Heart Machine, known for Hyper Light Drifter, faces mass layoffs after a project cancellation, while Valve's Lepton becomes open source for Android gaming on Linux.
The big news in PC Gaming today revolves around major setbacks for indie game studio Heart Machine and forward momentum in Linux gaming capabilities thanks to Valve.
Heart Machine Suffers Major Layoffs
Heart Machine, the California-based developer acclaimed for their indie hit Hyper Light Drifter, is facing a severe contraction. According to reporting from Rock Paper Shotgun, the studio has let go “nearly everyone” on its staff. This follows a sudden cancellation of funding by an unnamed publisher for an unannounced project.
Heart Machine also developed Hyper Light Breaker and last year’s Possessor(s), but this setback raises questions about the studio’s future capabilities and project plans. The layoffs highlight the precarious nature of the indie development scene, where funding shifts can deeply impact small to mid-sized teams.
Valve’s Lepton Now Open Source
On a more positive note for Linux enthusiasts, Valve has officially open-sourced Lepton, their compatibility layer designed to run Android games on Linux. As reported by GamingOnLinux, this move is part of Valve’s broader push to enhance gaming compatibility and accessibility on the Steam Frame. With the source code now available to the public, developers can potentially optimize and expand Lepton’s capabilities, which should improve the experience of playing Android games on Linux systems.
Endless Legend 2 Reaches Full Release
For fans of 4X strategy games, Endless Legend 2 has officially hit its 1.0 release. After a year in early access, the game is now available in its full form, boasting a new faction called the Sandshapers among other updates, according to PCGamesN. It serves as a fantastical alternative to more traditional titles like the Civilization series.
Additional Notes
- Zero Parades’ Director’s Cut: Rock Paper Shotgun details a significant update coming to Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. The Director’s Cut will introduce 40,000 new words of content, enhancing the PC version.
- GTA 6 Speculation: While Rock Paper Shotgun suggests GTA 6 may have an online multiplayer launch next year, details about the PC release remain speculative.
- Other Updates: Highlighted but less critical are updates to the VR shooter Forefront, with Steam Frame support (GamingOnLinux), and ongoing experimental PC port efforts for Xbox classic Lost Odyssey, now with a Linux version (GamingOnLinux).
