Possessor(s) Director Responds to Layoff Concerns
The video game industry has seen difficult times, and the recent developments at Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, have been particularly poignant for the indie scene. Last month, the studio announced the difficult decision to cease development on its anticipated roguelike, Hyper Light Breaker, leading to significant staff layoffs. In the wake of this news, a complex and heartfelt discussion emerged within the community, specifically on the Steam forums for the studio's other upcoming title, Possessor(s), prompting a key developer to weigh in.
Following the announcement, concerned fans took to the Possessor(s) Steam discussion page to voice their feelings. A thread titled "Bummer, Laid Off Whole Staff?" became a hub for players grappling with the news. Many expressed deep sympathy for the developers who lost their jobs and questioned the ethics of purchasing Possessor(s) upon release. The sentiment, rooted in a desire to support the affected individuals, was one of discomfort—a feeling that buying the game might inadvertently validate the corporate decisions that led to the layoffs.
A Difficult Conversation in the Community
This conversation reflects a growing awareness among players about the human cost of game development. In an industry that has seen widespread layoffs across studios of all sizes, consumers are increasingly considering the people behind the products they love and how their purchasing decisions impact them. The debate was not born of malice, but of a genuine, if conflicted, desire to "do the right thing" by the creators.
Heart Machine's Creative and Design Director, Alx Preston, did step into the thread to clarify the situation, noting that while key members working on Hyper Light Breaker were affected, it was not the "whole staff," and that a dedicated team remains hard at work. However, it was a message from Possessor(s)'s own narrative director that truly framed the difficult reality for the developers still pouring their passion into the project.
A Developer's Perspective on Support
Tyler M. Chin-Tanner, the Narrative Director and a writer on Possessor(s), offered a thoughtful and candid response to the community's concerns. He began by validating the fans' feelings, acknowledging the pain and frustration surrounding the layoffs and expressing his own sorrow for his departed colleagues.
"I am one of the writers on this game and was lucky enough to not be laid off," his message began. "I just wanted to say that I totally understand where you're coming from, and it's a bummer for us too. We're a small team and we lost some good friends and colleagues."
However, he gently guided the conversation toward the impact a boycott would have on the remaining team members. He explained that for the developers still working tirelessly on Possessor(s), the success of the game is paramount. A boycott, while well-intentioned, would ultimately harm the very creators players wish to support.
Chin-Tanner elaborated on the reality for the current team:
- Passion for the Project: The remaining developers are deeply invested in making Possessor(s) the best game it can be.
- Livelihoods at Stake: The game's commercial performance is directly tied to the job security and future of the current staff.
- Honoring the Work: A successful launch would be a testament to the hard work of everyone who has contributed to the project, including those who have since departed.
"All of us who are still here have put our hearts and souls into this project for years," he wrote. "We believe in this game and all we want is for people to play it. If you boycott the game, it's not going to help our friends who were laid off, it will just hurt the ones who are still here."
His plea was not a dismissal of the community's concerns, but rather an appeal to channel that supportive energy toward the people still at the company, fighting to get their creative vision across the finish line.
What is Possessor(s)?
Lost in the difficult but necessary conversation is the game itself. Possessor(s) is a stark departure from the Hyper Light universe, trading neon-drenched sci-fi for a gritty, comic-book-inspired urban dystopia. It's described as a fast-paced action side-scroller with a unique "possession" mechanic.
Players take on the role of Luca, a host, and her otherworldly counterpart, Rehm. Their symbiotic relationship allows them to navigate a quarantined city torn apart by an interdimensional catastrophe. The gameplay promises tight, technical combat, platforming challenges, and a deep narrative told through a distinct, hand-drawn art style. The game's tone is darker and more grounded, aiming to deliver a tense and engaging experience. For the team at Heart Machine, it represents a bold new creative direction.
The future of Possessor(s), and by extension the current team at Heart Machine, now rests on its eventual reception. The heartfelt dialogue on the game's Steam page is a powerful reminder of the deep connection between players and developers, and the shared hope that great games—and the talented people who make them—can ultimately find success, even in the most challenging of times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happened at Heart Machine?
A: Heart Machine recently announced it was ceasing development on its game Hyper Light Breaker. This decision led to layoffs affecting several team members who were working on that project.
Q: Is Possessor(s) also canceled?
A: No. Possessor(s) is still in active development by a dedicated team at Heart Machine. The studio's Creative Director confirmed a team is still working hard on the title.
Q: What kind of game is Possessor(s)?
A: Possessor(s) is a fast-paced, 2D action side-scroller set in a dark, sci-fi world. It features a unique dual-character mechanic and a hand-drawn, comic-book-inspired art style.
Q: How can players best support the developers?
A: According to the game's Narrative Director, the best way to support the developers who remain at Heart Machine is to support the game itself when it launches. He explained that boycotting the game would unfortunately not help those who were laid off but would negatively impact the current team.