SyComs, or “Synthesizing Computers”, are robot companions that accompany the player everywhere they go in the world of Hyper Light. Each character has their own unique SyCom companion, which serves as their interface with the technology of the world, allowing them access objects
SyComs, or “Synthesizing Computers”, are robot companions that accompany the player everywhere they go in the world of Hyper Light. Each character has their own unique SyCom companion, which serves as their interface with the technology of the world, allowing them access objects like doors, hatches, and computer terminals. Facing odds in a hazardous and often lonely world, having these stalwart companions around is both a practical necessity and a comfort.
We're partnering with Makeship to create a plushie of the OG SyCom - the Companion from Hyper Light Drifter!
Pledge your support of $2 in the next week to help bring this lil guy to life.
Our launch bundle + discount for Hyper Light Breaker ends in ~16 hours, at 10AM PST! So if you've had Hyper Light Drifter on your wishlist for a while, or if you've been on the fence about picking up Hyper Light Breaker...this is your last chance to pick up both games at the best
Our launch bundle + discount for Hyper Light Breaker ends in ~16 hours, at 10AM PST! So if you've had Hyper Light Drifter on your wishlist for a while, or if you've been on the fence about picking up Hyper Light Breaker...this is your last chance to pick up both games at the best price: $30!!
After 10AM tomorrow, Hyper Light Breaker will be full price ($30) and will not come with Hyper Light Drifter ($20) for free.
GET THEM NOW
Check out our Patreon now! Why are we on Patreon? Games are the greatest form of expression and entertainment that we've ever created. There’s a common saying in games development that it's a miracle that any games are made, let alone good ones. Now, it’s even more brutal. Over t
[previewyoutube=CTx8TGLPeKc;full][/previewyoutube]
Check out our Patreon now!Why are we on Patreon?
Games are the greatest form of expression and entertainment that we've ever created. There’s a common saying in games development that it's a miracle that any games are made, let alone good ones. Now, it’s even more brutal.
Over the past two years, the industry has rapidly changed, flipped around and turned upside down. Funding for new projects is sparse, even for successful devs. Everything is far more expensive to make. Paths we used to be able to take to create projects no longer exist.
You’ve likely heard about this on some front. It’s grim. 30% of all games developers have either been laid off or had their roles significantly reduced or affected over the past year alone. Studios have closed. Many have left. We at Heart Machine are not immune, having gone through layoffs in November of this year.
Since the old models are not enough, we have to adapt. So we're asking for support to help us continue to not just survive, but adapt and thrive. To help us prototype and build new projects, to help support us when the state of the industry has made it so much harder to exist.
We've always been big on talking directly to our audience. We think this Patreon is an opportunity for us to do more on this front while also benefiting.
There are a few key goals we have in mind for this Patreon:
1. To give a more thorough and deep insight into our process and what it takes to make games. Sharing exclusive write-ups, videos, concept art, design documents and prototype gifs from all of our projects past and present.
2. To share more about the issues in the industry driving this state of turmoil. E.g. corporate consolidation, overspending, accelerating costs, and a changing market.
3. To reach a bigger audience with more transparency in an otherwise notoriously opaque industry in the hope we can share and do our part to help others to better navigate and survive.
We all love games. We’re here because it’s an industry driven by passion. But it’s never been easy. We've been making titles we are extremely proud of for 10 years now, and we want to make sure we can stick around another 10.
Approaches like this Patreon are part of what it takes to make sure of that, to get through the toughest times and come out ultimately better.
We hope that you enjoy the content and inside access that we’ll be providing here.
Thank you so much for your support.
Hyper Light Drifter part of IGF Celebration Days, a digital showcase celebrating award-winning indie games, the Independent Games Festival, and the players who love indie games! As an IGF award-winning studio now going strong into our 11th year, we're honored to be a part of this
Hyper Light Drifter part of IGF Celebration Days, a digital showcase celebrating award-winning indie games, the Independent Games Festival, and the players who love indie games!
