Wildlight Entertainment has laid off a large portion of its team just over two weeks after Highguard launched on January 26, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series platforms. Multiple former employees shared on LinkedIn that they were let go, including engineers and designers, while the studio says it will retain a smaller core group to continue supporting the game.
Highguard’s Early Player Surge and Sharp Decline
Highguard debuted with strong numbers, hitting nearly 97,249 concurrent players on Steam during its launch day. These figures dropped significantly within the first 24 hours to roughly 19,000 players and have continued declining, with only a few thousand active players reported in recent days. The title currently holds a “Mixed” rating on Steam, with about 46 percent of user reviews positive.
Despite the initial peak, player engagement waned quickly. Critics and users pointed to issues with optimization, game balance, and design choices that impacted long-term retention. The mixed Steam reviews reflect divided opinions on gameplay, progression systems, and overall depth.
Reception and Challenges Facing the Shooter
Wildlight Entertainment was founded by industry veterans who previously worked on major shooters like Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty. The team had high expectations for Highguard as its debut title, but a mixed reception and the steep drop in player numbers likely contributed to the difficult staffing decisions made by the studio. Former staff members like Alex Graner and others have begun moving toward new opportunities in the industry.
Lost Potential
While most of the staff have been laid off, Wildlight states it will continue to support Highguard with a core team focused on updates and improvements as they work to maintain the game’s community and performance. The coming weeks will show whether the title can stabilize and retain a loyal player base despite its challenging start.
