A former level designer from Wildlight, the studio behind the free-to-play shooter Highguard, recently discussed the game's struggles post-launch. Alex Graner revealed that the aggressive focus on competitive 3v3 play has alienated many casual gamers. He emphasized that this high-skill requirement, combined with intricate game mechanics, created a barrier to entry, further exacerbated by a lack of team cohesion. Furthermore, following the game's launch, Tencent reportedly pulled funding, leading to significant layoffs within Wildlight, leaving fewer than 20 developers working on Highguard. The game now faces a challenging evolution as it attempts to cater to a dwindling player base while grappling with its competitive identity.

What issues caused Highguard to struggle after its launch?

The main issues were its emphasis on high-skill competitive 3v3 play, complex mechanics, and the withdrawal of funding from Tencent shortly after release, which led to layoffs at the studio.

Highguard is designed as a team-based shooter that demands cooperative gameplay and effective communication. The game's intricate rules and mechanics, including objective-based gameplay, make it challenging for new players to grasp quickly. This complexity, paired with the fast-paced nature of 3v3 matches, makes it difficult for casual players to enjoy and compete effectively. Released after the rise of simpler battle royale games, Highguard struggled to capture and maintain a dedicated player base amidst heightened expectations.