As an IGF award-winning studio now going strong into our 11th year, we're honored to be a part of this celebration. Check out all the amazing projects that have been a part of the IGF legacy: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/IGF_CelebrationDays
A decade ago, we began a journey that would lead to the birth of Heart Machine - a game studio committed to crafting immersive, vibrant experiences that resonate with players on a profound level. As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we reflect on our history, achievements, co
A decade ago, we began a journey that would lead to the birth of Heart Machine - a game studio committed to crafting immersive, vibrant experiences that resonate with players on a profound level. As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we reflect on our history, achievements, community, and the exciting future that lies ahead.
THINKING BACK
Glitch City, Kickstarter, and Hyper Light Drifter
In 2013, we took a leap of faith and launched a Kickstarter campaign for our debut project, Hyper Light Drifter. Little did we know that this campaign would not only secure the funds needed to bring our project to life, but also ignite a beautiful connection with supporters, players, and community members who believed in us from the outset.
Fueled by a need for camaraderie and knowledge, we spent those early days of Drifter’s development as a part of Glitch City, a then-small collective of independent game developers, artists, and creators all working together out of Alx’s basement. Those early days and (often) sleepless nights vision were critical in defining our design philosophies, studio culture, and grassroots community connections - setting the stage for what was to come.
Our Heartfelt Gratitude to Our Early Contributors
To date, thanks to the incredible support of our community, the Kickstarter for Hyper Light Drifter remains one of the most successful game projects on the platform. It smashed through the initial funding goal of $27,000 and ultimately raised over $600,000.
To our early backers who believed in us and our vision, and those fellow devs who helped us through endless rounds of playtesting and feedback, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support enabled us to bring our dreams to life and emboldened us to continually push the boundaries of game design.
Special shout out to core Drifter team members: Alx Preston, Beau Blyth, Teddy Dief, Casey Hunt, Rich Vreeland, Akash Thakkar, Sean Ward, Lisa Brown, and Cosimo Galluzzi.
The critical reception following the release of Hyper Light Drifter was incredible - beyond our wildest expectations. We never could have anticipated the accolades and recognition it received, or the impact it made on players far and wide. It was humbling, and affirmed our dedication to continue to make great games to share with the world.
Moving Into a New Dimension
We started development on Solar Ash about a year before the multi-platform release of Hyper Light Drifter. Early on, we joined forces with Annapurna Interactive, whose expertise and resources facilitated our exploration of 3D game development. Over the next five years, Annapurna's support played a pivotal role in bringing this ambitious project to fruition. The vastness of the game's ethereal landscapes and fluid movement mechanics opened new avenues for worldbuilding and storytelling.
To date, Solar Ash continues to engage new players and inspire returning ones to create beautiful works inspired by the game. It is following in the footsteps of its predecessor and is now available on a a wide array of game platforms for a worldwide audience.
All of the positive reception that followed Solar Ash’s release proved that our community was ready to continue along this new aesthetic path with us. Just as Drifter smashed through its initial Kickstarter goals, we are poised to once again smash the boundaries of possibility with our upcoming projects.
HEART MACHINE TODAY
Reimagining a Familiar World
As we celebrate our 10-year milestone, we're thrilled to now be well underway with our newest title set in the familiar Hyper Light Universe. This new project, Hyper Light Breaker, builds upon the foundations we've laid, evolving our creative vision in unexpected ways.
A Shared Journey
Our journey would not be complete without acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our community. From community leaders who pave the way forward with creativity and kindness, to creators who challenge us with incredible skill and passion, to modders who continuously breathe new life into our games, to wiki writers who meticulously document every detail, to speedrunners who push the boundaries of possibility – you are the heartbeats that keep our worlds alive.
Over the years, we've had the privilege of connecting with our wonderful community at conventions and events across the digital and physical world. These gatherings allowed us to share our passion, hear your stories, and learn from your insights. Your presence and enthusiasm continue to inspire us.
