Hyper Light Drifter Studio Employees Unionize Following Layoffs
In a significant move for the gaming industry, employees at Heart Machine, the studio known for titles like Hyper Light Drifter, have successfully formed a union. This decision comes in light of recent layoffs and a challenging period for the studio.
Unionization at Heart Machine
Heart Machine has voluntarily recognized a union organized with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9003. The union includes all 13 frontline employees, who voted overwhelmingly in favor of representation.
Background on Recent Events
In November 2024, Heart Machine laid off a significant number of employees. Subsequently, in October 2025, the studio announced it would cease development on its early access project, Hyper Light Breaker, leading to more staff reductions.
Employee Perspectives
Steph Aligbe, a gameplay tools engineer, expressed the motivation behind the unionization efforts. “I decided to get involved in organizing my studio because I’ve seen so many peers in the industry stand up to protect the craft we all care so deeply about,” Aligbe stated. This sentiment highlights a growing recognition among workers about the need to advocate for their rights within the industry.
The Role of CWA and Industry Trends
Heart Machine’s union affiliation with CWA extends the organization’s influence in the gaming sector. The union represents thousands of employees from major companies, including Microsoft, EA, and Id Software.
- CWA also oversees the United Videogame Workers, a union launched in 2025.
- This allows individual game workers in the US and Canada to join without needing elections or employer consent.
The current climate in gaming has seen numerous companies, including Ubisoft, experience frequent layoffs. This trend has prompted workers to increasingly demand a greater voice in their workplace.
The union’s establishment at Heart Machine reflects a vital shift toward solidarity and collective bargaining within the gaming community. As more studios face challenges, the movement for organized labor continues to gain momentum.
