- Torn, the crime-themed text-based RPG, celebrates its 21st anniversary.
- Following our interview with the dev team, we explore some dark statistics.
- How much money has been stolen, and how many players have been taken down? Discover the numbers now!
While flashy graphics and innovative systems remain popular in online gaming (remember when RuneScape and Ultima Online defined the genre?), the enduring appeal of text-based RPGs cannot be ignored. Torn, now running for 21 years, is a testament to that remarkable longevity.
You might recall our recent interview with key members of Torn's development team, where we delved into the history of this criminal underworld RPG. Challenging players to steal, harm, and wreak havoc in a virtual city—all conveyed through text—Torn continues to enjoy immense popularity with a dedicated community.
Now, to mark the occasion, Torn has shared some grim statistics. With over 1,200 players still active from its 2003 launch, the game boasts a collective 12,627 years of player experience and a staggering 410,888,359 assaults committed. And for the curious, 12% of those attacks were aimed below the belt.
A Low Blow
There's something undeniably compelling about an RPG that lets you sucker-punch an opponent, target their sensitive areas, and then make a quick getaway. While it might sound absurd, these stats—including a total of $44 trillion in stolen in-game cash—highlight the enduring popularity of this long-standing title.
Certainly, while the Torn team has every right to quietly showcase their success in an era dominated by ray tracing and high-end visuals, their pride is well-earned. It also underscores how dramatically the gaming landscape has evolved over the past two decades.
Here's to many more years of virtual crime—or perhaps something entirely new on the horizon? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, there are plenty of other fantastic role-playing experiences available on mobile. Why not check out our list of the best mobile RPGs on Android for some top recommendations?