We’re so grateful to: Polare, Lukas, Durtle, Clark, Yrrzy, CornMayor, Aza, Andreas, Conscy, Perfectly Mediocre, Thunderbrave, Bryonato, Utsu, NicowithaC, Covert Muffin, Sylvi, among many many others who make our work worth doing.
Our Company Vision
At Heart Machine, we've built more than games. We've cultivated a company culture that values kindness, inclusivity, and pushing the envelope. Our mission has always been not only to entertain but also leave a lasting impact. This dedication has enabled us to support and grow a thriving studio of some of the most talented, thoughtful, and fun people in the entire industry.
Our ethos revolves around fostering a work environment that prioritizes professional advancement, mental and physical health, and employee happiness. This commitment takes shape in various dimensions of our culture. We proudly offer Heart Machine University (HMU), a collaborative peer-teaching initiative where we cover everything from how to LARP or make sculptures out of driftwood to environment, concept, and tech art techniques. We also organize activities like group gaming and anime sessions, provide access to networking and learning resources, and support social and charitable initiatives to reinforce our team’s sense of purpose. As a studio, we strive to hang our culture on a framework where each individual can flourish and achieve their own growth and learning goals.
It’s no accident that the trajectory of these past 10 years has led us to forming the team we have now. We have always and will continue to adhere to our culture of high quality standards, emphasis on creative innovation, and heart-first leadership practices.
LOOKING AHEAD
As we stand at the threshold of the next chapter, we're excited to announce that Hyper Light Breaker will be arriving in Early Access in 2024. This project represents our ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries, taking risks, and creating experiences that captivate and challenge players in our specifically unique ways.
Beyond Hyper Light Breaker, we have other projects currently under wraps that will continue to define us as a studio. We can't wait to share these journeys with you as we forge into this next decade.
Thank you thank you thank you for joining us on this incredible ride. Heart Machine wouldn't be the same without each and every one of you. Here's to the many more adventures that lie ahead!
With love and gratitude,
The Heart Machine Team
This update contains the following fixes: Fixed an issue with pink gates Fixed something missing from the ending of the game Fixed some menu nav issues
This update contains the following fixes:
Fixed an issue with pink gates
Fixed something missing from the ending of the game
If you know anything about our studio's history or the personal story of Alx Preston, our founder / creative director, you'd know that our flagship title Hyper Light Drifter is a true Labor of Love. Hyper Light Drifter is based on the vision and inspired by the life of its lead d
If you know anything about our studio's history or the personal story of Alx Preston, our founder / creative director, you'd know that our flagship title Hyper Light Drifter is a true Labor of Love.
Hyper Light Drifter is based on the vision and inspired by the life of its lead dev, Alx Preston. Alx was born with a congenital heart disease, and throughout his life has been hospitalized with digestive and immune-system issues relating to this condition.
Alx conceived of Hyper Light Drifter as a means "to tell a story [he] can identify with, expressing something personal to a larger audience, so [he feels] more connected and have an outlet for the many emotions that crop up around life-altering issues." (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/02/hyper-light-drifter-heart-disease-inspired-alex-preston)
Alx and a talented team of friends and collaborators Beau Blyth, Teddy Dief, Casey Hunt, Rich Vreeland, Akash Thakkar, Sean Ward, Lisa Brown, and Cosimo Galluzzi, together formed the studio Heart Machine, and successfully released Hyper Light Drifter in 2016.
It is now 2022. Heart Machine has grown to a much larger studio with a new title Solar Ash under its belt and another project well underway: Hyper Light Breaker, the 3d multiplayer roguelite spiritual successor to Drifter. But we still haven't forgotten our humble, heartfelt beginnings with Drifter.
Still now we are actively troubleshooting, responding to feature requests / inquiries, and making improvements and additions to Hyper Light Drifter and its world.
If you loved this indie game, or feel moved by our studio's journey, please consider nominating us for this award!
