Heart Machine, Maker of Hyper Light Drifter, Nears Closure After Layoffs

Heart Machine, the independent studio known for the game Hyper Light Drifter, is at risk of shutting down after cutting nearly all of its staff, according to a statement from founder and chief executive Alx Preston posted on LinkedIn.

Preston said the studio laid off nearly everyone after a publisher it had been working with on an upcoming title decided not to continue with the project. That decision left the studio without funding and without immediate prospects for securing more, as reported by TechPowerUp.

According to TechPowerUp, Preston said he was uncertain about what comes next for Heart Machine or whether it can continue, indicating the studio could close in the coming weeks or months unless its financial situation changes.

The move follows an already difficult stretch for the studio. Heart Machine had previously reduced staff ahead of the release of Possessor(s), and effectively ended development of Hyper Light Breaker less than a year after that game launched on Steam. Engadget described the situation as a tough end for another indie studio.