Los Angeles indie studio Heart Machine makes layoffs

Indie Studio Heart Machine Makes Layoffs, Ends Development on Early Access Title Hyper Lightbreaker.

A spokesperson for the studio confirmed the news in a statement to Game Developer but did not say how many people would be laid off.

The news comes less than a year later Hyper Lightbreaker launched in Early Access on January 14, 2025. The open-world, online rogue-lite currently has a “mixed” rating on Steam from over 2,500 user reviews.

Heart machine had already laid off part of its workforce in November 2024 but said the “strong and timely” launch of Hyper Lightbreaker could “rekindle opportunities” for those affected. This time around, the company said it was forced to cut jobs due to “broader forces beyond our control.”

“As we complete our work on Hyper Lightbreakerwe had to make the difficult decision to part ways with several talented team members. This was not our ideal path, but rather the only one available given the circumstances,” we read in a press release.

“While this path includes a conclusion on the project, it reflects larger forces beyond our control, including funding changes, corporate consolidations, and the uncertain environment that many small studios like us navigate today.”

Heart Machine said it remained “deeply grateful” to everyone who contributed to its projects and would continue to create video games as a “small core team.” The studio is also committed to doing everything possible to support affected staff.

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