Hyper Light Drifter
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Hyper Light Breaker developer Heart Machine lays off ‘nearly everyone at the studio’
Developer Heart Machine has laid off nearly all of its staff after a publisher canceled an unannounced title, which was the studio's primary source of income. Studio founder Alx Preston confirmed the devastating news, stating that affected employees are receiving support and job placement assistance. The studio, known for Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, has fallen victim to a lack of publisher funding.
Evening Reading - September 17, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers a variety of game reviews including Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter. It also highlights the announcement of Grand Theft Auto 6: The Album, Dragon Quest series sales milestones, and the potential shutdown of Hyper Light Drifter's developer. The reading includes various internet curiosities and a brief mention of economic topics.
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Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, has laid off the majority of its staff after a publisher rescinded funding for an unannounced title.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.
How many of these games with pixel art styles can you identify?
This article presents a quiz challenging readers to identify 15 games based on their pixel art styles, drawing inspiration from 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit aesthetics. It highlights games like Okami, Disco Elysium, Secret of Mana, Hyper Light Drifter, and Replaced as examples of striking art direction. PC Gamer also offers other trivia quizzes on various gaming topics.
Nintendo Switch eShop latest sales: lowest prices ever for Golf With Your Friends, Hyper Light Drifter, more
The Nintendo Switch eShop is currently featuring a wide range of digital sales, including historic low prices for titles such as Golf With Your Friends, Hyper Light Drifter, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, and Yakuza Kiwami. The article provides an extensive list of discounted games available on the North American eShop.
Colossus: Eternal Blight Kickstarter Launches After Indie Quest Reveal
Rustic Panda Games and Level Up Gaming have launched a Kickstarter campaign for their debut title, Colossus: Eternal Blight, following its reveal at Indie Quest 2026. The action RPG features pixel art, a story about a kingdom consumed by a blight, and combat focused on movement and timing, with player choices impacting the narrative.
COLOSSUS: ETERNAL BLIGHT KICKSTARTER LIVE FOLLOWING INDIE QUEST 2026 PREMIERE
Rustic Panda Games has launched a Kickstarter campaign for their action RPG, Colossus: Eternal Blight, following its premiere at Indie Quest 2026. The game features pixel art inspired by classics and a dynamic combat system. A playable demo will be available during Steam Next Fest in June.
One Military Camp comes to Switch 2! Build your camp on the new Nintendo console.
Indie studio Abylight Studios announced that their game One Military Camp will be released on the Nintendo Switch. The studio, comprised of industry veterans and new talent, focuses on gameplay and attention to detail. Abylight Studios has previously published titles like Cursed Castilla and Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition.
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.
Neverway doesn't want to be Stardew Valley. Instead, the devs are going as "weird as possible," Larian-style
Neverway aims to differentiate itself from Stardew Valley by embracing a 'weird as possible' approach, inspired by Larian Studios' design philosophy. The game blends life simulation with horror, RPG, and Soulslike elements, exploring themes of trauma and cosmic realms. Developers Isadora Sophia and Pedro Medeiros, along with composer Disasterpeace, discuss their unique artistic choices in mechanics, art style, and music to create an authentic and deep experience for players.
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.
