Ex-Highguard Developer Criticizes Gamer Culture for Making It a Joke
Josh Sobel, a former developer at Wildlight Entertainment, has expressed his frustration with the gaming community following the release of his first game, Highguard. Sobel, who was recently laid off after the game’s launch, has criticized the negative culture surrounding gamers and how it has affected perceptions of game releases. This outcry comes in the wake of Highguard’s disappointing debut during the 2025 Game Awards.
Highguard’s Troubled Launch
Highguard was notably featured as the closing surprise at the 2025 Game Awards but quickly faced backlash. Initial reactions to the game were overwhelmingly negative, with many fans voicing their disapproval on social media. Devs at Wildlight remained silent amidst the growing discontent, which eventually culminated in the announcement of company-wide layoffs.
Reaction from the Development Team
- Josh Sobel’s Background: Before joining Wildlight nearly three years ago, Sobel worked at Disney for a year and spent two years at DreamWorks.
- Initial Optimism: Sobel recalls the team’s excitement about Highguard potentially breaking financial barriers for independent developers.
- Immediate Criticism: Following the game’s trailer release, Sobel faced harsh criticism, attributing much of it to “false assumptions” held by gamers.
The Impact of Gamer Culture
Sobel shared his perspective on how negative gamer culture contributed to Highguard’s poor reception. He noted that many players rushed to review bomb the game, accumulating over 14,000 negative reviews shortly after launch by players who barely played the game. Some criticism was directed at Sobel personally, despite his genuine enthusiasm for the project.
Misconceptions and Backlash
Despite the backlash, Sobel emphasized that while Highguard was not without flaws, the excessive negativity went beyond constructive criticism. He argued that the gaming community could influence a game’s success or failure and that a portion of the blame lay with its culture. Sobel stated, “Even if Highguard had a rocky launch, our dev-led studio deserved better than this.”
Conclusion
The story of Highguard serves as a critical reminder of the power and responsibility the gaming community holds in shaping the landscape of game development. Sobel’s reflection on his experience highlights the challenges faced by indie developers in an often unforgiving environment. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, fostering a more supportive community may benefit both developers and gamers alike.
