Hyper Light Breaker Delayed to 2025 to Prioritise Developer Well-being
The highly anticipated open-world roguelike, Hyper Light Breaker, from the creators of Solar Ash and Hyper Light Drifter, Heart Machine, has been pushed back from its initial late 2024 early access release to early 2025.
The news, revealed in a Steam blog post by Heart Machine founder and creative director Alx Preston, came during Gamescom Opening Night Live. Preston stated that the decision was made after "much evaluation and many conversations" with publisher Arc Games. "We've decided that we need just a little more time to get the gameplay experience polished to our standards," he explained.
Preston emphasised that the team is committed to "maintaining a sustainable pace of development", prioritising the mental and physical health of its developers. "We don't want to ship a project, even in Early Access, that we're not satisfied with," he added, highlighting the current industry climate and the need to deliver a high-quality experience.
This decision, Preston maintains, will not only benefit the well-being of the team but also lead to "better, more responsive" development throughout the early access phase.
Despite the delay, Heart Machine remains excited to share Hyper Light Breaker with the world, with plans to showcase the game at various events and conventions in the coming months. "We REALLY want to put Breaker out there," Preston affirmed, "and see people engage with a game that we've all worked so hard on."
Hyper Light Breaker has garnered considerable attention since its initial reveal, with its blend of open-world exploration and roguelike elements promising a unique gameplay experience. While the delay will undoubtedly disappoint many eager players, the decision to prioritize developer well-being is a welcome move in an industry often known for its grueling work conditions.
With the additional time, Heart Machine hopes to deliver a polished and engaging experience for players, while ensuring the health and happiness of its team.
