studio's ability to create the "highly-polished" Torchlight in only 11 months.[12] The company was also praised for its responsiveness to its player community, citing one particular incident:

Mere hours after a forum member mentioned that one of the game's camera effects left her unable to play sections of the games due to an uncommon eye condition, a Runic developer patched in a user toggle for the option -- at 8:00 am on a Sunday morning, no less.

— Chris Remo, "Gamasutra's Best Of 2009: Top 5 Developers" Gamasutra

Following the 2009 release of Torchlight, the studio shifted to the production of a sequel Torchlight II.[13][14] In 2010, Perfect World Entertainment, Inc. bought an $8.4 million majority stake in Runic Games.[15] In March 2014, co-founders Erich Schaefer and Travis Baldree decided to leave Runic and form a new indie studio, Double Damage Games.[16][17] Max Schaefer left the studio in early 2016; he then founded Echtra Games, which included a number of former Blizzard and Runic developers. In August 2018, Echtra announced Torchlight Frontiers, a shared world game build on the Torchlight IP.[18]

On November 3, 2017, Perfect World announced the closure of Runic Games, along with large layoffs at Motiga. Perfect World said the closure was to reflect their company's focus on games as a service.[19] One set of developers from Runic, including Marsh Lefler, Patrick Blank, Allen Fong, and John Dunbar, along with former Gearbox Software members, established Monster Squad Games and are currently developing a player-versus-environment cooperative game.[20]

Games

[edit]

Torchlight (2009)

[edit]
Main article: Torchlight

Runic Games' first product is Torchlight, a single-player action role-playing game published by Perfect World Entertainment, Inc. and Encore, Inc, and released for Windows on October 27, 2009.[21] The fantasy-themed game is set in the fictional town of Torchlight and the expansive caverns and dungeons nearby, which adventurers explore to collect valuable loot and battle hordes of monsters. Following the initial digital distribution release, Encore, Inc published a Windows retail box version in January 2010, a port for Mac OS X was developed by World Domination Industries and released through Steam[22] in May 2010, and it was released for the Xbox 360 via XBLA on March 9, 2011.[23] The game was met with a generally positive critical reception, holding a Metacritic score of 83 based on 57 reviews.[24]

Torchlight II (2012)

[edit]
Main article: Torchlight II

Runic Games announced Torchlight II, a sequel that features multiplayer co-op. The company decided to develop the sequel to "give [the players] what they're asking for" in terms of a multiplayer experience, while serving as an intermediate step toward their planned MMORPG.[14] Torchlight II was released on September 20, 2012.[25]

Though not listed anywhere in their marketing materials,[26] Torchlight II requires a Runic Games account to play in Internet Multiplayer games.

Hob (2017)

[edit]
Main article: Hob (video game)

Runic Games announced Hob on August 17, 2015.[citation needed]

Hob is set on a beautiful and dangerous unknown world, with buzzing life above and the whirrs of mysterious machinery below. The more players delve into the world's design, the more they uncover a planet in peril. Players must learn to survive, understand their true purpose through acquiring skills, and ultimately transform the nature of the world itself.

"Hob is presented without text or dialogue. Narrative is revealed as players explore and interact with their mysterious planet, and the strange life forms that inhabit it. Hob features smooth controller gameplay, multi-layered puzzles, and striking visuals".[27]

Hob was released on September 26, 2017.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Sean Hollister (2008-08-14). "Captaining The Lifeboat: Runic Games' Max Schaefer and Travis Baldree". Gamecyte. Archived from the original on November 21, 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-11.
  2. ^ a b Suzie Ford (2008-08-11). "WarCry Interviews Runic Games' Travis Baldree". WarCry Network. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
  3. ^ "Torchlight XBLA Press Release". www.runicgamesfansite.com. Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  4. ^ Griffin McElroy (2012-09-20). "Runic Games has 'no plans' to work on Torchlight MMO". TheVerge. Retrieved 2012-09-20.
  5. ^ a b Michael Cunningham (2009-08-21). "Torchlight Interview". rpgamer.com. Retrieved 2009-08-21.
  6. ^ a b c Schreier, Jason (November 6, 2017). "How Microsoft Almost Published Torchlight, And Other Memories From Runic Games". Kotaku.
  7. ^ Sid Shuman (2009-02-06). "Runic Games' Max Schaefer warns indie devs, talks secret new game, Diablo 3". GamePro. Archived from the original on 2009-02-10. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
  8. ^ David Jenkins (2008-08-11). "Mythos Team Reforms As Runic Games". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
  9. ^ Patrick Klepek (2009-10-12). "Torchlight Interview With Runic Games CEO Max Schaefer". G4 TV. Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
  10. ^ TiberiusAudley (2009-03-28). "Announcing: Torchlight!". Runic Insider. Archived from the original on 2009-05-30. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
  11. ^ "Torchlight: Mega-Interview". Pcgames.de. 2009-07-24. Retrieved 2010-01-10.
  12. ^ Chris Remo (2009-12-17). "Gamasutra's Best Of 2009: Top 5 Developers". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2010-01-10.
  13. ^ Tracey John (2009-12-09). "Runic Games talks Torchlight, the upcoming MMO, Diablo comparisons, more". Massively.com. Retrieved 2010-01-10.
  14. ^ a b Graft, Kris. "Interview: Runic CEO On Torchlight II, Digital Strengths". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  15. ^ "Perfect World acquires majority stake in Runic Games". gamesindustry.biz. 2010-05-18. Archived from the original on 2020-07-19. Retrieved 2021-04-25. By collaborating more closely with Runic's professional team, we seek to combine their creativity and expertise in game development with our deep understanding of the online game market to create global titles.
  16. ^ "Runic Games • View topic - Announcement : Next Things". Runic Games Forums. Archived from the original on 2014-03-28.
  17. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (March 27, 2014). "Co-founders of Torchlight dev Runic exit studio to go indie". Eurogamer. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  18. ^ O'Conners, Alice (August 9, 2018). "Torchlight Frontiers taking action-RPG to 'shared world'". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  19. ^ "Perfect World shuts down Runic Games studio". Gamasutra. 2017-11-03. Archived from the original on 2021-01-18. Retrieved 2021-04-25. 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
  20. ^ Horti, Samuel (October 25, 2018). "Former Torchlight devs have teamed up for a new co-op game". PC Gamer. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  21. ^ Kat Bailey (2009-09-04). "Release Date Revealed For Torchlight". 1up.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2009-09-04.
  22. ^ "News - Steam For Mac Launch Details Revealed". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
  23. ^ "Happy Torchlight XBLA day". Runic Games. 2011-03-09. Retrieved 2011-03-09.
  24. ^ "Torchlight (pc) Reviews". Metacritic. 2009-10-29. Retrieved 2009-10-29.
  25. ^ "9.20.12". www.runicgames.com. August 31, 2012. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
  26. ^ "Torchlight II".
  27. ^ "Runic Games Announces".
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