Game Studio Wildlight Entertainment Faces Layoffs After Highguard Release

Wildlight Entertainment, the studio behind the recently launched Highguard, has undergone layoffs, as revealed through LinkedIn posts. The cuts affected various roles, including engineers and designers. The exact number of layoffs remains unclear, but reports suggest a significant portion of the team was impacted.

Highguard: A Promising Debut

Highguard, Wildlight's debut title, launched on January 26th. The game made its first appearance at the 2025 Game Awards in the final "one more thing" segment. However, the initial trailer left many questions unanswered, sparking curiosity and skepticism. More details about the game's mechanics and development were revealed in a late-January press preview.

Despite initial criticism, Highguard received positive reviews upon release. The studio quickly responded to player feedback, adding a new 5v5 mode that was so well-received it became a permanent feature. Just last Friday, Highguard rolled out its first new playable character, along with updates refining the gameplay, signaling the studio's commitment to improvement.

Studio's Vision and Future Uncertainty

Studio head Chad Grenier had previously stated that the number of players didn't matter to them, emphasizing their long-term vision. Wildlight had planned a year's worth of content for Highguard, indicating a commitment to the game's future. However, the recent layoffs raise questions about the studio's stability and future projects.

Community Reaction and Future Outlook

The gaming community has been closely watching Highguard, with mixed reactions to its launch and subsequent updates. While the game has shown potential, the layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment have cast a shadow over its future. It remains to be seen how the studio will navigate this challenge and what it means for Highguard's development.