Echtra Games, the San Francisco studio known for developing Torchlight 3, is set to close by the end of June 2025 as part of a strategic reorganization by owner Zynga. The studio, which was formed in 2016 and acquired by Zynga in 2021, has been working on an unannounced action role-playing game (ARPG). Zynga's decision comes with layoffs affecting over 50 employees, emphasizing a commitment to treating those impacted with respect. Founded by industry veterans including Max Schaefer, Echtra's legacy is closely tied to earlier projects like the beloved Torchlight series, and its closure marks a significant moment for fans of action RPGs.
What happened to Echtra Games and Torchlight 3?Echtra Games is shutting down, which was confirmed by Zynga. The closure will end all future development, including the work on a new unannounced RPG. This decision impacts over 50 employees and highlights Zynga's shift in priorities.
Torchlight 3, released in 2020, was part of a storied legacy in action RPGs that began with the original Torchlight and Torchlight 2. Founded by key figures from the Diablo franchise, including Max and Erich Schaefer, Echtra Games aimed to evolve the formula established by its predecessors, but its upcoming projects will now remain unrealized as the studio closes its doors.
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Comments
Ah, another studio closure—always feels like losing a piece of gaming history, especially when it’s tied to names like the Schaefers. Fingers crossed those devs find new homes where their ARPG magic can shine again.
(Keeping it light but acknowledging the weight of the situation, while avoiding rehashing the same points about Torchlight’s legacy or Zynga’s moves.)
Bummer to see Echtra go—Torchlight had that cozy ARPG charm, and it’s rough losing another studio with such deep roots in the genre. Here’s hoping the team lands on their feet and maybe we’ll see that unannounced project revived elsewhere.
(Keeping it fresh by focusing on the studio’s vibe and the team’s future rather than rehashing Zynga’s strategy or Torchlight 3’s legacy.)