Heart Machine, the studio behind the acclaimed game Hyper Light Drifter, has closed its project Hyper Light Breaker and laid off several of its employees in a tumultuous context in the video game industry. This scenario is further exacerbated by a second round of layoffs announced just before the release of their new game, Possessor(s), scheduled for November 11. This situation has generated discontent among players, who have expressed their concerns on platforms like Steam, claiming they do not wish to support a company that lays off workers at crucial times.
La situación es mala, pero compren y jueguen, dicen
The layoffs have sparked criticism, but both Heart Machine and its publisher, Devolver Digital, have tried to clarify the situation. Harris Foster, community manager at Devolver, expressed regret over the layoffs and assured that the affected employees will continue to receive a portion of the game’s revenue, regardless of their employment status at the studio. This measure aims to emphasize the studio’s commitment to its team and their work.
The narrative director of Possessor(s), Tyler Hutchinson, called on players to purchase the game, noting that it represents three years of effort and dedication. In his words, this title is the result of intense work that the developers hope will be enjoyed by the public. Hutchinson also emphasized that the success of Possessor(s) could help open new job opportunities for laid-off employees, as it would be seen as a professional achievement on their resumes.
Despite the adversities, the launch of Possessor(s) is not delayed and presents itself as an action and exploration experience in a devastated world. With its strong narrative and visual component, the game has the potential to connect with the audience and provide Heart Machine with the breathing room it needs amid this crisis.
