Heart Machine Announces More Layoffs, Conclusion of Hyper Light Breaker Development

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After layoffs in November 2024, the team behind *Hyper Light Drifter*, Heart Machine, has announced further cuts, citing external factors. As a result, development on *Hyper Light Breaker*, which is currently available in early access, will be concluded.

A studio representative told Game Developer that as they finish development on *Hyper Light Breaker*, they’ve unfortunately had to let go of some team members. They explained this wasn’t their preferred outcome, but necessary given the current situation.

This project will wrap up soon, but its outcome is influenced by factors outside of our direct control, like changes in funding, mergers and acquisitions within the industry, and the general challenges facing smaller studios like ours right now.

The development team will continue working on projects with a reduced core group, and they’re offering support to those who have been laid off. The exact number of job losses hasn’t been announced.

Hyper Light Breaker launched on Steam Early Access in January and is a 3D cooperative rogue-like game – you can read our review of the initial release. Currently, it has a “Mixed” rating on Steam, with 64% of over 3,100 player reviews being positive, even after several updates and additions to the game in recent months.

Heart Machine hasn’t announced a release date for the final update to their game, so keep an eye out for more information. Their next game, *Possessor(s)*, will be available on PlayStation 5 and PC starting November 11th. It’s a side-scrolling action game where you play as Luca, who is possessed by a demon named Rhem, and together they try to survive in Sanzu City. You can find more details here.

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2025-10-09 13:41