Heart Machine, the talented studio behind 2016 indie gem Hyper Light Drifter and the eye-popping Solar Ash, has confirmed that it's making an unspecified number of layoffs.
The developer launched its ongoing project, Hyper Light Breaker, into early access on PC at the start of the year. However, the Hyper Light Drifter successor has struggled to maintain momentum, hounded by mixed user reviews and a general lack of positivity.
As such, development on Hyper Light Breaker will soon be coming to an end. This is basically a case of the studio cutting its losses; it's not dropping the game completely, but it is wrapping things up.
In a statement shared with Game Developer, Heart Machine ensures that it'll try to "deliver something meaningful and as polished and complete as we can given our current circumstances".
It sounds like the plan is to fully release the game in January. It's unclear whether that includes a launch on additional platforms, like PS5.
Previously, the game was seen as a way for the studio to get back on its feet following initial layoffs back in November 2024. Unfortunately, it just hasn't worked out.
Heart Machine's official statement on the situation reads:
"As we wrap up our work on Hyper Light Breaker, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to part ways with a number of talented team members. This was not our ideal path, but rather the only one available given the circumstances.
While this path will include a conclusion on the project, it reflects broader forces beyond our control, including shifts in funding, corporate consolidation and the uncertain environment many small studios like us are navigating today."
We obviously wish the best of luck to those who have been impacted by said layoffs.
It's worth pointing out that Heart Machine has another title currently in the works; Possessor(s) is a 2D action game that's set to release on PS5 this November. Fingers crossed it's a hit.
How do you feel about this? Are you a fan of Hyper Light Drifter, Solar Ash, or Hyper Light Breaker? Don't forget to dash in the comments section below.