Solar Ash
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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.
Weekend Console Download Deals for Aug. 14: Ready, Set, Play!
This weekend's console deals include sales on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch titles. Notable discounts feature Black Myth: Wukong on PlayStation and Xbox, alongside various Capcom and Annapurna Interactive titles on Nintendo Switch. PlayStation Plus members can also access free games like Big Walk and Dying Light 2: Stay Human.
Weekend Console Download Deals for Aug. 7: Let's all take a Big Walk
This article highlights various console game deals available for the weekend of August 7th. The new game "Big Walk" is available for free to PlayStation Plus members and on sale for Nintendo Switch owners. Numerous other titles across PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms are also featured with discounts.
Annapurna lowest prices ever for Outer Wilds, LEGO Voyagers, more
Annapurna Interactive is holding a sale on the Nintendo eShop, offering discounts of up to 80 percent on numerous titles for the Nintendo Switch. Several games, including the acclaimed Outer Wilds and LEGO Voyagers, are available at their lowest prices ever. The sale runs until August 21.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 31: PlayStation Summer Sale Part 2
The PlayStation Summer Sale has entered its second phase, featuring discounts on games like Saros and Ghost of Yotei, alongside first-time deals on Saros and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. The Nintendo eShop also has sales on Bethesda, Capcom, and Annapurna Interactive titles. Xbox Game Pass deals are available for subscribers, and general sales are open to all Xbox users.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 10: Palworld exits Steam Early Access
Palworld has officially launched version 1.0 out of Early Access on Steam, accompanied by a launch discount. This article highlights various PC game deals available this weekend across multiple digital storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Amazon Luna, Fanatical, Gamebillet, GamesPlanet, GOG.com, Green Man Gaming, Humble Bundle, and 2K Publisher Sale.
The new Bubsy is better than I expected, but its hackneyed '90s nostalgia is exhausting
The new Bubsy 4D game from Fabraz and Atari offers surprisingly robust 3D platforming mechanics, allowing for complex aerial maneuvers. However, the game is heavily weighed down by its exhausting and cringeworthy '90s nostalgia, particularly its hackneyed humor and nonsensical level design, making it difficult to recommend despite its gameplay potential.
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.
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.
Nintendo Switch eShop deals – lowest prices ever for Plucky Squire, Team Sonic Racing, TMNT: Splintered Fate, more
The North American Nintendo Switch eShop is featuring new deals, including the lowest prices ever for games like Plucky Squire, Team Sonic Racing, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate. The article lists a comprehensive selection of discounted titles available for purchase.
Nintendo Switch eShop deals – lowest prices ever for Enter and Exit the Gungeon, Untitled Goose Game, more
The North American Nintendo Switch eShop is featuring new deals, including the lowest prices ever for games like Enter the Gungeon, Exit the Gungeon, and Untitled Goose Game. The sale includes a wide variety of titles, with discounts on many popular and indie games.
Hyper Light Drifter studio workers form union after rounds of layoffs
Workers at independent game studio Heart Machine, known for Hyper Light Drifter, have formed a union with Communications Workers of America Local 9003. This move follows multiple rounds of layoffs at the studio, including the discontinuation of Hyper Light Breaker. The union aims to protect workers in the face of industry instability and increasing demands for employee voices to be heard.
"If we love this work, we have to protect it" - Hyper Light studio Heart Machine is now a "wall-to-wall" union
Developers at the indie studio Heart Machine, known for games like Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, have unionized with the Communications Workers of America. This move follows recent layoffs and aims to protect workers' rights and workplace conditions. The studio has voluntarily recognized the union, and negotiations for a first contract are expected.
'If we love this work, we have to protect it:' Heart Machine workers secure voluntary union recognition
Employees at Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, have successfully unionized with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and received voluntary recognition from the company. This move follows recent layoffs and aims to secure better work-life balance, creative autonomy, and job security for developers. The unionization effort at Heart Machine is part of a broader trend of increasing labor organizing within the game industry.
