Highguard’s Troubles: A Sign of Shifting Sands in the Indie Game Landscape?
Less than a month after its launch, PvP raid shooter Highguard is facing a harsh reality: layoffs at its developer, Wildlight Entertainment. The news, first surfacing on LinkedIn with posts from former employees like level designer Alex Graner, raises questions about the sustainability of the current indie game development model, particularly for ambitious, community-focused projects.
The Paradox of Player Counts and Passion
The timing of these layoffs is particularly striking, coming shortly after Highguard’s game director, Chad Grenier, publicly stated that the game’s player count “doesn’t matter,” as long as those who do play it love the experience. This sentiment, while admirable in its focus on community, clashes sharply with the financial realities of game development. Even a passionately received game requires a critical mass of players to generate revenue and sustain ongoing development.
Wildlight Entertainment, founded by Grenier and Dusty Welch, consists of roughly 100 employees, many of whom previously worked together at Respawn Entertainment on Apex Legends. The studio’s creation during the pandemic signaled a new wave of independent development, fueled by experienced talent. However, the Highguard launch demonstrated the challenges of building an audience from scratch, even with a pedigree from a successful title like Apex Legends.
The “Game Awards Effect” and Unmet Expectations
Highguard’s debut at The 2025 Game Awards, in the coveted “one more thing” slot, generated significant initial hype. However, the initial reveal lacked crucial details about gameplay, leading to a period of speculation and, some negative sentiment. A later press preview offered more clarity, but the damage may have already been done. The game’s initial reception, coupled with a slow player base growth, appears to have contributed to the current situation.
This situation highlights the risks associated with high-profile reveals without sufficient supporting information. The “Game Awards effect” can be a double-edged sword, generating buzz but similarly raising expectations that are difficult to meet.
A Broader Trend? Indie Studios and Financial Vulnerability
Wildlight’s struggles aren’t isolated. The indie game space is increasingly competitive, with a growing number of studios vying for attention. Many indie developers rely on securing funding and achieving rapid player acquisition to remain viable. Layoffs, even shortly after launch, are becoming a concerning trend. The cost of development, marketing and ongoing support can quickly outpace revenue, especially for games that don’t immediately capture a large audience.
The recent implementation of a 5v5 mode in Highguard, positively received by players, demonstrates the studio’s commitment to responding to community feedback. However, this may not be enough to reverse the current trajectory.
Pro Tip: Community Engagement is Key, But Not a Substitute for Viability
While fostering a passionate community is crucial for long-term success, indie developers must also prioritize financial sustainability. A strong community can provide valuable feedback and advocacy, but it cannot single-handedly fund ongoing development.
FAQ
Q: What caused the layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment?
A: The layoffs appear to be a result of financial pressures following the launch of Highguard and a slower-than-expected player base growth.
Q: What is Highguard?
A: Highguard is a PvP raid shooter developed by Wildlight Entertainment.
Q: Did Chad Grenier say player count doesn’t matter?
A: Yes, Chad Grenier stated that the player count is less important than the game being loved by those who play it.
Q: Is this a common occurrence in the indie game industry?
A: Unfortunately, layoffs are becoming increasingly common in the indie game industry due to the financial challenges of development and marketing.
Did you know? Wildlight Entertainment was founded by veterans of Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind Apex Legends.
Aim for to learn more about the challenges facing indie game developers? Explore our other articles on game development and the industry. Share your thoughts on the Highguard situation in the comments below!
