Heart Machine, the independent studio celebrated for its debut title Hyper Light Drifter, is reportedly at risk of closing its doors. Studio head Alx Preston announced on LinkedIn on September 16 that a significant publishing deal for an unannounced project had been terminated, leading to the layoff of nearly all remaining staff.
"Without this key income for the studio, any other immediate prospects or other funds, nearly everyone at the studio had to be laid off. It’s devastating," Preston stated. He added that the studio would provide as much support as possible to the affected employees, including assistance with finding new placements. Preston expressed uncertainty about the studio's survival, noting the increasing challenges within the gaming industry, but indicated a determination to find a path forward.
Heart Machine first gained critical acclaim in 2016 with Hyper Light Drifter, a top-down action game praised for its distinct pixel art, environmental storytelling, and soundtrack. The studio followed up with Solar Ash in 2021, a 3D platformer that explored similar atmospheric themes. However, more recent titles have struggled to gain traction. Hyper Light Breaker, a loot-based roguelite released in Early Access in 2024, did not meet expectations. Its subsequent title, Possessor(s), a side-scrolling Metroidvania launched last year, was met with criticism regarding its controls and perceived rushed release.
This is not the first instance of staffing reductions at Heart Machine. Layoffs were previously reported in the fall, and a short-lived Patreon initiative launched earlier this year was also discontinued.