Hyper Light developer Heart Machine faces mass layoffs and possible closure
GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed
TheGamer reports Heart Machine is experiencing mass layoffs that affect "nearly everyone at the studio" and that the studio faces potential closure. The article says founder Alx Preston posted on LinkedIn describing the studio as being in a state of crisis. TheGamer notes the team most recently released Hyper Light Breaker in 2025. The story is described as developing and TheGamer indicates more information may be added as it becomes available.
- What happened: TheGamer reports Heart Machine has carried out mass layoffs affecting "nearly everyone at the studio" and that the studio faces closure.
- Why it matters: TheGamer emphasizes the impact at a studio best known for the Hyper Light series and that its most recent title was Hyper Light Breaker in 2025, making the layoffs significant for that developer.
- Context: TheGamer reports founder Alx Preston posted on LinkedIn saying the studio is in a state of crisis; TheGamer frames the article as covering a developing story.
- What next: TheGamer says more updates may follow; TheGamer has not confirmed full details such as cause, exact headcount affected, or whether the studio will close permanently.
What changed
- TheGamer reports Heart Machine underwent mass layoffs that the outlet says affected "nearly everyone at the studio" and that the studio faces potential closure.
- TheGamer reports founder Alx Preston described the company as being in a state of crisis on LinkedIn.
Timeline
- TheGamer published its report on September 16, 2026.
Limits
- TheGamer's article is labeled a developing story and does not, in the provided excerpt, confirm the precise number of staff affected, the detailed cause of the layoffs, or a final decision on studio closure.
- TheGamer is the sole cited publisher in the supplied evidence; additional confirmations or company statements beyond the LinkedIn post are not present in the provided text.