Heart Machine, the developer of Possessor(s), announced layoffs affecting the game's team ahead of its 2023-11-11 launch, amid disappointing sales of a previous game.
Layoffs and Profit Sharing
The layoffs are the second round by Heart Machine, following earlier job cuts after muted sales of Hyper Light Breaker. The recent layoffs targeted the team behind the upcoming game Possessor(s). Heart Machine and publisher Devolver Digital confirmed that team members eligible for profit-sharing will still receive their shares. Creative and Design Director Alx Preston emphasized that profit payments will be honored.
Community Reaction and Sales Impact
Tyler Hutchinson, the narrative director of Possessor(s) and one of those laid off, encouraged players to buy the game to support profit payments and help affected staff find future work. He rejected claims that external consultants wrote the game's story and expressed optimism about the game's design and environments. Publisher Devolver expressed sadness over the layoffs, reinforcing the commitment to profit-sharing.
The game Possessor(s), which releases on 2023-11-11, has generated early positive feedback, particularly for its environments.
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