Runic Games is an independent video game development studio based in the United States, known for creating engaging action role-playing games. Founded in 2008 by former members of Flagship Studios, the team aimed to develop games that combine rich storytelling with immersive gameplay. The studio gained popularity with its debut title, Torchlight, released in 2009, which received critical acclaim for its art style and gameplay mechanics. Following its success, Runic Games released Torchlight II in 2012, further solidifying its reputation in the gaming industry before eventually transitioning to new projects.