An Important Development Update

[ItIsTom]

Dear Moderation Team,

We have a very difficult announcement to make to all of you this morning.

It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the end of development for theHunter: Classic. After careful consideration, Avalanche Studios Group made the difficult decision to say goodbye to our beloved game. theHunter: Classic is set to shut down on November 11, 2026. We are so incredibly proud of what we’ve built over the last 17 years. Having such an amazing community of passionate hunters sticking around with us after all this time is something we truly cherish. We know you may be wondering why we’ve reached this decision. As we face the reality of our dwindling player base, continuing active support is no longer financially sustainable.

Before we close the door on this chapter, we would like to celebrate one last Halloween with you. We’ll be hosting one more Halloween event from October 28 to November 11, 2026. When we started developing theHunter: Classic, we never dreamed it would reach the level of success that it did. Back then, we were a small team, many of us fresh out of college, working on our first game. Working in such an experimental way was something special.

We want to reassure our wider community that this transition does not impact any of Avalanche's staff, other active titles or future projects. Thank you for being a part of this journey and sticking around with us for all these years; many of you for a huge chunk of your lives. We do not take that for granted.

From everyone on the Expansive Worlds and Magic Media teams, we wish you many thrilling hunts, wherever you find them next.

This information is under STRICT EMBARGO until after the official announcement on Thursday, July 9th.

Sincerely,

Avalanche Studios Group

[ItIsTom]

How are we going to handle things on theHunter: Forums after the public announcement:

- Do not be harsh on people coming here to vent about it as long as they are following the rules.
- It's okay for people to criticize the decision and, rightfully so, express their feelings about this as long as they are following the rules.
- I am well aware that this is hard news for all of you as well. As moderators, it's okay if you have difficulty processing this news. If it's too much, please take a step back. If you can help, please keep things as positive as possible.
- Please redirect players to the FAQ if they have any questions. If a player asks a question which is answered in the FAQ, please respond with that exact answer or word to your own liking, as long as it comes down to the same answer.
- This decision doesn't come from Magic Media, nor does it come from Ringtail Studios.

[BCKidd]

Wow! Very saddening to read this. The game theHunter Classic was a big part of daily life for many community members. We, will not speak of it in the forums, until the Official Announcement. As well, we'll do our best to handle what is undoubtedly coming to the public forums, and will be as cordial as we can. Most of us thought we'd still be here in 5- 10 years, but, alas all things do end- and so shall this. I have been honoured to have been a part of the community and as a Mod, for this truly magnificent game. Respectfully,

BCKidd.

[AveryW88]

It has been a pleasure serving with you all. The devs will do our best to support you to the end.

[PicSoul]

It's been a hell of a ride! Thanks to all for your efforts.

[BCKidd]

It's been a hell of a ride! Thanks to all for your efforts.

Hey, how did you get in here. Good to see you PicSoul.

BCKidd.

[PicSoul]

A long time ago, I was given moderator abilities without being labeled a moderator so I could chat with you fine folks and talk moderator talk without the need to do actual moderator work here on the forums. It was a cushy job. LOL