This update contains the following fixes: Made it more streamlined to switch between keyboard and gamepad input Fixed an issue with loading save data that was preventing previously cleared Barriers from re-clearing
This update contains the following fixes:
Made it more streamlined to switch between keyboard and gamepad input
Fixed an issue with loading save data that was preventing previously cleared Barriers from re-clearing
This update contains the following fixes: Achievement unlocking crash for some players Removed broken crystal shot weapon (Special Edition exclusive) Fixed Bully achievement
This update contains the following fixes: Addressed issue with playing coop with keyboard+gamepad Addressed a crash that could occur at the end of the game
This update contains the following fixes:
Addressed issue with playing coop with keyboard+gamepad
Addressed a crash that could occur at the end of the game
Greetings, Drifters! We have rare news: Some time after we released Hyper Light Drifter, our teammate Teddy Dief set off on their own, to explore different realms of game design and storytelling, building a new team from our native Los Angeles. I’m excited to share that today, th
Greetings, Drifters! We have rare news: Some time after we released Hyper Light Drifter, our teammate Teddy Dief set off on their own, to explore different realms of game design and storytelling, building a new team from our native Los Angeles.
I’m excited to share that today, the fruits of Teddy & team’s labor is released:
We Are OFK
A musical origin story & Interactive E.P. from Los Angeles indie pop band OFK. A story of the creative process, and the things that get in the way, created by a cross-industry collaboration of game designers, animators, pop musicians, and live television actors.
STORY
Itsumi Saito just moved Downtown and broke up with her long-term girlfriend, leaning into her dream of making it in music. But juggling practice, friends, a brutal commute to the west side, and a full-time job... Itsu struggles to establish herself in the cutthroat music scene of LA. When she talks her way into a shmoozy Hollywood party and befriends a rising music producer, she sees a chance to bring her dreams a little closer.
We Are OFK is the origin story of a new, real virtual band OFK - told in 5 episodes, delivered to you weekly and included in your purchase of the game.
MUSIC
OFK is, in fact, a proper “virtual band”. If you’re a fan of Gorillaz, Hatsune Miku, or K/DA, you know what I mean. The music is glittery-yet-somber bedroom pop, and you can listen to 2 songs now, with more released in the weeks to come.
Check out OFK on music streaming services
GAMEPLAY
We Are OFK is a interactive narrative series, much like watching a television show, but reaching into the world now and then to guide the characters. You will argue over lyrics, send sad texts, and play Interactive Music Videos of OFK’s debut E.P.
Features
5 Episodes of the interactive animated series
5 Interactive Music Videos: with debut tracks performed by OFK
Fully-voiced interactive dialogue from a star-studded cast
Emotional texting, thirst texting, meme texting, emoji spamming
Set in a rich, semi-real world of Los Angeles locations.
I hope you’ll give OFK a look. Some of our Hyper Light Drifter teammates have gone onto other things, but our collective DNA is strong and dear to us.
Alx
We Are OFK is available now on Steam
Heart Machine's Solar Ash is out now, inviting players on a skating adventure to kill giant bosses. It's a follow-up to their previous game, Hyper Light Drifter , but this time around they've swapped the 2D style for 3D, and are sending you out into a big open world. I'm very muc
Heart Machine's Solar Ash is out now, inviting players on a skating adventure to kill giant bosses. It's a follow-up to their previous game, Hyper Light Drifter, but this time around they've swapped the 2D style for 3D, and are sending you out into a big open world. I'm very much looking forward to jumping into its lush and colourful alien landscapes. Oh, to be a sci-fi skater.
Everyone loves a good action game. It’s the driving force behind so many of our favourite PC games, but only a few can lay claim to being the best action games of all time. That’s why we’ve compiled this list – to sort the pulled punches from the bestest biffs that PC has to offe
Everyone loves a good action game. It’s the driving force behind so many of our favourite PC games, but only a few can lay claim to being the best action games of all time. That’s why we’ve compiled this list – to sort the pulled punches from the bestest biffs that PC has to offer. Whether it’s the joy of pulling off a perfect combo, riding the wave of an explosive set-piece or the hair-raising thrill of dodging enemy attacks in slow-motion that gets you going, there’s an action game here for you.
