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Hyper Light Drifter developer Heart Machine lays off majority of staff, risks closure
Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, has laid off the majority of its staff after a publisher rescinded funding for an unannounced title. Studio founder Alx Preston described the situation as devastating and expressed uncertainty about the studio's future survival amidst a challenging industry for smaller developers.
"Nearly everyone" laid off at Hyper Light Drifter devs Heart Machine after publisher drops unannounced game
Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, has laid off nearly all of its staff after an unnamed publisher withdrew funding for an unannounced game. Studio founder Alx Preston confirmed the devastating cuts on LinkedIn, stating that the studio's survival is now precarious. This follows previous issues with Hyper Light Breaker and mixed reviews for Possessor(s), highlighting a challenging period for the games industry.
Hyper Light Drifter developer Heart Machine has laid off the majority of staff
Indie studio Heart Machine has laid off the majority of its staff after a publisher pulled funding for an unannounced title. Studio founder Alex Preston announced the devastating news on LinkedIn, stating that the loss of this key income has made the studio's survival uncertain. This follows previous layoffs in November 2024 and October 2025, with the studio's earlier title, Hyper Light Breaker, being cut before it left early access.
Heart Machine faces possible closure after publishing deal falls through; majority of staff laid off
Heart Machine, the developer behind Hyper Light Drifter, is facing potential closure after a crucial publishing deal fell through, leading to the layoff of most of its staff. Studio head Alx Preston described the situation as devastating and is seeking new opportunities for the talented individuals affected. This marks the third round of layoffs for the studio in under three years, highlighting the challenging economic climate for independent game developers.
Heart Machine Has Laid Off “Nearly Everyone”, Founder Unsure of Studio’s Survival
Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, has laid off nearly all of its staff after a publisher canceled an unannounced project. Studio founder Alx Preston expressed devastation and uncertainty about the company's future survival, while also seeking roles for the talented individuals affected. This follows previous layoffs in 2025 and the critical reception of Hyper Light Breaker.
Hyper Light Drifter dev lays off "nearly everyone at the studio" after publisher backs out of new game: "I'm not sure yet how or if Heart Machine survives"
Indie studio Heart Machine has laid off nearly all of its staff after its publisher unexpectedly withdrew funding for its next unannounced game. Studio founder Alx Preston stated that the future of the company is uncertain, and they are seeking roles for the displaced developers. The studio, known for Hyper Light Drifter, has faced challenges with recent titles like Hyper Light Breaker and Possessor(s).
Hyper Light studio Heart Machine lays off 'nearly everyone' after publisher deal for unannounced game falls…
Heart Machine, the developer behind Hyper Light Drifter, has laid off nearly its entire staff after a publisher deal for an unannounced game fell through. Studio founder Alx Preston described the situation as devastating, stating that the loss of this key income has forced the studio to let go of most employees. The studio will continue to seek a path forward, but its survival is uncertain.
Hyper Light Drifter developer on brink of shutdown after publisher deal falls through
Heart Machine, the developer behind Hyper Light Drifter, is reportedly on the brink of shutting down after a publisher withdrew funding for an unannounced project. Studio founder Alx Preston indicated that most employees have been laid off due to the financial setback. This follows a previous wind-down of development for Hyper Light Breaker and substantial layoffs.
Studio Behind Hyper Light Drifter In Peril After Publisher Withdraws Funding for Unannounced Project
Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, is facing severe financial difficulties after a publisher withdrew funding for an unannounced project. This funding withdrawal puts the studio's future in peril.
Metroidvania puissant et magnifique signé Heart Machine, Possessor(s) est maintenant disponible sur Nintendo Switch 2
Heart Machine and Devolver Digital have released Possessor(s), a new side-scrolling Metroidvania game, on the Nintendo Switch 2. The game follows Luca, a high school student who teams up with a demon named Rhem to survive and uncover the cause of an interdimensional catastrophe in the ruined Sanzu City.
Possessor(s) Update 7 Adds Fixes as Price Drops to $9.99
Publisher Devolver Digital and developer Heart Machine have released the seventh update for their action platformer Possessor(s), introducing various gameplay and UI fixes. The game's price has also been permanently reduced to $9.99. Possessor(s) is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5.
Possessor(s) launch trailer – Hyper Light Drifter dev’s latest game on Nintendo Switch 2
Possessor(s), the latest game from Hyper Light Drifter developer Heart Machine, has launched on Nintendo Switch. The fast-paced side-scroller blends platform fighter combat with Metroidvania exploration in the ruins of Sanzu City. A launch trailer showcasing the hand-drawn characters and striking 3D backdrops is available.
Devolver Digital & Heart Machine’s Beautiful, Stylish Metroidvania, Possessor(s), is now Available on Nintendo Switch 2
The Metroidvania game Possessor(s), developed by Heart Machine and published by Devolver Digital, is now available on Nintendo Switch 2 for $9.99. The game features fast-paced, combo-driven action and exploration in the ruins of Sanzu City, following the story of Luca and a demon named Rhem.
Magic: The Gathering Arena developers intend to form a union with the CWA
Developers at Wizards of the Coast, makers of Magic: The Gathering Arena, are organizing to form a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The union has filed for an election with the National Labor Relations Board, citing concerns over layoffs, wages, remote work policies, and workplace transparency. This effort follows similar unionization drives within the broader video game industry.
Possessor(s) Switch 2 Release Date Set for April 29, 2026
Devolver Digital and Heart Machine announced that Possessor(s) will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on April 29, 2026. The action platformer, currently available on PC and PlayStation 5, features metroidvania-inspired exploration and combat emphasizing aerial combos. The game is set in Sanzu City and offers multiple story paths.
Hyper Light Drifter Dev's Gorgeous Metroidvania Jumps To Switch 2 Next Week
Heart Machine's latest action game, Possessor(s), is launching on Nintendo Switch on April 29, 2026, following its earlier release on PlayStation 5 and PC. The stylish Metroidvania features fast-paced combat and exploration in a ruined city, with the protagonist Luca teaming up with a demon named Rhem. The developer also recently announced layoffs and the winding down of development for Hyper Light Breaker.
Possessor(s) announced for Nintendo Switch 2
Devolver Digital and Heart Machine have announced that their side-scrolling action-adventure game, Possessor(s), will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 on April 29. The game combines elements of platform fighters and Metroidvanias, featuring stylish combat, exploration, and a narrative focused on survival in a ruined metropolis.
Possessor(s) coming to Switch 2 on April 29
Devolver Digital and Heart Machine announced that the side-scrolling action adventure game Possessor(s) will be released on Nintendo Switch on April 29. Further details about the game's availability on other platforms were not immediately disclosed.
Streamer Support, Mental Health Gaming, Final Fantasy for Good, and the UVW: Good in Gaming Vol. 3
This installment of Good in Gaming highlights various positive initiatives within the gaming community, including a mobile game called Finch that promotes mental health through habit tracking, a charity stream by Rashern for The Trevor Project that raised $1000, and the Final Fantasy V Four Job Fiesta which raises money for the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund. The article also touches on the ongoing efforts of the United Videogame Workers to advocate for better labor conditions and unionization within the game industry.
Business and Finance
Indie studio Heart Machine has voluntarily recognized a union, while Outersloth has revealed its game funding agreement with developers. These developments highlight ongoing discussions around labor relations and financial structures within the game development industry.