A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Layoffs: Possessor(s) Developers to Share in Sales Despite Early Dismissal
The gaming industry, a realm of creativity and passion, is often a precarious landscape for its creators. In a poignant turn of events, the upcoming action-platformer, Possessor(s), developed by Heart Machine, finds itself at the center of a controversy involving mass layoffs just days before its scheduled release. This unsettling situation casts a shadow over the game's launch, raising questions about the ethical treatment of developers and the value players place on their contributions.
A Troubled Pre-Launch Landscape
The seeds of discontent were sown following the release of *Hyper Light Breaker*, a prequel to the critically acclaimed *Hyper Light Drifter*. Launched on January 14, 2025, *Breaker* garnered a lukewarm reception, with many players lamenting its departure from the beloved pixel art style and unique aesthetic of its predecessor, which boasted an impressive 88% rating. The shift in format, coupled with technical hiccups, ignited a wave of criticism, setting a somber backdrop for *Possessor(s)*.
Just six days before *Possessor(s)* was slated to hit the market, Heart Machine initiated a series of layoffs, affecting a portion of the development team and even the game's originator. This abrupt decision has understandably sparked outrage among players and industry observers alike, prompting a crucial question: Is a game born from such an ethically compromised situation truly worth its price tag?
A Commitment to Fair Compensation
Amidst the turmoil, a beacon of transparency has emerged. Harris Foster, a representative from the publisher Devolver Digital, has assured that all eligible team members who contributed to *Possessor(s)* and are entitled to revenue sharing will continue to receive their designated portion of sales, irrespective of their current employment status. This commitment aims to uphold the financial rights of those who poured their talent into the project, even after their departure from the studio.
An Earnest Plea from a Displaced Creator
However, the broader concern for players revolves around the impact of their purchase on the laid-off developers. Many wonder if buying the game will merely result in a pittance for those who were dismissed. The answer, delivered with heartfelt urgency, comes from Tyler Gutchison, the mastermind behind the 2.5D action-platformer, writing under the pseudonym awfulTyler. In a candid and emotionally charged statement, he implored,
As a laid-off developer – PLEASE BUY THIS GAME!
Gutchison elaborated on the profound implications of the game's commercial success for his former colleagues. He explained that a strong performance at the box office could significantly boost their prospects in the competitive game development industry. Imagine the scenario he painted: "Oh, you worked on *Possessor(s)*? It sold a billion – come join our company." This powerful anecdote illustrates how a successful launch can act as a vital stepping stone, opening doors to future opportunities and validating years of hard work.
He further emphasized that the entire team's motivation was rooted in a desire to create an experience that would bring joy and entertainment to players. A failure at launch, exacerbated by the current controversy, would render three years of their lives effectively wasted. Moreover, Gutchison candidly admitted that he still retains a share of the game's profits, meaning a purchase directly contributes to his personal income, adding another layer of personal stakes to the plea.
The sincerity of his appeal resonated deeply with the original poster of the discussion, who pledged to acquire the game. *Possessor(s)* is set to launch on November 11th for PC via Steam and PlayStation 5. Details regarding releases on other platforms, such as Xbox or Nintendo Switch, remain unconfirmed at this time. This narrative underscores the human element in game development, reminding us that behind every title are individuals whose livelihoods and futures are inextricably linked to the reception of their creations.
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