Alex Graner
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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.
One former Highguard level designer thinks it's struggled because Wildlight "leaned too far into the competitive scene"
A former senior level designer for Highguard suggests the game struggled due to an overemphasis on its competitive 3v3 format, which created a high skill floor and limited casual appeal. Unlike Apex Legends, which launched during a nascent battle royale era, Highguard faced a more saturated market with a steep learning curve, potentially alienating players who lacked consistent team coordination.
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.
Highguard dev Wildlight Entertainment confirms layoffs, "most of the team" depart following troubled launch
Wildlight Entertainment, the developer of the free-to-play shooter Highguard, has confirmed layoffs, with a core group of developers remaining to support the game. Former employees indicate that most of the team was let go following the game's troubled launch and mixed reception. CEO Dusty Welch acknowledged that the marketing and reveal trailer could have better represented the game's unique mechanics.
