Runic talks Torchlight's future, not afraid of Diablo 3
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Speaking to Gamasutra, Runic's Max Schaefer shared some insight on the Xbox Live Arcade version of Torchlight, as well as the PC version's impending sequel and the eventual Torchlight MMO. He noted that the most difficult part of adapting Torchlight for XBLA was redesigning the interface."You don't realize how much interface is in your game until you have to go and reinvent it," said Schaefer, noting that the team was taken "a little bit by surprise" at how much work was required. The team is "nervous" to see how players react to the game's transformation, though Schaefer said that the game "feels right," adding that many Runic staffers now prefer the Xbox version.
He also discussed Torchlight's comparisons to Diablo -- something he must be getting used to by now. Schaefer isn't worried about the upcoming arrival of Diablo 3. In fact, he embraces it, saying, "I only see it as a good thing." In fact, it sounds like Diablo 3 will give Runic some extra time to work, with Schaefer stating "it'll delay whatever we're working on for at least a month."
Regarding the Torchlight MMO, Runic is currently focusing on Torchlight 2, though the MMO is definitely still in the pipeline. According to Schaefer, the success of Torchlight has afforded Runic the ability to make "the right strategic move and not make any moves out of desperation."
He also discussed Torchlight's comparisons to Diablo -- something he must be getting used to by now. Schaefer isn't worried about the upcoming arrival of Diablo 3. In fact, he embraces it, saying, "I only see it as a good thing." In fact, it sounds like Diablo 3 will give Runic some extra time to work, with Schaefer stating "it'll delay whatever we're working on for at least a month."
Regarding the Torchlight MMO, Runic is currently focusing on Torchlight 2, though the MMO is definitely still in the pipeline. According to Schaefer, the success of Torchlight has afforded Runic the ability to make "the right strategic move and not make any moves out of desperation."
Reader Comments (29)
Posted: Feb 4th 2011 11:47PM NinjaJesus said
This shit can't come out soon enough for XBLA. Beat it on the PC and I can't wait to play it again. might actually take a break from MvC3 for it.
Posted: Feb 4th 2011 11:57PM tcc3 said
They have until at least 2020 till worrying about Diablo 3
Posted: Feb 4th 2011 11:57PM bargaingamer said
They just need to focus on making the best game possible and they will not have to worry about diablo 3.
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 12:03AM Cleric said
Man. It's a good year to like these kind of games isn't it?
Between Torchlight 2, Dungeon Siege 3, Diablo 3, War In The North, Darkspore, Grim Dawn one of these is bound to be good
Between Torchlight 2, Dungeon Siege 3, Diablo 3, War In The North, Darkspore, Grim Dawn one of these is bound to be good
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 12:04AM ShadowXIII said
Of course they have nothing to worry about.... Diablo 3 will release after all of our lifetimes anyway.
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 12:20AM KungFuChaosNinja said
Max is awesome. Runic is awesome. Torchlight is awesome.
There's no doubt Diablo III will be awesome, too, but I really enjoy supporting an awesome group like Runic.
That's a while lotta awesome.
There's no doubt Diablo III will be awesome, too, but I really enjoy supporting an awesome group like Runic.
That's a while lotta awesome.
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 12:31AM FiXxXeRJL said
I haven't got to play this yet but I hear nothing but good things. I was gonna download it on Steam but my PC's power supply went out. Plus, I'm more of a XBOX gamer so I'm definitely gonna check this one out when it comes to XBLA.
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 1:14AM Heffer Wolfe said
They shouldn't worry about Diablo 3.
I, for one, will but both Torchlight 2 and Diablo 3 and I will probably love them both.
I, for one, will but both Torchlight 2 and Diablo 3 and I will probably love them both.
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 9:23AM Shalabi said
Cannot wait for this ish.
