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Highguard Joins The List Of Live-Service Games Axed Within Weeks Of Launch
Several live-service games, including Highguard, Concord, and RumbleVerse, have been shut down shortly after launch due to issues with player retention and funding. This article examines various titles that failed to sustain their player base or business models, leading to premature closures or development halts.
Highguard Struggled Because It Is So Sweaty, Dev Says
Wildlight's free-to-play shooter Highguard struggled due to its intense 3v3 gameplay, which required high communication and left little room for casual play, according to senior level designer Alex Graner. The game's complex multi-stage setup and high-skill movement also deterred new players. Despite later additions of 5v5 and looting-free modes, player numbers did not recover, leading to Tencent reportedly pulling funding and Wildlight laying off most of its staff.
Två Far Cry-spel på gång, liksom flera Assassin's Creeds
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that two new Far Cry titles and multiple Assassin's Creed games are in development. The Assassin's Creed franchise will include both singleplayer and multiplayer experiences, with titles like Assassin's Creed Hexe and a rumored Black Flag remake in the works. The company is also focusing on its Vantage Studios division, which oversees these major franchises.
Assassin's Creed Hexe mister toppnamn
Clint Hocking has left Ubisoft again, stepping down as creative director for the upcoming Assassin's Creed Hexe. Jean Guesdon, known for his work on Black Flag and Origins, will take over as creative director for Hexe and lead the entire Assassin's Creed series. Little is known about Hexe, but theories suggest it will focus on the witch trials in the Holy Roman Empire and feature a more linear experience where players control a witch named Elsa.
The MOP Up: Aion Classic EU adds the fiery Phoenix class
Aion Classic's February update, 'Ignite,' introduces the new Phoenix class, a revamped onboarding experience, a new open-world zone, and expanded gear customization. The article also rounds up other recent MMO news, including updates for Neverwinter, Astroneer, Crossout, and the closure of TiMi Montréal.
Valorant Mobile is Coming to China Soon as Riot Partners with Lightspeed to Develop
Riot Games has partnered with Tencent's Lightspeed Studios to develop and release Valorant Mobile, with an initial launch planned for China. This marks the first official confirmation of a mobile version for the popular PC tactical shooter. While a specific release date has not been announced, the game will eventually see a broader international rollout on iOS and Android devices.
Report: Fewer than 20 staff remain at Highguard dev Wildlight Entertainment
Fewer than 20 employees reportedly remain at Highguard developer Wildlight Entertainment following significant layoffs after the game's troubled launch. Sources indicate the studio ran out of money, despite being initially funded by Tencent subsidiary TiMi Studio Group. The free-to-play shooter lost approximately 90% of its player base within a week of its January 26 release.
Former Highguard level designer suggests "sweaty" competitive 3v3 play "was the biggest thing that turned a lot of players off"
A former level designer for Highguard suggests that the game's focus on intense 3v3 competitive play alienated many players. The game's complex rules and high skill requirement for team-based play created a steep barrier to entry. This comes amid reports that Tencent pulled funding from developer Wildlight shortly after the game's launch, leading to layoffs.
Rumour: New Bayonetta game in development, plus Bayonetta & Metal Gear Rising Revengence remaster/remakes
A rumor suggests PlatinumGames is developing a new Bayonetta game with a simplified combat system and a new resource bar, built on Unreal Engine 5 with a budget comparable to Final Fantasy XVI, targeting a 2028 release. Additionally, remasters or remakes of the original Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance are reportedly in development for multiple platforms, with the original Bayonetta IP reportedly bought back by PlatinumGames.
The Warner Bros. acquisition: a timeline of events so far
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has been the subject of a bidding war between Paramount Skydance (PSKY) and Netflix, with PSKY ultimately acquiring the company for $31 per share in an all-cash deal. The acquisition process involved multiple revised offers, legal challenges, and negotiations, with WBD's board eventually deeming PSKY's proposal superior to Netflix's. The deal includes WBD's film studio, streaming businesses, and games division, but excludes its Global Networks.
