A new report highlights the troubled launch of the multiplayer shooter game Highguard, which faced significant challenges shortly after its release. Tencent reportedly withdrew its funding just two weeks after the game's January 26 launch, leading to substantial layoffs at Wildlight, the game's developer. Initially developed as a survival shooter, Highguard struggled to find its footing in the competitive shooter market, resulting in a complicated gameplay experience. With fewer than 20 employees remaining at Wildlight, the game's future is uncertain as it tries to introduce new game modes and revamp its mechanics.

What happened to the game Highguard after its launch?

After its launch, Highguard faced immediate difficulties when Tencent pulled its funding, leading to widespread layoffs and a shrinking development team. The game's complex mechanics and mishandled testing processes contributed to its struggle in a saturated market, leaving its future uncertain despite attempts at revitalization through new content.

Highguard is a multiplayer shooter that attempts to combine elements of base-building and gameplay complexity, which may have stemmed from its original concept as a survival shooter. The game sought to differentiate itself from other competitive shooters but ended up with a dense experience that didn’t resonate with players. With titles like Apex Legends influencing expectations, the pressure on Wildlight and its remaining staff to deliver on Highguard’s potential is immense, especially amidst the debut of rival games like Marathon.