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 10:36AM carg0 said
i was looking forward to this title until i discovered (because they've done their best to suppress this fact) that THERE WON'T BE CO-OP OF ANY KIND, making this version pointless for anyone who's already experienced the PC version.
sadly, im stuck waiting for Torchlight 2. *shrug*
sadly, im stuck waiting for Torchlight 2. *shrug*
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 11:07AM Agnostiq said
@carg0
This is kind of a big deal. Xbox is a perfect environment for some side by side co-op, and It is really sad it's missing from the PC version. If they had added co-op I would have GLADLY re-purchased on xbox at pretty much any price, but as it is I'll keep poking it occasionally on my computer before going back to diablo 2 with friends... great game but the lack of co-op cuts it's life massively, and I don't even play that much, I just want the option.
They plan on making an MMO to, so they have to have SOME idea how to handle co-op and the engine better be able to take the extra spell effects... it really should be built in from the ground in a game like this.
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This is kind of a big deal. Xbox is a perfect environment for some side by side co-op, and It is really sad it's missing from the PC version. If they had added co-op I would have GLADLY re-purchased on xbox at pretty much any price, but as it is I'll keep poking it occasionally on my computer before going back to diablo 2 with friends... great game but the lack of co-op cuts it's life massively, and I don't even play that much, I just want the option.
They plan on making an MMO to, so they have to have SOME idea how to handle co-op and the engine better be able to take the extra spell effects... it really should be built in from the ground in a game like this.
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 11:16AM JnRx said
I may have have to get it on PC my 360 is screwed....can't read disc anymore >_< ...but then again this game will be downloadable so yeah...
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 12:11PM Ospov said
So has the PSN version just kinda disappeared into thin air now or what?
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 12:19PM Sleaker said
I don't think it's as much worry as good business to not release product in the same month as a direct competitor. Runic isn't as big of a name as Blizzard, even though Schaefer did work for them in the past. From a marketing standpoint, if you choose non-competition, or give a buffer zone for when you release your product with another one in the same genre that is going to play very similar you're doing yourself a favor. Many people don't buy more than 1 game a month especially on big name titles, or will have saved for Diablo 3 and will have spent their money on it instead. I'll pickup both cause I love action games, but I think it's a very smart marketing decision to hold off so they don't release too close to each other.
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 1:38PM Guhungus said
Runic shouldn't be afraid, quality hack n' slash release are few and far between and their is always a demand for the titles.
This isn't to say that they could probably release their MMO before Diablo III releases, anyway! Perhaps even a XBLA release of Torchlight 2? (Please!)
This isn't to say that they could probably release their MMO before Diablo III releases, anyway! Perhaps even a XBLA release of Torchlight 2? (Please!)
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 4:35PM Deschain said
*insert diablo 3 release date joke*
Posted: Feb 5th 2011 6:10PM SaintV said
Diablo was once a great game and I'm not sure Blizzard Irvine can duplicate what Blizzard North did for many years. I have more faith in the Runic team to be honest.
Posted: Feb 6th 2011 4:43AM Deschain said
@SaintV
I've played D3 and I can safely say I had more fun in playing the 30 min demo than I did Torchlight. To me it sounds like you're just being a pessimist. That has it's advantages (low expectations lead to bigger surprises after all, i.e. you're more easily impressed) but I think you're wrong not to trust Blizz.
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I've played D3 and I can safely say I had more fun in playing the 30 min demo than I did Torchlight. To me it sounds like you're just being a pessimist. That has it's advantages (low expectations lead to bigger surprises after all, i.e. you're more easily impressed) but I think you're wrong not to trust Blizz.
Posted: Feb 7th 2011 12:01PM Sm1ttySm1t said
Based on the conversation I had with Max, I get the impression that Diablo 3 *WILL BE* coming to Xbox 360. He worked, briefly, on Diablo 3, so he knows the general direction it is going. Which is why he would want to get Torchlight and, IMHO, the sequel to Xbox ASAP. To develop a player base dedicated to the Torchlight world.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 2:19PM cartoonboy said
why is co-op an afterthought? When releasing on console, would not one of the first thoughts be 3-4 player co-op? I watched the trailer last night, and it looks like it will be a lot of fun.






