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Reports Point to New Layoffs at Heart Machine Days Before Possessor(s) Launch

Developer posts on Bluesky describe new cuts that leave staffing for the Nov. 11 release in doubt.

Overview

  • At least four workers said they were affected in Bluesky posts dated October 28 and 29, according to Game Developer.
  • Community and PR manager Yiyi Zhang posted a video saying "a bunch more people" were cut effective immediately and questioned whether original team members would still be at the studio by launch.
  • This is the second round of cuts reported in October and the third within a year, following confirmed layoffs in November 2024.
  • Earlier in October, Heart Machine confirmed layoffs and said it was ending active development on Early Access title Hyper Light Breaker, which launched in January.
  • Publisher Devolver Digital also cut staff this year, including a 40% reduction at internal studio Nerial in April, and both companies have been contacted for comment.