Max Schaefer, CEO of Echtra Games and developer ofTorchlightgames and other Action RPGs, talked to Game Rant about the future of his studio,Torchlight 3, and more.Torchlight 3is the long-anticipated sequel ofTorchlight 2, an ARPG beloved by many. As such, it had the onus of building on that legacy.Torchlight 3is also its own game with a different collective vision for it, making this title stand out from the previous two.
Torchlight 3mixes originality with traditional features of the saga, but it is also seeing for the first time in the history of the series the addition of a fifth class called the Cursed Captain. Schaefer also shared with Game Rant his thoughts on the directionDiablogames are headed towards with bothDiablo 2: ResurrectedandDiablo 4, and how he feels both nostalgic and excited to play a remastered version of the game he worked on. Interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
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Q: Did the previous entries in theTorchlightseries influenceTorchlight 3? If so, how?
A: Of course! Since we are mostly a different team than the one that created the originalTorchlightgames, we feel an immense level of responsibility to the franchise. Since those are both beloved games, we have an equal responsibility to the fans of those games. At the same time, we have our own voice and new ideas, as well as evolving developer/publisher needs, so we pushed the envelope in a few ways with some of the new features.
Q: ManyTorchlight 3players are returning to the series out of love from the previous chapter, and they likely know a thing or two of the world ofTorchlight. What would you want these players to take from this experience? What would your tips to new players be, instead? Is there anything you would want them to know before they delve intoT3?
A: We aimed for people to feel comfortable once theystarted playingTL3, but at the same time have everything be new. We didn’t repeat any player characters or settings, and yet it will all feel familiar. Our skill system with the Relics is a little different, and players will discover that immediately after creating their first character. It gives some great combinations and different ways to play any individual character, so we encourage players to make multiple characters and try different builds. Otherwise, just sit back and enjoy the ride!
Q: The world ofTorchlight 3seems much more vibrant than the one ofTorchlight 2. It feels even more alive, somehow. Is this something you’ve been actively working on to enhance players' immersion?
A: Sure. Every time we make a new game, we bring all the experience from previous games and see where we can make improvements. We tried hard to make our environments feel alive, with lots of movement, and a sense of story within the levels that gives the impression these are lived-in places that are the product of their inhabitants. So instead of just making the “forest level” or the “desert zone,” we’re making the shanty villages of the Voltura, or the remnants of the goblin-human battle zones.
Q:Torchlight 3retains the style of animated 2D cutscenes from previous games, but it also introduces in-game 3D scenes from time to time. For future content will you consider the possibility to make 3D cutscenes as well, or do you think of the 2D ones as defining forTorchlight’s narrative?
A: I think both styles of cutscenes work. ForTL3, we liked to tell meta-story with the 2D cutscenes, but set up individual locations and action in-game. Going forward as a studio, it’s always a game-to-game decision, but we’ll probably always lean into the in-game 3D cutscenes.
Q: With how the story ofTorchlight 3ends there are plenty of options for either story DLCs or new games entirely. Is this something you have been thinking of, or even begun working on?
A: After this update, we’ll be leaving the franchise in the hands of Perfect World Entertainment. Our studio has beenacquired by Zyngaand we’re on to new and great things. However, we are excited for people to experience this update forTorchlight 3, with the new Cursed Captain character class and tons of quality-of-life and performance improvements. We’re confident we’re leaving the game in a good place.
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Q:Torchlight 3introduces brand new characters, just like its predecessors. Which class is your favorite, and why?
A: This is a tough question. I’m partial tothe Forged, as it’s our first Mechanica class, but I also love the absurdity of the Railmaster, who has a literal train following him around. We’ve always tried to be creative with our classes and bring something new with each one, and I think those two really deliver.
Q: Things are about to get spooky inTorchlight 3with the arrival of the Cursed Captain hero class. Can you tell me more about it, both in terms of concept and abilities?
A: TheCursed Captainis awesome! We really needed a strong summoner class, so this is a welcome addition. But we also wanted to bring back the giant hand cannons fromTL2, and what better way than a ghostly pirate pillaging his own shipwrecks for ghastly ghouly cannons!
Q: We’ve discussed the Cursed Captain, and this is the very first time a new hero class is added toTorchlightgames after their release. Are you planning on more similar content for the future? Furthermore, are there specific additions you are working on for the upcoming months, or areas that you feel could use some improvement?
A: As I mentioned above, this is ourswan song onTorchlight 3, but we’re happy with where we are leaving the game. There are always more ideas, and we would have been happy making moreTorchlightcontent for years to come, but in this business, things change rapidly, and for Echtra Games, it’s time to open a new chapter.
Q: Besides the previous entries in the series, which were your main sources of inspiration when developingTorchlight 3?
A: Our main inspiration was the previous installments ofTorchlight, and of course, the standards of the ARPG genre, but across the studio, we have fans of tons of games, and I think game makers can’t help but bring inspiration from everything they play or see. I know there’s influence in there from everything fromDiablo 3towatchingThe Mandalorianon TV. Nothing is made in a vacuum, it’s how we advance the industry - standing on the shoulders of giants.
Q: I believe it is safe to assume that in your free time you play video games. How often do you playTorchlight 3? Are the games you play other ARPGs or something else entirely?
A: I can’t help but be in “testing mode” whenever I playTL3, so usually, I am trying an unlikely skill build, or trying to break something. But I’m sure when all is said and done, I’ll settle in for a nice relaxing playthrough, but that’s surprisingly hard to do when you’re so close to a project.
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Q: Some people have been labeling the upcoming release of games likeDiablo 4andPath of Exile 2the “new era of ARPGs.” How do you feel about it? What does it mean forTorchlightas a series? Are you going to play either of them?
A: Of course we will play them! We have a lot of the team that worked on the originalDiablogames, and we’re good friends with the guys at Grinding Gear. The ARPG world is one big family, and we’re fans of both franchises. We don’t see it as competition as much as building the genre.
Q: You worked on bothTorchlight 1and2, and alsoDiablo 1and2. Are you excited aboutDiablo 2: Resurrectedcoming out, later this year?
A: Yes. From everything we can see, it’s very faithful to the original version, and it’s just crazy to think that we’re stillplayingDiablo 2this many years later. I think it’s awesome.
Q: WithDiablo 2: Resurrectedbeing a remastered version ofD2, do you feel a sense of nostalgia, looking back? Are the modern graphics something you ever thought was possible so soon, back in the day?
A: Absolutely, the nostalgia is strong. It’s a lot of fun to see how they modernized things, and to revisit all the monsters and places in that game seen through fresh eyes. I think the project is a lot of fun.
Q: With what you’ve seen ofDiablo 4, what do you think about the direction of the franchise?
A: I love it! I thinkDiablo 3was a great game and project, but it drifted from where we would have taken it. I think every team should make the game they want to make, so I don’t think they did anything wrong with it, but it’s refreshing for us to see the franchise return to its aesthetic roots.
Q: Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to add, maybe touching on things we didn’t cover with the previous questions? Or else, is there anything you wish I had asked, or maybe a message toTorchlight 3players?
A: First, toTorchlight 3players, thank you for going on this journey with us! We loved hearing from you, whether it was good or bad, it’s all part of the process. We hope we’re leaving the game with you in a good space, and you have fun playing the new update. We think it’s pretty great. Second, keep an eye on Echtra Games. We’re doing incrediblyexciting things with Zynga, and while it will be a while before anything is announced, it’s going to be something you’ll be very interested in.
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Torchlight 3is available on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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