Publisher Perfect World, after not seeing the results it wanted from several studios, has begun a series a closures. First up was Motiga, developers of the troubled MOBA Gigantic. Motiga CEO Chris Chung said the following:
As someone that created Motiga from scratch, it’s a sad day for me but I am proud of the team we built and the culture we established at Motiga. I was hugged by everyone today and you don’t see that kind of reaction in most companies through an ordeal like this.
Then yesterday evening, it was announced that Runic Games, developers of the Torchlight series and the recent Hob, would be closed as well. Studio Head Marsh Lefler has the following to say:
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.
Our Take
As we always express after these types of announcements, it’s a sad day when a game developer shuts its doors. In the end though, these are businesses functioning a tough industry. We certainly hope that each and every developer finds a new home and we wish them nothing but the best in doing so.
