Zynga to shut down Torchlight 3 developer Echtra Games after four years

Mobile publisher Zynga has closed Torchlight 3 developer Echtra Games. 

IGN learned that the San Francisco-based studio will cease operations by the end of June despite spending the last four years working on an unannounced cross-platform ARPG. 

“Zynga has made the difficult decision to cease operations at its Echtra studio, ending development on future titles and reducing roles," said Zynga in a statement to IGN. “This decision is part of a strategic realignment of the company's resources and priorities. 

“We will work closely with impacted employees so they are treated with the utmost respect and consideration as we navigate this difficult process."

Echtra Games is listed as having 61 employees on its LinkedIn page, though no official headcount is provided on its website.

Early stages

The company was founded in 2016 by Max Schaefer, co-creator of Diablo and co-founder of Runic Games. 

After leaving Runic, he started Echtra Games under Perfect World to develop a Torchlight MMO, which evolved into Torchlight Frontiers and ultimately became Torchlight 3.

In 2021, Zynga acquired Echtra Games, leaving Torchlight 3 with Perfect World and assigning Echtra to develop an unannounced cross-platform RPG alongside other Zynga studios. 

The RPG was never revealed but follows Zynga’s recent decision to shut down Star Wars: Hunters just nine months after its launch.