Another week, another free game on the Epic Games Store – two, even. Until next Thursday you can grab the tip-top tactical action of Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden and the top-down zip-zoom explore-o-action of Hyper Light Drifter for free. MYZ is a wild freebie, both because it c
Another week, another free game on the Epic Games Store – two, even. Until next Thursday you can grab the tip-top tactical action of Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden and the top-down zip-zoom explore-o-action of Hyper Light Drifter for free. MYZ is a wild freebie, both because it came out less than one year ago and because it’s chuffing lovely. Our former Alec (RPS in peace) proffered plenty of praise in his Mutant Year Zero review but I, a fool, did not heed his wisdom until a demo came along this year to show me oh yep, it is great. Now you can see that in full for free. Don’t be as daft as me.
Hyper Light Drifter is free on the Epic Store right now, and it's just the excuse I've been waiting for to return to this dark, enchanted world. I haven't really played Hyper Light Drifter since it came out, so the game that exists in my mind is probably subtly different to the g
Hyper Light Drifter is free on the Epic Store right now, and it's just the excuse I've been waiting for to return to this dark, enchanted world. I haven't really played Hyper Light Drifter since it came out, so the game that exists in my mind is probably subtly different to the game that sits somewhere on my hard-drive. No matter. In my memory, Hyper Light Drifter is the perfect piece of video game storytelling, and I think the reason for this is sort of perverse and interesting.
Let me be more specific. Hyper Light Drifter strikes me as being the perfect piece of video game environmental storytelling. And to play straw men for a second, I have an idea in my head of how environmental storytelling should probably work in most games. The world of the game should be filled with doodads. Things to click on to get an animation or a reaction, sure, but also text files, audio logs, emails carefully salted with spelling mistakes, desk furniture with pictures of absent people's cats, material culture to pick through and collect and examine later on in some menu or other.
In my mind, Hyper Light Drifter has none of that. Or almost none of it. I can't be sure, but I don't really remember reading very much as I played through this game, working further and further into a world where nature was increasingly corrupted by some grim form of technology. I don't remember triggering any audio logs and learning (one of four) about someone's first day working in a sinister government instalment. I don't remember uncovering a chain of memos, or an ancient series of tablets listing episodic prophecies. (I do remember the very odd conversation, which played out in static images, and taken as a whole were one of the game's rare weak elements.)
Should your increasingly insurmountable library of video game freebies still not quite be tottering enough for your liking, Epic has revealed that Hyper Light Drifter and Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden will be available for nowt on its store next week. For those that need an intr
Should your increasingly insurmountable library of video game freebies still not quite be tottering enough for your liking, Epic has revealed that Hyper Light Drifter and Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden will be available for nowt on its store next week.
For those that need an introduction, Hyper Light Drifter is the work of developer Heart Machine, and originally launched on PC back in 2016. It's an utterly triumphant top-down slasher that mixes evocative exploration and puzzling with tough, evasion-based combat. All of which unfolds across an enigmatic, beautifully crafted world that's ripe with mysteries and and secrets for the curious adventurer to discover.
Almost exactly three years after launching Hyper Light Drifter , Heart Machine are ready to announce their next game – Solar Ash Kingdom . Right now there’s not much to go on beyond a pair of screenshots, a short teaser trailer and a brief chat between developer Alx Preston and I
Almost exactly three years after launching Hyper Light Drifter, Heart Machine are ready to announce their next game – Solar Ash Kingdom. Right now there’s not much to go on beyond a pair of screenshots, a short teaser trailer and a brief chat between developer Alx Preston and IGN here, but it’s an unsurprisingly striking-looking game. While it’s not a sequel, it does share a palette with Hyper Light Drifter, bringing us another strange world painted in deep purples and cyans, and another caped protagonist, this time surfing through clouds in the third dimension. Take a look for yourself below.
