The studio behind Hyper Light Drifter, Solar Ash, and early access title Hyper Light Breaker has sadly announced that they’ve let go a number of team members. The post attributes the layoffs to “forces beyond our control”.
Hyper Light Breaker, the multiplayer open-world roguelike set in the Hyper Light universe, released on early access just this January, and it looks like the changes will have a big impact on the future of the title.
While many criticized the genre switch, calling it a leap too far from Heart Machine’s proven strengths in single-player action titles, I was one of the many that was actually really excited to try the game out. Not being a big fan of early access, I held off purchasing the game until its full launch came around, though I wasn’t expecting that to come so soon and under these grim circumstances. Hyper Light Breaker currently has a Mixed review rating on Steam.
Also, this is how I learn that they have new game coming out this November. Called Possessor(s), it’s got a fascinating elevator pitch: action-adventure sidescroller with a combat system inspired by platform fighters like Super Smash Bros. Looking at the trailers, it’s almost exactly as described but with a healthy dash of Devil May Cry’s gothic punk, which is always a good thing. I really only know Heart Machine for their games in the Hyper Light Drifter universe, and it’s a little bittersweet to see them branching out with a new IP so soon after Hyper Light Breaker’s early access launch.
