"Navigating an increasingly challenging industry has been extremely difficult, and I’m not sure yet what’s next for Heart Machine to survive," says studio head

Hyper Light Drifter developer Heart Machine is at risk of shutting down after a publishing deal collapsed.

Studio head Alx Preston shared on LinkedIn that "without this key income, any other immediate prospects or other funds, nearly everyone at the studio had to be laid off. It's devastating."

"Everyone will be provided with as much support as possible, including assisting with placement," Preston wrote. "If you know of any roles for extraordinarily talented, kind people, please reach out and we will coordinate."

"Thank you so so much to all of the incredible people who contributed their efforts and talents to making amazing things at the studio. Thank you to our amazing community and fans.

Preston concluded: "Navigating an increasingly challenging industry has been extremely difficult, and I’m not sure yet what’s next for Heart Machine to survive. However, we'll keep pushing to build a path while we are still here."

Heart Machine has undergone three rounds of layoffs in nearly three years. An unspecified number of staff were made redundant in November 2024 as Hyper Light Breaker approached its early access launch, following two more rounds in October 2025.

The first round occurred as development on Hyper Light Breaker concluded. "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."

The second took place a few weeks later. Although Heart Machine did not announce these cuts, several employees reported redundancies 12 days before the launch of Possessor(s).

"By the time Possessor(s) comes out, I don't know if anyone who worked on the game will even be at the company anymore," said one affected staff member.

Earlier this year, Heart Machine voluntarily recognized a union after 13 staff members formed a bargaining unit.

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