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In 2012, Runic Games president Travis Baldree accused the makers of the mobile MMO Armed Heroes Online of using assets from Torchlight. An EGLS representative denied wrongdoing, and PC Gamer said it could not independently confirm where the assets came from. The available contemporary reports do not establish how Apple responded to Runic’s request to remove the game or whether the dispute had a later legal outcome.
What did Runic accuse the developer of?
After forum users pointed out similarities between footage of Armed Heroes Online and Torchlight, Baldree joined the discussion. He alleged that the mobile game used direct copies of Torchlight monsters, dungeon tilesets, voices, and numerous sound effects. PC Gamer described the evidence presented in the discussion as significant, but cautioned that it could not independently verify the assets’ provenance. PC Gamer’s July 17, 2012 report therefore documents an allegation, not a confirmed finding.
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Allplay Torchlit Board Game, Trick-Taking Card Game, 40 Min, 2-5 Players | $24.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Baldree later pointed to sound-file names that he said matched between the games, including names associated with Torchlight bosses and classes and a sound effect for a rare sword. He told PC Gamer that the relevant files were accessible through the game’s SDK and that its terms barred using those assets for monetary gain. These details were Baldree’s explanation of his claim; the report did not independently establish that the files were copied.
How did EGLS respond?
A poster identifying herself as Serena Zhang, an EGLS representative, rejected the accusation. She argued that Baldree was drawing a sweeping conclusion from similarities among several small monsters and said that conclusion was untenable. Zhang also compared features in Torchlight with those in Fate and Diablo II; PC Gamer noted that Baldree had designed Fate before joining Runic.
#1 Best Overall
Baldree said Runic did not object to inspiration in general: “We don’t have any objection to people taking ‘inspiration’ from our work — even slavish inspiration! But given that they are using the exact assets from Torchlight with minor alterations in places seems a touch unfair.” The statement appeared in a contemporaneous interview and reflects Baldree’s allegation, not an independently verified conclusion.
What did Runic want, and what happened next?
Baldree told PC Gamer that Runic wanted Armed Heroes Online removed from Apple’s App Store, rather than damages or royalties. The report does not establish whether Apple removed the game, and the sources available here do not document a later court ruling or settlement. It would be inaccurate to say the developer was found liable or that the game was definitively removed.
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.
What Runic’s current terms say
Runic’s currently displayed Terms of Use allow noncommercial fansites to display Runic game content and marks subject to conditions. The terms otherwise restrict copying, distribution, modification, derivative works, and commercial exploitation without written consent, and describe how a copyright owner or authorized agent can submit an infringement notice. This is general context only: the current policy does not establish which terms applied in 2012 or resolve the Armed Heroes Online allegation.
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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
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.
