Zynga Closes Echtra Games, Developer of Torchlight

Zynga has officially shut down Echtra Games, the studio behind Torchlight 3. The move, according to the company, aligns with a broader strategic shift in how it allocates its resources and sets priorities.

“Zynga has made the difficult decision to close Echtra Games, halting development on future projects and reducing staff,” the company stated to IGN. “This is part of a strategic realignment. We’re committed to supporting affected employees with respect and care throughout this transition.”

Echtra Games, based in San Francisco, was founded in 2016 by Max Schaefer, a co-creator of Diablo and co-founder of Blizzard North. After Runic Games shut down in 2017, Echtra revived the Torchlight series with Torchlight Frontiers in 2018. Zynga acquired Echtra in 2021, and Zynga itself was acquired by Take-Two Interactive in 2022.

This closure follows Zynga’s earlier announcement this year that it would cancel Star Wars: Hunters, developed with its subsidiary NaturalMotion. Last October, NaturalMotion also confirmed layoffs in its UK and US offices during a restructuring effort aimed at long-term sustainability.

Additionally, Zynga’s parent company, Take-Two, revealed plans to reduce its workforce by 5%—around 580 roles—by the end of 2024.