Earlier this year, Heart Machine launched their game, Hyper Light Breaker, into early access following an almost two-year postponement. Regrettably, the game’s development is now concluding as the studio, Heart Machine, has announced significant layoffs.
According to reports from Game Developer, a representative from Heart Machine explained that these layoffs signify “a conclusion on the project.” They cited external pressures like shifts in financial support, increasing corporate mergers, and the precarious landscape that many independent studios currently face as reasons for this decision.
In a subsequent statement, Heart Machine clarified that they are not entirely abandoning Hyper Light Breaker. Players can anticipate at least one more substantial update, slated for release in January 2026, which aims to provide a more refined version of the game.
A spokesperson for Heart Machine affirmed their commitment to players, stating, “We aim to deliver something impactful, as polished, and as complete as feasible given our current situation.” They added, “We’re focused on refining what’s possible, finalizing crucial systems, and bringing the game to a fulfilling close.”
Hyper Light Breaker serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed 2016 title, Hyper Light Drifter, which received a stellar 9 out of 10 in a review. The studio is also developing Possessor(s), a metroidvania-style game, scheduled for a November 11 release on PC and PS5, which had previously been previewed by the gaming press.
Below is an image gallery featuring some of the top PC games anticipated for 2025. The gallery includes various screenshots and promotional images for upcoming titles.