Heart Machine experiences a second series of layoffs

Heart Machine, the game development company headquartered in Los Angeles, has announced that it is reducing its workforce. The precise number of affected employees has not been specified.

According to Game Developer, the studio confirmed it has dismissed several skilled staff members as it concludes work on the early access game, Hyper Light Breaker.

The company acknowledged that this decision was not preferred. However, given the circumstances, it was unavoidable. The statement highlighted external factors such as changes in financing, industry consolidation, and the challenging conditions that smaller studios are currently facing.

Despite the downsizing, Heart Machine indicated that there will be a release related to Hyper Light Breaker in January, promising it will appropriately wrap up the project.

The studio reassured its commitment to delivering a polished product within its current limitations. Due to staffing reductions, no further updates or Q&A sessions will occur for the remainder of the year. Their focus is on ensuring that the upcoming release is of high quality.

Hyper Light Breaker was initially launched in early access earlier this year.

In November 2024, Heart Machine confirmed that a segment of its workforce was terminated, although development on Hyper Light Breaker was expected to continue without hindrance.

At that time, the studio expressed optimism that a successful and timely game launch would restore opportunities for those impacted, aiming for ongoing enhancement during the early access phase.