For those unfamiliar with the genre, ARPG stands for “Action Role-Playing Game” and refers to games where players control a character who explores an open world, completes quests, and battles enemies in real-time combat. Torchlight is one such game, and it owes its popularity in part to the delay of Diablo III’s release in 2012. During that time, other companies saw an opportunity to capitalize on the demand for ARPGs and released games inspired by Diablo’s success. Torchlight was one such game, and it has since grown into a franchise that continues to attract a dedicated fanbase over a decade later.
A radical turn to its concept
Torchlight Infinite, the perennial rival to Blizzard’s Diablo franchise, has adopted a different approach from its canonical installments. The developer, XD Games, has shifted its focus towards a service-based model, similar to Fortnite or PUBG, where seasons and digital items are sold and the game itself is free-to-play.
Previously, Torchlight Infinite was in early access, allowing the community to test almost the entire game. However, this also meant that the game was in a continuous beta update phase.
Recently, XD Games announced that Torchlight Infinite is leaving early access and becoming a final game, labeled as a Gold release. It will be available for download from May 9 at around 7:00 p.m. This means that players who have not yet had the opportunity to try it out can now enjoy a more consolidated version of the game.
Play where you want
Torchlight Infinite offers players the benefit of complete cross-platform compatibility, allowing seamless switching between PC and mobile devices. In this way, users can maintain their progress across platforms, with the game’s free-to-play model offering frequent microtransactions for new items and content.
XD Games has announced substantial changes to Torchlight Infinite, including the retouching of several characters’ final performance, based on feedback from the community. As with many online games, user feedback plays a significant role in the development and decision-making processes, directing new updates and features to align with community preferences.
As a multiplayer game, Torchlight Infinite offers pre-order rewards for early access to the upcoming season, titled “Cube of Rapacity.” The new season serves as a starting point for the Torchlight Infinite franchise’s ambitious plans for the future. However, with competition from established franchises such as Diablo IV, Torchlight Infinite faces a challenging market, and the success of the franchise will ultimately depend on the enthusiasm and engagement of its community.