Torchlight studio's co-founders depart for "smaller-scale development"

Two of the co-founders of Runic Games, the studio behind the wizard-bothering Torchlight series, have announced their departure from the company in pursuit of "smaller-scale development". In a post to the Runic forum, Travis Baldree revealed that both he and Eric Schaefer would be stepping down as early as next week. Of course, Runic were originally set up as just such a small-scale studio, but grew after the success of Torchlight and were subsequently acquired by Perfect World. And so, the circle of life continues .

According to Baldree, they leave on amicable terms with Runic, who have since promoted Marsh Lefler into the top spot. As yet, there's still no clear announcement of what Runic are working on, although a Torchlight MMO has long been discussed.

"I'm personally excited - oh, hell, I'm SUPER-STOKED - to be getting back to smaller-scale development," Baldree wrote, "where I can wear many, many hats performing many, many different kinds of tasks. Working within the boundaries of limited means and resources is the best fun I've ever had, and that sort of work satisfies me in a fundamental way - I can't wait to be working that way again."

Baldree signed off with a contact address for fans to use, one which suggests that their new studio will be called Double Damage Games . I am now taking bets on whether their new project involves top-down heroes punching skeletons into dust.

Thanks, Eurogamer .

Phil has been writing for PC Gamer for nearly a decade, starting out as a freelance writer covering everything from free games to MMOs. He eventually joined full-time as a news writer, before moving to the magazine to review immersive sims, RPGs and Hitman games. Now he leads PC Gamer's UK team, but still sometimes finds the time to write about his ongoing obsessions with Destiny 2, GTA Online and Apex Legends. When he's not levelling up battle passes, he's checking out the latest tactics game or dipping back into Guild Wars 2. He's largely responsible for the whole Tub Geralt thing, but still isn't sorry.