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In 2012, Runic Games president Travis Baldree accused the makers of the mobile MMO Armed Heroes Online of using assets from Torchlight. An EGLS representative denied wrongdoing. The contemporary report did not independently verify where the assets came from, and the sources available here do not establish how the dispute ended.
What Runic Games alleged
PC Gamer reported that forum users noticed similarities between footage of Armed Heroes Online and Torchlight. Runic president Travis Baldree joined the discussion and alleged that the mobile game used copied monsters, dungeon tilesets, voices, and many sound effects. The report described the evidence presented in the discussion as significant, but said PC Gamer could not independently confirm the assets’ origin. PC Gamer’s July 17, 2012 report therefore documents an accusation, not a verified finding.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Torchlight 2 Black edition PC game | $23.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Torchlight Mac SB | $10.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Torchlight [Mac Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WVowg5scL._SL160_.jpg)
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Torchlight [Mac Download] | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Allplay Torchlit Board Game, Trick-Taking Card Game, 40 Min, 2-5 Players | $24.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Torchlight: Infinite Game Guide: Hidden Mechanics, Advanced Build Theory, and Seasonal Adaptation | $25.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Baldree’s later claim about sound files
In a follow-up interview, Baldree pointed to sound-file names he said matched between the games, including names associated with Torchlight bosses and classes and a sound effect tied to a rare sword. He said the files were accessible through the game’s SDK and that its terms prohibited using the assets for monetary gain. Those details were Baldree’s claims and explanation; the report did not describe an independent forensic examination.
Baldree distinguished alleged copying from ordinary influence, saying: “We don’t have any objection to people taking ‘inspiration’ from our work — even slavish inspiration! But given that they are using the exact assets from Torchlight with minor alterations in places seems a touch unfair.” This was his characterization of the alleged use, not confirmation that the assets were copied.
#1 Best Overall
How the accused developer responded
A forum poster identifying herself as Serena Zhang, an EGLS representative, rejected the accusation. She argued that Baldree had drawn a broad conclusion from similarities among several small monsters and said that conclusion was untenable. Zhang also compared features in Torchlight with elements of Fate and Diablo II; PC Gamer noted that Baldree had designed Fate before joining Runic. The competing explanations do not, by themselves, establish where the disputed assets originated.
What is known about the requested action and outcome
Baldree told PC Gamer that Runic wanted Armed Heroes Online removed from Apple’s App Store, rather than seeking damages or royalties. The available contemporaneous reporting does not establish whether Apple removed the game, and the sources reviewed do not establish a later court ruling or settlement. It would therefore be inaccurate to say the developer was found liable or that the game was definitively removed.
Rank #2
- Randomization – Game level layouts are randomly created, so each adventure will always be unique.
- Easy, approachable interface – Torchlight is designed to be easy to play right from the beginning. With an intuitive interface, players can dive right in!
- Character Classes – Players will create and customize a character, choosing from 3 main Classes: The Destroyer, The Alchemist, or The Vanquisher.
- Pets – choose a pet to accompany your character. Pets can level up along with the player; they can also fight, carry items, and perform helpful tasks.
What Runic’s current terms say
Runic Games’ currently displayed Terms of Use allow limited use of Runic game content and marks on noncommercial fansites, subject to conditions. The terms otherwise restrict copying, distribution, modification, derivative works, and exploitation without written consent, and describe a process for copyright owners or authorized agents to submit an infringement notice. This is general context only: the current policy does not establish which terms applied in 2012 or resolve the Armed Heroes Online allegation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- 2-5 players - 40 minute playing time - Ages 10+
Rank #3
- Torchlight is an exicting new action playing game, from the designers and leads of Diablo, Daiablo II, Fate and Mythos!
- Randomized Leverls - Unique Gameplay Every Time
- Collect loot, use magic, and fight Bad Guys
- Choose a dog, cat or ferret to accompany your character
- Play as a Destroyer, Alchemist, or Vanquisher
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
