'Nearly Everyone' Laid Off As Hyper Light Drifter Studio Risks Closing: 'I'm Not Sure Yet How Or If Heart Machine Survives'
Kotaku • • technology
Key Points:
- Heart Machine, the studio behind the acclaimed game Hyper Light Drifter, is at risk of shutting down after a publishing deal for an unannounced title was canceled by the publisher.
- As a result, the studio has laid off most of its staff due to the loss of key funding and lack of immediate financial prospects.
- Studio head Alx Preston expressed uncertainty about Heart Machine's future but emphasized ongoing efforts to support laid-off employees and explore potential paths forward.
- Heart Machine gained recognition for Hyper Light Drifter’s retro pixel art and storytelling, and later released Solar Ash, which transitioned to 3D gameplay with positive reception.
- The studio thanked its community, fans, and former employees while highlighting the challenges faced in the current gaming industry landscape.
