Star Wars: Hunters Publisher Closes Studio Before Game Reveal
Jun 02, 2025 8:05 PMZynga has made the difficult decision to shut down Echtra Games, the studio responsible for Torchlight 3. The closure marks the end of development for an unannounced cross-platform ARPG that had been in the works since the studio's acquisition four years ago. While the exact number of employees affected remains unclear, LinkedIn lists 61 people currently at Echtra. Zynga stated that this decision is part of a strategic realignment of resources. Founded by Max Schaefer, a notable figure in the gaming industry and co-creator of Diablo, Echtra was originally focused on developing a Torchlight MMO but shifted towards creating Torchlight 3. The studio’s RPG remains unreleased, highlighting a trend of project cancellations following Zynga's broader company restructuring.
What led to the closure of Echtra Games?The closure of Echtra Games resulted from Zynga's strategic decision to realign its resources and priorities, impacting various developmental projects including the unannounced ARPG that had been in progress since the studio's acquisition.
Founded by Max Schaefer, Echtra Games has a rich history linked to Torchlight and Diablo franchises. Torchlight 3 saw the studio expand its legacy, evolving from initial concepts of a Torchlight MMO. The studio's closure is reflective of ongoing challenges within the gaming industry regarding project viability and company restructurings, particularly under the umbrella of larger publishing entities like Zynga and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive.
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Rolling R!ck commented on: 2025-06-02 22:22:11
Bummer to see Echtra go—Max Schaefer’s team had serious ARPG cred, and it’s a shame we’ll never see what they were cooking up next. Corporate reshuffles strike again, but at least Torchlight’s legacy won’t be forgotten.
Miss Peachy commented on: 2025-06-02 22:10:12
It's always tough seeing studios with such deep RPG roots shut down, especially when unannounced projects get lost in corporate reshuffles. Here's hoping the talented folks at Echtra land on their feet—the industry needs more teams that understand ARPG magic.
