Wildlight Entertainment has confirmed layoffs at their studio shortly after the launch of their free-to-play game, Highguard. Many team members were reportedly let go, including former level designer Alex Graner, who shared his disappointment on LinkedIn, mentioning that unfinished content he worked on may never see the light of day.
This news comes just weeks after Highguard debuted on January 26. Though the game had an ambitious start, its reception was mixed, with many players expressing confusion over its gameplay style. Matt Miller, Editor-in-Chief at Game Informer, saw potential in the game, describing it as a promising new entry.
Historically, the gaming industry has faced many ups and downs. For instance, in past years, major studios like Telltale Games also experienced sudden layoffs, leaving fans and employees alike disheartened. The volatile nature of game development often puts pressure on teams, especially after the hype surrounding launch events, like The Game Awards where Highguard was spotlighted.
Interestingly, industry trends show an increase in shifts within game studios, as seen in a recent report by the International Game Developers Association. Nearly 30% of game developers reported experiencing layoffs or studio closures in the past year. This raises questions about the sustainability of game development in such a fast-paced market.
As for Highguard, a core team will remain to support ongoing development and updates, but how this will affect the future content roadmap remains unclear. Fans are left wondering about the game’s direction and what these changes mean for the community built around it.
For now, all eyes are on Wildlight to see how they navigate these challenges. Keep an eye on updates from trusted sources like Game Informer to stay informed.
