Heart Machine Hit By Layoffs Before Possessor(s) Launch
The acclaimed independent studio Heart Machine, celebrated for its stylish and challenging games, is reportedly undergoing a second round of employee layoffs this month. This difficult news comes just weeks before the developer is set to launch its brand-new title, Possessor(s), and follows an earlier wave of cuts that coincided with the cancellation of its anticipated open-world game, Hyper Light Breaker.
The studio, which captured the hearts of gamers with the breakout hit Hyper Light Drifter and the ambitious 3D platformer Solar Ash, now finds itself in a period of significant restructuring. The latest developments emerged in late October as multiple former employees shared news of their departure from the company on social media, indicating a fresh wave of job losses separate from those announced earlier in the month.
The End of an Ambitious Project: Hyper Light Breaker
Earlier in October, Heart Machine confirmed it was ceasing development on Hyper Light Breaker, a title that had generated considerable excitement among the studio's dedicated fanbase. This announcement was accompanied by the first round of layoffs, though the exact number of staff affected was not publicly disclosed.
Hyper Light Breaker was set to be a major evolution for the studio and a bold new entry in the beloved Hyper Light universe. Planned as a 3D, open-world, co-op rogue-lite, the game aimed to translate the fast-paced combat and evocative, mysterious world of the original 2D game into a vast, explorable landscape. Early previews showcased vibrant environments and the promise of endless replayability, positioning it as one of the most anticipated indie titles.
The decision to halt its development was a significant blow to both the development team and the community eagerly awaiting its release. The move signaled a challenging period for Heart Machine, suggesting that the project's ambitious scope may have become unsustainable in the current economic climate.
A Troubling Pattern Before a New Beginning
The second wave of layoffs is particularly concerning due to its timing. Occurring just weeks before the scheduled November 11th launch of Possessor(s), it indicates that the studio's internal restructuring is deeper and more painful than previously understood. Launching a new game is a critical, all-hands-on-deck moment for any developer, and doing so while navigating staff reductions is an immense challenge.
Possessor(s) marks a return to the 2D action roots that first put Heart Machine on the map. Described as a fast-paced action side-scroller set in a city quarantined after a devastating interdimensional catastrophe, the game features a unique dual-protagonist system. Players control both the host, Luca, and her otherworldly counterpart, Rehm, as they navigate a dangerous, interconnected world. The game’s intricate combat, stunning art style, and cryptic sci-fi narrative feel like a direct spiritual successor to the design principles of Hyper Light Drifter.
For many, Possessor(s) represents a promising new chapter for the studio. However, its impending launch is now bittersweet, arriving amidst the loss of talented developers and the cancellation of another major project.
Part of a Widespread and Difficult Industry Trend
The challenges facing Heart Machine are unfortunately not unique. The video game industry has been rocked by a relentless wave of layoffs throughout the year, affecting thousands of developers across studios of all sizes. From massive AAA publishers to cherished independent teams, companies have been forced to make difficult decisions involving project cancellations and significant workforce reductions.
This industry-wide "correction" has been attributed to a variety of factors, including post-pandemic market normalization, rising development costs, and a more cautious investment landscape. For a mid-sized independent studio like Heart Machine, which relies on crafting unique, high-quality experiences, these market pressures can be especially acute. The loss of even a small number of team members can have a profound impact on a studio's culture and production pipeline.
As Heart Machine prepares to launch Possessor(s), the focus remains on the immense talent and creativity that has defined the studio for years. While the recent news is undeniably disheartening, the hope is that this period of difficulty will allow the remaining team to stabilize and continue creating the kinds of unforgettable games they are known for. For now, the community extends its support to all the developers affected by these layoffs, wishing them the best in their search for new opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heart Machine?Heart Machine is a well-regarded independent game development studio founded by Alx Preston. They are best known for creating critically acclaimed games like the 2D action-RPG Hyper Light Drifter (2016) and the 3D action-platformer Solar Ash (2021).
What happened to the game Hyper Light Breaker?In October, Heart Machine announced that it was ending the development of Hyper Light Breaker. The game was planned as an ambitious 3D open-world co-op adventure set in the Hyper Light universe. The cancellation was announced alongside the studio's first round of recent layoffs.
What is the new game from Heart Machine?Heart Machine's next game is titled Possessor(s). It is a fast-paced 2D action side-scroller with a sci-fi horror theme. The game is scheduled to be released on November 11.