closure Archives

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Zynga closes Echtra Games

Echtra Games, the studio behind Torchlight 3, has been closed by Zynga as part of a strategic realignment of resources. Established by Max Schaefer, Echtra was acquired by Zynga in 2021 and had been working on an unannounced cross-platform RPG. The closure ends development on future titles and raises concerns among employees, although Zynga has pledged to support them during the transition.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Snowflake to acquire Crunchy Data to enhance Postgres for AI

Snowflake plans to acquire Crunchy Data, a provider of open-source Postgres technology, to enhance its AI Data Cloud with a new database platform called Snowflake Postgres. This platform will offer PostgreSQL compatibility while ensuring governance, security, and operational standards for enterprise-grade AI applications. The demand for secure, enterprise-ready PostgreSQL solutions has increased, and the integration of Crunchy Data is expected to meet these needs, particularly in regulated environments like FedRAMP. PostgreSQL is widely adopted, with 49% of developers using it, and Snowflake's Postgres offering aims to streamline the development and scaling of AI applications. Crunchy Data will bring features such as access to performance metrics, scalable architecture, and a user-friendly interface. Organizations using PostgreSQL, including Snowflake partners like Blue Yonder and LandingAI, are expected to benefit from improved development and operational efficiency. Snowflake will support Crunchy Data's existing customers post-acquisition and engage with the PostgreSQL community. Snowflake Postgres will be available in private preview, pending regulatory approvals.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2025

Snowflake digs out $250M to buy Crunchy to plug Postgres gap

Snowflake has acquired Crunchy Data to enhance its Postgres strategy, addressing a gap in its offerings as Postgres remains popular among developers. The acquisition is valued at 0 million and will result in Crunchy Data's technology being rebranded as Snowflake Postgres, aimed at supporting AI and transactional systems at an enterprise scale. The new product will maintain the flexibility of open source Postgres while providing enhanced governance and security. Organizations can migrate existing Postgres applications to Snowflake without code rewrites. This move is expected to promote Postgres adoption and complement Snowflake's Unistore solution, which integrates transactional and analytical data.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Torchlight 3 studio Echtra Games, acquired by Zynga in 2021 to help it move into PC and console gaming, is being closed without doing that

Zynga has announced the closure of Echtra Games, the studio behind Torchlight 3, ending development on future titles and reducing roles at the studio. This decision is part of a broader realignment of the company's resources and priorities. Echtra was acquired by Zynga shortly after the release of Torchlight 3, which received mixed reviews. The closure follows the shutdown of NaturalMotion's Star Wars: Hunters and reflects a trend within the gaming industry of companies reassessing their portfolios. Additionally, Take-Two Interactive, Zynga's parent company, has faced a workforce reduction of approximately 5% and sold its Private Division publishing division. The share price of Take-Two fluctuated after the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, now set for a May 26, 2026 release on consoles.

AppWizard

May 29, 2025

The Game Informer archive just got upgraded with its entire backlog, so go experience the eye-melting world of ’90s game advertising

Game Informer has made a comeback after its closure last fall, supported by financial backing from Gunzilla. The publication announced a return to print and has made its complete archive of physical issues available online, spanning from 1991 to the present. Users can access the archive by creating an account on the Game Informer website. Editor-in-chief Matt Miller mentioned plans to highlight specific legacy articles in the future.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome are back on Steam after being delisted 4 months ago when 2K sold off Private Division

Roll7's skateboarding titles, Rollerdrome and OlliOlli World, returned to Steam four months after being removed in February, a move speculated to be linked to issues with Private Division, a Take-Two Interactive label. In November 2024, Take-Two confirmed the closure of Roll7 and Intercept Games, while Private Division was sold off, with neither game included in the sale, allowing them to become independent titles under a new publishing arrangement. OlliOlli World received an 87% review score, and Rollerdrome received a 94% score, both highlighting their quality and engaging gameplay.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Embracer Group sees net sales across PC/console and mobile games fall in FY2024/25

Embracer Group's financial results for Q4 ending March 2025 show a decline in net sales to SEK 5.4 billion, down 6% year-on-year. The PC/console segment generated SEK 3 billion (down 2%), while mobile sales were SEK 943 million (down 31%). For the full fiscal year, net sales totaled SEK 22.3 billion, down 18%, with PC/console games at SEK 1.5 billion (down 27%) and mobile at SEK 5.3 billion (down 9%). The total number of game development projects decreased from 141 to 108, and headcount was reduced from 9,692 to 7,180, including 5,378 game developers. Despite these declines, the game Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 sold three million copies. Embracer reported organic growth of 30% in mobile game sales and 22% in PC/console sales. The company plans to release 76 games in FY 2025/26, including notable titles like Killing Floor 3 and Marvel 1943: Rise of the Hydra. A third AAA game has been postponed to 2026/27, and THQ Nordic's studio Campfire Cabal has resumed operations after a closure in 2023.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Over 25 Years Ago, This Lemmings-Esque Puzzler Was Sent Out To Die – Its Fans Had Other Plans

Monolith Productions announced its closure earlier this year, prompting tributes to its 30-year legacy. One notable title from the studio is Gruntz, a puzzle strategy game released for PCs in 1999, which has maintained an active community despite its initial rocky launch. The game was designed by Nick Newhard, who aimed to create a game that his wife would enjoy, blending real-time strategy elements with puzzles. After Newhard's departure from the project due to internal disagreements, Kevin Lambert took over development, infusing humor and personality into the characters. Gruntz received mixed reviews upon release, but found a favorable reception in Europe. The game's inclusion of level editing tools led to a dedicated fan community, with ongoing projects like Dizgruntled and Gruntz Unityverse. The community currently has over 368 accounts, showcasing the game's lasting appeal.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Obsidian vet Carrie Patel has joined Netflix

Carrie Patel, former director of Avowed, has joined Night School Studio, a subsidiary of Netflix, as game director. She previously worked at Obsidian Entertainment for nearly 12 years, contributing to titles like Pillars of Eternity, The Outer Worlds, and Avowed. Night School Studio was acquired by Netflix in 2021 and is known for the game Oxenfree. In February 2025, Netflix announced layoffs at Night School Studio amidst broader changes, including the closure of its Blue studio and leadership reshuffling.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Remembering The Witcher 3’s toughest choices (and the objectively correct answers)

The Witcher 3 redefined quest approaches in the RPG genre by blurring the lines between main quests and side missions, with sidequests featuring narratives that rival the main storyline. Notable quests include "The Last Wish," which explores Geralt's relationship with Yennefer, and "Possession," where players face a moral dilemma involving a cursed baby. In "Return to Crookback Bog," players must make difficult choices affecting the Bloody Baron's family, while in "Count Reuven's Treasure," Triss faces torture, prompting a moral decision. The quest "Scenes From a Marriage" presents an ethical choice regarding Iris Von Everec's violet rose, and a seemingly trivial choice about shaving Geralt's beard symbolizes his growth and maturity.