Runic Games co-founders Travis Baldree and Erich Schaefer have announced their departure from the Torchlight studio, on the Runic Games’ message board.

“I should say from the outset that this is an amicable departure, that I consider the amazing team at Runic my friends and family, and that it is a privilege that they’ve let me get away with running the place for this long,” Baldree wrote, in part. “I love them all, and the biggest downside to all of this is that I won’t get to see them every day. They are the reason that Runic has succeeded, and are the best group of people you could hope to meet or work with.”

“I’d also like to thank Perfect World,” he continued, “who have been the best partner Runic Games could have hoped to find, and have been unfailingly supportive of us over the years, no matter how many curveballs I have thrown their way. It’s my wish that I can maintain a great relationship with you all going forward.”

Baldree also said that he and Schaefer are leaving Runic together with plans of getting into smaller-scale development. “I’m so gratified to be able to continue working with him.”

“April 2nd will be my last day at Runic, as I tie up some last technical tasks for the team, and then it’s on to the next thing! I hope to see you all again soon, online, or maybe at one of those trade-shows.”

(via GameInformer)