Zynga has closed down Torchlight III developer Echtra Games four years after acquiring the studio.
The Take-Two-owned mobile company confirmed the news in a statement to IGN and said the decision is part of a “strategic realignment.”
“Zynga has made the difficult decision to cease operations at its Echtra studio, ending development on future titles and reducing roles,” said the company. “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.”
It’s currently unclear how many people will lose their jobs as a result of the closure. Echtra was acquired by Zynga in March 2021 to create a new RPG in partnership with Zynga NaturalMotion.
The deal included Echtra’s proprietary cross-platform development tools and technologies, which Zynga said would significantly bolster its development capabilities.
At the time, Echtra CEO Max Schaefer said the company shared Zynga’s vision of a cross platform future. “We share Zynga’s vision that cross-platform play is an essential part of the future of RPGs and interactive entertainment and are eager to apply our vast experience and talents to this effort,” he added.
Schaefer and his leadership team previously co-founded companies such as Blizzard North, Flagship Studios, and Runic Games before establishing Echtra in 2016.
Zynga parent company Take-Two Interactive recently projected annual growth despite delaying GTA VI until 2026.
