Runic unveils Hob

An adventure game not like their Torchlight games

Posted on Aug 18, 2015 - 4:42am EST

Runic have revealed their new game, Hob, a minimalistic adventure game that will be playable at PAX Prime. Runic previously developed two Torchlight games, both hack-and-slash action games in a similar style to Diablo.

Hob is different, offering no dialogue (or text) and having virtually no user interface. Players will explore a changing open-world and solve problems to access additional areas. It has combat, which draws inspiration from the Zelda games, but exploration is the core of the experience. Players will interact with the environment and its inhabitants, unlocking new powers and finding items to aid their progress. The developers want to instil a sense of wonder and mystery.

Speaking to Polygon, Max Schaefer noted that the studio saw a marked change when two lead developers left to build their own game. Travis Baldree and Erich Schaefer left to create Rebel Galaxy in April of 2014 and this pushed Runic to create something new. They are self-funding Hob and are currently not working with any publisher.

Hob will be available on PC and consoles.