Hyper Light Drifter developer Heart Machine lays off the majority of staff

Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, has laid off nearly everyone after a publisher pulled funding for an unannounced title. Founder Alx Preston announced the news on LinkedIn and said he is not sure how the studio will survive, adding that affected staff will receive support including placement assistance. The studio had already downsized in November 2024 and went through two more rounds of layoffs in October 2025, and it is unclear how many employees remain.