Runic Games Announces Partnership & New MMO

Runic Games, founded by Diablo developers Max Schaefer and Travis Baldree, announced its new MMO partnership with Perfect World. Runic is developing 'Torchlight' as an action MMO. Check out the official announcement:

Perfect World Enters into Publishing Agreement with Runic Games

BEIJING, April 22 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Perfect World Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: PWRD) ("Perfect World" or the "Company"), a leading online game developer and operator in China, today announced that it has entered into a publishing agreement with Runic Games, Inc. ("Runic Games"), a specialized developer of PC-based entertainment software in the United States, for the exclusive rights and license to publish "Torchlight," an action-packed massively multiplayer online role-playing game ("Action-MMORPG") that's being developed, throughout the world.

Being developed by Runic Games' experienced team of industry veterans, "Torchlight" is an adventure-themed Action-MMORPG. Adventurers set out from the town of Torchlight into the nearby mountains in search of the magic ore that imbues their equipment with power, yet imperils their very existence. "Torchlight" emphasizes a simple and intuitive interface, fast and furious action, and a colorful and compelling game world.

Mr. Max Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Runic Games, said, "Runic Games is very pleased to partner with Perfect World. Perfect World's strength and expertise in creating and running MMORPGs and track record of high quality of service to the playing community give us great confidence and hopes for a long and prosperous partnership. With 'Torchlight,' we strive to bring the best of Western and Eastern gaming together, creating a truly global title."

Mr. Michael Chi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Perfect World commented, "We are very pleased to cooperate with Runic Games, whose members have a first-rate track record. Leveraging Perfect World's marketing capabilities and deep understanding of Asian culture and player preferences, 'Torchlight' is expected to be a 'global title,' catering to the tastes of both Western and Eastern players. In addition to our involvement in game development leveraging our extensive experience with MMORPG, we will also strive to demonstrate our excellent game operating ability and to offer players unique and exciting online game experience. We treasure this opportunity to work with the professional team of Runic Games, and look forward to the success of 'Torchlight,' as a cornerstone for the long-term strategic relationship between Runic Games and Perfect World."

About Runic Games, Inc.

Runic Games is a developer of PC-based entertainment software, designing games that focus on quality, approachability, and fun. Runic Games is staffed by team with experienced members, including leads on "Diablo," "Diablo II," "Diablo II: Lord of Destruction," "Fate," "Hellgate: London" and "Mythos." Runic Games is located in Seattle, Washington, United States.

About Perfect World Co., Ltd. (http://www.pwrd.com )

Perfect World Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: PWRD) is a leading online game developer and operator in China. Perfect World primarily develops online games based on proprietary game engines and game development platforms. The Company's strong technology and creative game design capabilities, combined with extensive local knowledge and experience, enable it to frequently and rapidly introduce popular games that are designed to cater to changing customer preferences and market trends in China. The Company's current portfolio of self-developed online games includes massively multiplayer online role playing games ("MMORPGs"): "Perfect World," "Legend of Martial Arts," "Perfect World II," "Zhu Xian," "Chi Bi," "Pocketpet Journey West" and "Battle of the Immortals;" and an online casual game: "Hot Dance Party." While a substantial portion of the revenues are generated in China, the Company's games have been licensed to leading game operators in a number of countries and regions in Asia, Europe and South America. The Company also generates revenues from game operation in North America. The Company plans to continue to explore new and innovative business models and remains deeply committed to maximizing shareholder value over time.

Sounds a lot like Flagship's Mythos that Baldree and Schaefer were instrumental in developing. This is all good, particularly for we who dearly loved Mythos!

Permalink

Somehow i never know about the best of eastern and western together to make a game truly global as they put it so elequantly.
Always makes me think its just not entirely what you want because of the mix
like samurai's with AK47's

Some info on Runic's upcoming game based on a Mythos-clone engine: http://westkarana.com/index.php/2009/04/23/torchlight-the-second-coming-of-mythos/

These two screen shots are from Torchlight, an action-adventure RPG in the style of Diablo and Mythos. Click on them for the full-sized originals.

Runic Insider correspondent Taylor Balbi, ex-community manager for Mythos, saw a preliminary build of Torchlight at the recent Game Developers Conference, and has a long, long feature list for the game.

Torchlight is, like Mythos was before it, a technology test that is itself a real, separate game. After Torchlight is released, work begins on the MMO set in the same world.