Highguard developer hit with layoffs weeks after launch

Wildlight Entertainment officially confirmed layoffs at the studio following the release of its free-to-play raid shooter Highguard. The announcement came via social media after former level designer Alex Graner revealed on LinkedIn that he and most of the team had been let go. The studio's statement didn't specify how many employees were affected, noting only that a "core group" of developers will continue supporting the game and working on new content.

Wildlight's statement reads:

Today we made an incredibly difficult decision to part ways with a number of our team members while keeping a core group of developers to continue innovating on and supporting the game. We're proud of the team, talent, and the product we've created together.

How these layoffs will impact planned content remains unclear – Graner mentioned that much of the work he and colleagues developed may never see release.

Highguard launched January 26 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series to mixed reception. The game faced challenges before release – its reveal as the closing "world premiere" at The Game Awards 2025 in December received a lukewarm response, likely due to its placement during the ceremony and difficult-to-parse gameplay. Just last week, Wildlight released the game's Episode 2 update featuring ranked mode, a new hero, and an additional map.

The layoffs occurred mere weeks after launch, highlighting the instability plaguing the gaming industry. Mass workforce reductions have become increasingly common in recent years, affecting studios both large and small.