The Game Awards often culminate in exciting reveals—sequel trailers, remakes, or new franchises. But the 2025 show took a different turn. It unveiled an original game still in production by a new studio: Highguard.
Highguard is a shooter developed by Wildlight Entertainment, a studio founded by veterans from Apex Legends, Titanfall, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. They’ve been working on this game quietly since 2021.
This free-to-play player-versus-player game drops players into the role of Wardens. These “arcane gunslingers” fight for control over a mythical land. The gameplay involves battling against other Warden teams to secure the Shieldbreaker and then raiding their bases. Players will also have airships and eagle companions to aid them.
Dusty Welch, co-founder and CEO of Wildlight, expressed their ambition: “We are hyper-focused on creating a new gaming universe of epic scale and quality.” Game director Chad Grenier emphasizes their commitment to creative freedom, allowing the team to make bold design choices.
What sets Highguard apart is its timely release. Unlike many projects announced at Game Awards that take years to launch, Highguard is set to debut on January 26, 2026. It will support cross-play and cross-progression across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. This quick turnaround is a big deal and adds to the anticipation.
Ending the show with a new IP is risky, but one that’s almost ready to play shows confidence. Host Geoff Keighley, who thrives on audience excitement, clearly believes in this project. The gaming community is buzzing, and within weeks we’ll see if Highguard lives up to the hype.
Recent trends show a rising interest in original IPs within gaming. A study revealed that nearly 60% of gamers prefer new content over sequels. This shift could spell good news for Wildlight. If Highguard captures the players’ imaginations, it could pave the way for other new titles in the industry.
Stay updated on Highguard and other gaming news through trusted sources like IGN and Kotaku.
