According to reports confirmed by IGN, the San Francisco-based studio will cease operations by the end of the month. While no official headcount has been released, LinkedIn indicates that approximately 61 individuals currently list Echtra Games as their employer.
Zynga released the following statement regarding the decision:
“Zynga has made the difficult decision to cease operations at its Echtra studio, ending development on future titles and reducing roles. 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.”
Echtra Games was founded by Max Schaefer, a co-founder of Runic Games — the original developer behind the Torchlight franchise — and also one of the co-founders of Blizzard North and a key figure in the creation of Diablo. After departing Runic Games following the exit of his fellow co-founders, Schaefer launched Echtra under investor Perfect World with the initial goal of developing a Torchlight MMO. Over time, the project evolved, eventually becoming Torchlight Frontiers, and later rebranded as Torchlight 3.
In 2021, Zynga acquired Echtra Games, shifting the studio’s focus toward a new unannounced RPG intended for cross-platform play, developed in collaboration with NaturalMotion — the team behind CSR Racing and Star Wars: Hunters. However, details surrounding this project were never publicly revealed, and the game was never officially announced or showcased.
The closure of Echtra Games comes just three months after Zynga announced it would be shutting down Star Wars: Hunters, a title developed by NaturalMotion, despite having only launched nine months prior. It’s also worth noting that Zynga operates as a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive — the publisher behind Grand Theft Auto — which earlier this year underwent significant restructuring, including the gradual disbanding and sale of its Private Division label. Additionally, Take-Two implemented a 5% workforce reduction just over a year ago and canceled several in-development projects across its studios.
