Heart Machine is ending development on Hyper Light Breaker, the studio’s early access title, which launched last year. An undisclosed number of employees are also being laid off.
Speaking to Game Developer, a spokesperson confirmed the news, with the layoffs coming just one month shy of the last round of layoffs at the studio.
“As we wrap up our work on Hyper Light Breaker, we’ve 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 available given the circumstances,” the studio tells Game Developer.
“While this path will include a conclusion on the project, it reflects broader forces beyond our control, including shifts in funding, corporate consolidation and the uncertain environment many small studios like us are navigating today.”
The reception for the roguelike didn’t seem as big as the studio expected.
Just nine months after launching in early access, Hyper Light Breaker currently holds a 67 percent mixed review score. In our review for the game, we said, “To their credit, Heart Machine is actively listening and wants to work with the community to bring the game to an enjoyable place. Buried deep, deep, deep, in the Overgrowth is a fun and exciting game, but getting to those moments isn’t worth the onslaught and pain. At this point, it’s better to let Heart Machine work, improve, and hop in. There is something to find for the few players who brave the Overgrowth, but that journey won’t be worth it for most.”
