Hyper Light Drifter studio Heart Machine lays off 'nearly everyone' after publisher backs out
GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed
Nintendo Life reports Heart Machine, developer of Hyper Light Drifter, has laid off "nearly everyone" after a publisher decided not to move forward with an unannounced title, founder Alx Preston wrote on LinkedIn. Preston described the situation as "devastating" and said the studio will provide support to affected staff, including assistance with placement. He also said he is unsure what comes next for Heart Machine but that the team will keep trying to find a path forward while the studio remains operational. Nintendo Life framed the announcement as another piece of bleak industry news.
- What happened: Heart Machine announced "nearly everyone" on its team was laid off after a publisher cancelled funding for an unannounced game, founder Alx Preston said on LinkedIn, as reported by Nintendo Life.
- Why it matters: Preston called the decision "devastating" and said it threatens the studio's future; he committed to supporting laid-off staff and assisting with placement.
- Context: The layoffs followed a publisher's decision this week to stop moving forward with the project; Nintendo Life presented the development as another negative signal for the industry.
- What next: Preston said Heart Machine will provide support to affected employees and will "keep pushing to build a path while we are still here," but the studio's long-term status and details about the publisher, the title, and exact staff numbers have not been confirmed.
What changed
- A publisher that had been funding an unannounced Heart Machine title "decided to no longer move forward," and the studio has laid off "nearly everyone," founder Alx Preston said on LinkedIn, according to Nintendo Life.
- Preston characterized the news as "devastating" and said the studio will help affected employees with support and placement.
Timeline
- Preston wrote that the publisher's decision happened "this week," and he shared the update via his LinkedIn post; Nintendo Life reported the story.
Limits
- The report does not name the publisher, the unannounced title, or provide the exact number of employees affected.
- The long-term fate of Heart Machine is not confirmed; Preston said he is "not sure yet what’s next" for the studio.