Wildlight Entertainment’s Highguard Team Reportedly Faces Significant Layoffs
In a surprising turn of events, Wildlight Entertainment, the developer behind the newly launched free-to-play raid shooter, Highguard, has reportedly faced significant layoffs. The layoffs occurred just weeks after the game’s release on January 26, 2025, which received mixed reviews from players and critics alike.
Details on Highguard’s Launch and Reception
Highguard was introduced as part of The Game Awards 2025, where it served as the final “world premiere” of the event. The game’s unveiling was met with a lukewarm reception, primarily due to its unconventional visual style and its placement as the closing feature. Despite these challenges, it launched for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Game Informer’s Editor-in-Chief, Matt Miller, highlighted the game’s potential in his review, calling it a promising contender. A recent update to Highguard included additional content, such as a ranked mode, new heroes, and maps, showcasing the team’s commitment to expanding the game.
Impact of Layoffs on Wildlight Entertainment
Former level designer Alex Graner took to LinkedIn to announce that he was among those laid off from Wildlight. He expressed disappointment, noting that he and his colleagues had crafted a substantial amount of unreleased content, which may now never see the light of day. This revelation raises questions regarding the future of Highguard and any forthcoming content.
Potential Consequences of Layoffs
- Unreleased content may not be published
- Future support and updates for Highguard could be compromised
- Team morale and project momentum may be affected
Game Informer has reached out to Wildlight Entertainment for clarification on the layoffs, seeking further details about the number of team members impacted. As this situation develops, updates will be provided regarding the fate of Wildlight and its flagship game, Highguard.
