Wildlight Launch Sparks Overwatch and Concord Comparisons
Wildlight Entertainment is set to launch its new free-to-play PvP raid shooter, “Highguard,” on January 26, at 10 AM Pacific Time. As an indie studio, Wildlight’s founders have notable experience, having previously worked on acclaimed titles like “Apex Legends,” “Titanfall,” and “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.”
Comparisons to Overwatch and Concord
Since the game’s trailer premiered at The Game Awards, players have drawn comparisons to “Overwatch” and the short-lived “Concord.” Co-founder Chad Grenier acknowledges these observations but emphasizes the unique aspects of “Highguard.”
- “Highguard” features three-person teams, in contrast to “Overwatch” and “Concord,” which employ a 5v5 model.
- Unlike “Concord,” which was not free-to-play, “Highguard” aims to attract a larger audience from the start.
Grenier reinforces that “Highguard” offers a distinct experience, stating, “Our trailer didn’t highlight that well, and we’ll own that.”
Gameplay Overview
In “Highguard,” players become Wardens—skilled combatants engaged in strategic battles for territory control on a magical continent. Players will:
- Select unique bases to defend.
- Loot and harvest resources across expansive lands.
- Upgrade their gear and combat rival teams.
The objective is to seize the Shieldbreaker sword to launch full-scale raids on enemy bases, escalating the intensity of the matches.
Launch and Features
The game will initially include:
- Five large-scale maps
- Six distinct bases
- Eight Wardens
- Three mounting options
- Ten weapons
- Three raid tools
- Eleven weapon and raid-tool mods
- A variety of lootable items
Wildlight plans to continuously expand the game with new content every month throughout 2026, including new maps, characters, and gameplay modes.
Monetization Strategy
Wildlight’s monetization model aims to differentiate itself by offering cosmetic items only, with no loot boxes and no pay-to-win elements. Prices for items will range from $9 to $20. Co-founder Dusty Welch expressed confidence in this approach, leveraging their experience to build a sustainable game that players can enjoy long-term.
The Team Behind Highguard
With a dedicated team of about 100 employees, many of whom are veterans from major titles, Wildlight was founded during the pandemic. Grenier highlights their strong team dynamic, likening it to a well-coordinated sports team ready to compete.
Welch shares excitement about the studio’s potential, emphasizing their commitment to engaging the fanbase through quality updates and content.
Overall, “Highguard” promises to offer a fresh take on the PvP shooter genre, with a focus on innovation and player experience.
