Heart Machine, developer of games such as Hyperlight drifter And Sun Ashreportedly laying off employees for a second time in October.
At the beginning of the month, studio confirmed a series of layoffs and the end of the game's early access development Hyperlight switchwhich was launched back in January of this year. Now, 12 days before the studio launch Owner(s) –published by Devolver Digital – More developers have reportedly been laid off.
At least four workers said they were affected by layoffs through Bluesky this week in messages dated Oct. 28 and 29. “My heart is heavy and I may have to say more about this later, but today I have news that my time with Heart Machine will be coming to an end. Owner(s) ships,” the message says. bluesky post from one affected developer. “Honestly, I'm too busy… literally posting the game to start actively looking for work, but I'll be looking for my next gig in December.”
Second workerwho worked at Heart Machine for almost six years, said their time in the studio “sadly came to a rather abrupt end”. Then, another developer said“I just want to post a message, I got fired. Just shouting into the void of the Internet! HM had a wonderful and wonderful team of people.”
most recent post The layoff information includes a video recorded by the developer himself detailing the reported layoffs. “Heart Machine just fired a bunch more people, effective immediately. Owner(s) will be released on November 11, I don’t know if anyone who worked on the game will even be in the company. This is game development.” Replying to another user in the thread, the developer said that they are “personally, thankfully, mostly on their feet,” suggesting they were also affected by the reported layoffs.
This will be the third round of layoffs at Heart Machine in a year.
Heart machine previously fired part of its staff back in November 2024. In a statement, the company said it was forced to cut jobs due to “broader forces beyond our control” and hoped a “decisive and timely” launch Hyperlight switch will “renew opportunity” for those affected.
“When we complete our work on Hyperlight switchWe have had to make the difficult decision to part ways with a number of talented team members. This was not our ideal path, but rather the only one possible given the circumstances,” the statement said at the time.
“While this path will include the completion of the project, it reflects broader forces beyond our control, including changes in funding, corporate consolidation and the uncertain environment that many small studios like us face today.”
Meanwhile, Owner(s) publisher Devolver Digital also cut jobs this year. Back in April, the company laid off 40 percent of Nerial's internal studio staff after identifying “issues” with recent releases, according to Devolver's FY24 investor presentation.
The game developer has contacted Heart Machine and Devolver Digital for more information about the reported layoffs.
