Runic Games closed in November 2017. Studio Head Marsh Lefler called it the studio’s “last day open.” Perfect World inherited support for Torchlight, Torchlight II and Hob, but some issues could no longer be escalated to Runic’s developers.
When did Runic Games close?
Arc Games dates Runic Games’ closure to November 2017. In the studio’s own closure notice, Studio Head Marsh Lefler wrote: “I’m sorry to say that today will be Runic’s last day open.” The notice said the studio had been open for over nine years and that the team was focused on helping its members “find a new place to call home.”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Torchlight 2 Black edition PC game | $23.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Torchlight Mac SB | $10.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Torchlight [Mac Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WVowg5scL._SL160_.jpg)
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Torchlight [Mac Download] | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Allplay Torchlit Board Game, Trick-Taking Card Game, 40 Min, 2-5 Players | $24.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Torchlight: Infinite Game Guide: Hidden Mechanics, Advanced Build Theory, and Seasonal Adaptation | $25.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Runic’s statement did not give a detailed financial explanation or describe the closure as a bankruptcy. The studio also recalled that its opening team comprised 17 developers; both figures are the studio’s own wording in its 2017 statement.
What happened to Torchlight, Torchlight II and Hob?
Arc Games says Perfect World inherited support for Runic’s games after the closure. The original development team, however, was no longer available to investigate and escalate every issue. Arc Games warned that some problems could not receive a thorough investigation without Runic’s developer involvement. The Runic forums were also shut down.
#1 Best Overall
At the time of the closure, Lefler said the community and multiplayer services would keep running after the studio closed. That was a statement made in 2017, not confirmation that those services are still operational today.
Can you still use an old Runic Installer purchase?
Arc Games says support and updates for the Torchlight and Torchlight II Runic Installers ended on October 11, 2017. Its installer support articles, last updated February 17, 2022, describe ways to redeem some eligible legacy keys through Steam or GOG. Eligibility depends on where and when the original key was purchased; the guidance does not mean every old key can be redeemed.
Rank #2
- Randomization – Game level layouts are randomly created, so each adventure will always be unique.
- Easy, approachable interface – Torchlight is designed to be easy to play right from the beginning. With an intuitive interface, players can dive right in!
- Character Classes – Players will create and customize a character, choosing from 3 main Classes: The Destroyer, The Alchemist, or The Vanquisher.
- Pets – choose a pet to accompany your character. Pets can level up along with the player; they can also fight, carry items, and perform helpful tasks.
For Torchlight specifically, Arc Games says the old installer is unsupported and will not run on Windows 10 or newer, while physical retail copies remain supported. That compatibility statement is specific to the Torchlight support article and should not be assumed to cover every game or edition.
If you still have an old key, use the support instructions for the relevant game and check whether your purchase source and date qualify. A key redeemed to Steam or GOG is distinct from trying to run the discontinued Runic Installer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- 2-5 players - 40 minute playing time - Ages 10+
Rank #3
- Torchlight is an exicting new action playing game, from the designers and leads of Diablo, Daiablo II, Fate and Mythos!
- Randomized Leverls - Unique Gameplay Every Time
- Collect loot, use magic, and fight Bad Guys
- Choose a dog, cat or ferret to accompany your character
- Play as a Destroyer, Alchemist, or Vanquisher
Runic Games closure and support timeline
- October 11, 2017: Support and updates ended for the Torchlight and Torchlight II Runic Installers, according to Arc Games.
- November 2017: Runic Games closed; Lefler’s notice described the studio’s last day open.
- February 17, 2022: Arc Games last updated its Runic Installer end-of-support articles, which describe limited legacy-key redemption routes.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
