The indie gaming scene is buzzing with concern as Heart Machine, the studio renowned for titles like Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, faces turbulent times. With their highly anticipated game, Possessor(s), set to release on November 11th, the studio has been hit by a second wave of layoffs in less than a month, casting a shadow over its future.
Heart Machine’s Recent Challenges
Reports suggest that after announcing layoffs at the start of October and ceasing development of Hyper Light Breaker, new confirmations of layoffs have emerged from the Heart Machine team via social media. At least four former developers took to Bluesky, sharing their unfortunate news. One video post from a former developer painted a bleak picture, stating, “Heart Machine has just laid off a bunch more people, effective immediately. By the time Possessor(s) comes out on November 11th, I don’t know if anyone who worked on the game will even be at the company anymore.”
Impact on the Team
One developer shared their heavy heart, revealing that their journey with Heart Machine would end after the launch of Possessor(s). Despite being busy with the game’s release, they plan to seek new opportunities come December. Another affected team member, who had dedicated nearly six years to the company, expressed their dismay at the recent cuts.
The exact number of developers impacted remains uncertain, and the studio has not yet released an official statement. Observers note that this marks the third layoff within a year for Heart Machine, highlighting the dire situation the indie studio faces.
The beloved indie studio, recognized for its impactful titles, now teeters on the brink of uncertainty, hoping to navigate a path to stability after the launch of Possessor(s).
The gaming community hopes that Heart Machine overcomes these challenges and continues to thrive beyond 2025.