Highguard Developer Lays Off Majority of Staff Weeks Post-Launch
Highguard, a recently launched multiplayer shooter, is facing a significant workforce reduction. Just weeks after its debut, developer Wildlight Entertainment has laid off a majority of its staff, impacting the future of the game.
Details of the Layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment
Reports from affected employees on LinkedIn confirm that a large portion of Wildlight’s team was released from their positions. Alex Graner, a former level designer at Wildlight, disclosed that “most of the team” was let go.
Additionally, Josh Sobel, a former lead tech artist, corroborated these claims. In an official statement, Wildlight acknowledged the layoffs, stating, “Today we made an incredibly difficult decision to part ways with a number of our team members while keeping a core group of developers.”
Company’s Response
Wildlight expressed pride in its team and the game they developed. The studio mentioned its gratitude for players who supported Highguard and emphasized their commitment to continuing game support with a reduced team.
Industry Context
- Highguard was launched just over two weeks prior to the layoffs.
- Riot Games also made significant cuts this week, laying off around 80 employees from its newly launched fighting game.
As the gaming industry evolves, these layoffs highlight the challenges that developers face soon after launching major projects. The impact on Highguard’s future is yet to be determined as the company navigates through this transition.
