Hyper Light Drifter Developer Heart Machine Lays Off Nearly Everyone

Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, is facing an uncertain future after laying off nearly its entire team following the cancellation of an unannounced game.

As per a post on LinkedIn, Founder Alx Preston said the project had been funded by a publisher, but the publisher decided this week not to move forward. With the project representing a key source of income and no immediate alternative funding available, the studio was forced to cut most of its workforce.

The layoffs add to a difficult period for Heart Machine. The studio previously reduced its workforce after ending development of Hyper Light Breaker, while its latest release, Possessor(s), arrived amid those challenges.

Preston said the team is still trying to find a path forward, but acknowledged that the studio's survival remains uncertain as the game industry continues to face financial pressure.