Highguard started life as a survival shooter, and Tencent pulled funding two weeks after launch, a new report claims
Tencent allegedly pulled funding from the multiplayer shooter Highguard just two weeks after its January 26 launch, leading to layoffs of most of the 100-person team at developer Wildlight. The report suggests the game failed to meet Tencent's metrics, with fewer than 20 employees remaining at the studio. Highguard's development was marked by a pivot from a survival-shooter concept to a more crowded competitive shooter space, resulting in a complex core gameplay loop.
Valve in hot water, Discord begs forgiveness, and more game media layoffs - Patch Notes #42
This week's gaming news roundup covers significant industry events including Microsoft's Xbox leadership changes, Valve facing a lawsuit over gambling in Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2, and layoffs at companies like Riot Games and Eurogamer. Additionally, Krafton appointed a chief AI officer, Embark Studios' CEO became Nexon's executive chairman, and Discord delayed its age verification rollout.
What went wrong with Highguard? The "hubris" of its developer's leadership, say former staff in a new report
A report details issues surrounding the development and launch of Highguard, with former Wildlight Entertainment staff citing leadership hubris and financial mismanagement. The studio, founded by former Respawn developers, struggled with scope and a surprise launch strategy, leading to layoffs and a significantly reduced remaining team.
Could pre-launch open testing have saved Highguard?
Wildlight Entertainment's live service shooter Highguard failed shortly after launch due to a lack of public testing and a management decision to prioritize secrecy over community feedback. Developers cited hubris and a desire to replicate Apex Legends' secretive launch as contributing factors to the game's rapid player drop-off and the studio's subsequent implosion.
Splash Damage acquires Scum developer Gamepires from Jagex
UK co-development studio Splash Damage has acquired Croatian developer Gamepires, the studio behind the open-world survival title Scum, from Jagex. The deal, backed by Emona Capital, merges the two entities into Splash Damage Group, which will operate independently. The new group plans to focus on premium development, co-development partnerships, scaling the Scum franchise, and investing in new intellectual property.
Console gaming is growing much quicker than mobile as EA named top publisher
A new industry report indicates that console gaming is experiencing significantly faster growth than mobile gaming, with PC and console revenue rising by 13% compared to a 1% increase for mobile. Electronic Arts was named the top publisher for console and PC in 2025, despite Microsoft spending the most on advertising. The report highlights that high advertising spend does not guarantee success, as evidenced by Microsoft's underperforming releases despite significant marketing investment.
Riot Games confirms layoffs within publishing division
Riot Games has confirmed layoffs within its publishing division, eliminating approximately 12 roles across three teams. This follows recent layoffs impacting the 2XKO development team. The company, fully acquired by Tencent in 2015, continues to support titles like Valorant and League of Legends.
Clint Hocking, Creative Director of the next Assassin's Creed, leaves Ubisoft following restructure
Clint Hocking, Creative Director for the upcoming Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe, has departed Ubisoft following a company-wide restructure. Hocking, known for his work on Far Cry 2 and Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, was leading the development of the new title, which is described as a horror-focused experience. Jean Guesdon has taken over as Creative Director for Codename Hexe.
How Rainbow Six Siege lasted ten years and brought in 100m players
Rainbow Six Siege has endured for ten years, reaching 100 million players by leveraging a games-as-a-service model with consistent content updates and esports support. Ubisoft's VP of marketing, François-Xavier Deniele, highlights the challenges and successes of maintaining a live service game, including adapting to market changes, managing player onboarding, and fostering a sustainable esports ecosystem. The game's future includes a mobile release and continued focus on its core tactical gameplay, with potential collaborations with Tencent.
Yves Guillemot: "Changes of this scale naturally raise questions and create tension"
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot acknowledged employee concerns following recent cost-cutting measures and layoffs, stating that such changes naturally create tension. He emphasized the need for transparency and open dialogue while navigating a competitive industry. Guillemot also defended the appointment of his son, Charlie Guillemot, as co-CEO of the Tencent-backed subsidiary Vantage Studios.
