Wildlight Entertainment Conducts Staff Layoffs Amid Industry Shifts
Wildlight Entertainment has recently implemented significant staff layoffs, signaling a turbulent period for the game studio. This organizational shift occurred shortly after the release of its debut game, the free-to-play hero shooter Highguard.
Impacts of Layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment
Reports indicate that the layoffs have affected a substantial portion of the studio’s workforce. Originally constituted of over 100 developers, many staff members have taken to LinkedIn to share their experiences. One former employee noted, “Unfortunately, along with most of the team at Wildlight, I was laid off today.” This sentiment reflects the broader discontent within the studio.
Many employees have expressed disappointment over the loss of unreleased content for Highguard, a project they were eager to see launched. Former team members are now actively searching for new opportunities in the industry.
About Wildlight Entertainment
Founded in 2022, Wildlight Entertainment was established by Jason McCord, the design director of Apex Legends, and Dusty Welch, COO and former general manager of Apex. The studio had announced years of development on its first title before its reveal at the 2025 Game Awards, which culminated in a release just one month later for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Highguard Performance and Reception
- Title: Highguard
- Release Date: January 2025
- Platform Availability: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
- Steam Review Score: Mixed, with approximately 23,000 reviews
- Player Count: Notable decline on PC since launch
Game Developer has reached out to Wildlight Entertainment for further comment regarding these layoffs and their impact on future projects. As the industry continues to shift, the effects on studios like Wildlight underscore the volatility of the gaming sector.
