Just weeks after the highly anticipated launch of their debut game, Highguard, developer Wildlight Entertainment has made a shocking move: laying off multiple staff members. This decision comes as a surprise, given the game’s recent release and the studio’s ambitious vision. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this a strategic pivot or a sign of deeper troubles? Let’s dive in.
In a statement released Wednesday, Wildlight addressed the layoffs, emphasizing the difficulty of the decision. They explained, “Today, we made an incredibly tough choice to part ways with several team members while retaining a core group of developers to continue innovating and supporting the game. We’re immensely proud of our team, their talent, and the product we’ve created together. We’re also deeply grateful to the players who gave Highguard a chance and those who remain part of our community.” The exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, and Wildlight declined to provide further comment when approached by Variety.
Founded by CEO Dusty Welch and game director Chad Grenier, Wildlight Entertainment boasts a team of approximately 100 employees, many of whom previously collaborated with Grenier and Welch on Electronic Arts’ Apex Legends. Born during the pandemic, the indie studio focused exclusively on Highguard, a PvP raid shooter that launched on January 26 as a free-to-play title across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
Highguard introduces a fresh competitive structure, blending siege warfare and territory control in dynamic matches where power levels escalate until only one base remains. This innovative approach has drawn comparisons to Blizzard’s Overwatch franchise and the short-lived PlayStation title Concord, which was shuttered just two weeks after its September 2024 launch. Interestingly, Highguard initially launched with a three-person-team structure, differing from the 5v5 model of Overwatch 2 and Concord. However, in response to fan feedback, the studio quickly introduced a five-person-team option.
At a January 22 press preview event, Grenier expressed confidence in Highguard’s uniqueness, stating, “I believe we’ve created a game unlike anything else on the market, and we’re incredibly excited about it.” Welch echoed this sentiment, adding, “We’re here to stay. Our team has extensive experience building franchises with lasting impact. We have a year’s worth of nearly completed content that will keep players engaged for a long time. We’re humbled by the opportunity and hope players love what we’ve created—we’re ready to engage with them.”
But here’s the part most people miss: While Highguard’s innovative gameplay has garnered attention, the sudden layoffs raise questions about the studio’s long-term stability. Is this a strategic move to refocus resources, or does it signal deeper challenges in a competitive gaming market? And this is the part that sparks debate—are player-driven changes, like the addition of the five-person-team option, a sign of adaptability or a reaction to initial missteps?
As Highguard continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the gaming industry is as unpredictable as ever. What do you think? Is Wildlight’s decision a bold strategic move, or a red flag for the future? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
