Possessor(s)
News, coverage and analysis tracking Possessor(s) across the outlets.
Latest coverage
"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.
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.
Nintendo announces 2026 Blockbuster sale for Switch 2 and Switch, the full list of deals
Nintendo has launched a "2026 Blockbuster" sale on the eShop, featuring discounts of up to 80% on a wide range of third-party titles for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The sale includes popular games like Dave the Diver, Persona 3 Reload, and Red Dead Redemption, and will run until September 9th.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 3: Nintendo Summer Sale continues
Nintendo's Summer Sale continues for another week, featuring discounts on first-party titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Various digital deals are also available across PlayStation and Xbox platforms, including PlayStation Plus member exclusives and Xbox Game Pass discounts.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 26: Steam Summer Sale and friends
Multiple PC gaming storefronts, including Steam, GOG.com, and Epic Games Store, are hosting major summer sales with thousands of deals. Notable discounts are available on titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, DOOM: The Dark Ages, and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. Some platforms also offer free titles or additional discounts for subscribers.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 12: Steam Bullet Fest
This weekend's PC gaming deals include a Steam Bullet Fest celebrating bullet hell and shooter games, alongside sales from various publishers and developers like Capcom, Klei, and Ubisoft. Notable titles on sale include Vampire Survivors, Returnal, and Destiny 2, with free games and bundles also available across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Amazon Luna.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – May 3, 2026 – Mario Kart World makes a run at Pokemon Pokopia
The Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of May 3, 2026, show Pokemon Pokopia retaining the top spot, followed closely by Mario Kart World. Newcomer Inkonbini debuted just outside the top ten. The charts also list various other popular titles, including several editions and upgrade packs for existing games.
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.
Evening Consolidation
A hack allows Steam games to be played on the PlayStation 5, bypassing the need for a Steam Machine. Additionally, the game Possessor(s) is now available for exploration on the Nintendo Switch.
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.
This Week’s Japanese Game Releases: Saros, Shinigami Hime to Ishokan no Kaibutsu, more
This week's Japanese video game releases include Saros and Shinigami Hime to Ishokan no Kaibutsu for PlayStation 5, with the latter also launching on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Numerous other titles are also available across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PC, Switch, iOS, and Android platforms, including several early access titles.
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.
