Runic Games just recently released Hob, an action-adventure with a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and beating up a variety of adorable little aliens with a giant robo-fist. It received some very positive reviews, especially on Steam where it currently stands at 88% approval rating, but apparently it wasn't much of a commercial success.

As such, and with great sadness, I have to announce that Runic Games is now shutting down. There aren't many details available, especially since the decision came from Perfect World, but here's the official farewell message from Runic Games:

"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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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"

I can only hope the developers will manage to find work elsewhere because both Torchlight and Hob are solid games, so to have their creators simply fade away would be a damn shame. Speaking of Torchlight, I really do wonder what's going to happen with the series. Judging by the tone of the message I'm assuming the IP has been given to some other developer, though what type of game they're making with it I have no idea. Hopefully it will be a proper Torchlight 3, rather than some sort of weird spin-off.

Either way, all we can right now is wait and see in what direction, if any, Perfect World decides to take the Torchlight series in.