Game Studio Wildlight Entertainment Faces Layoffs After Highguard Release

Wildlight Entertainment, the team behind the recently launched Highguard, has recently undergone layoffs. The news surfaced through LinkedIn posts, indicating that the cuts affected various roles, including engineers and designers. The exact number of layoffs remains unclear, but reports suggest a significant portion of the team was impacted. Highguard, the studio's debut title, hit the market on January 26th. The game made its debut at the 2025 Game Awards, capturing the spotlight in the final "one more thing" segment. However, the initial trailer left many questions unanswered, leading to a mix of curiosity and skepticism. It wasn't until a late-January press preview that more details about the game's mechanics and development were revealed.Despite initial criticism, Highguard received positive reviews upon release. The studio quickly responded to player feedback, adding a new 5v5 mode that was so well-received it became a permanent feature. Just last Friday, Highguard rolled out its first new playable character, accompanied by updates that refined the gameplay, suggesting the studio was making strides to improve the game. Studio head Chad Grenier had previously stated that the number of players didn't matter to them, emphasizing their long-term vision. Wildlight had planned a year's worth of content for Highguard, indicating a commitment to the game's future. However, the recent layoffs raise questions about the studio's stability and future projects. The gaming community has been watching Highguard closely, with mixed reactions to its launch and subsequent updates. While the game has shown potential, the layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment have cast a shadow over its future. It remains to be seen how the studio will navigate this challenge and what it means for Highguard's development.