Highguard dev hit with mass layoffs as "most of the team at Wildlight" is let go

Highguard studio Wildlight has been hit with layoffs just weeks after the launch of the game.

It's no surprise that Highguard hasn't had the easiest time since it was announced at the end of The Game Awards 2025. Reactions to the announcement trailer ranged from mild confusion and apathy to straight-up rejection of yet another live-service hero shooter ala Concord. Then the game was launched to middling reviews and performance complaints, and despite a flurry of big updates since, Wildlight has confirmed it's laid off "a number" of developers.

Highguard level designer Alex Graner was the first to announce that he and "most of the team at Wildlight" had been laid off, writing on LinkedIn:

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"Unfortunately, along with most of the team at Wildlight, I was laid off today," said Graner. "This one really stings as there was a lot of unreleased content I was really looking forward to that I and others designed for Highguard. However, I'm excited for my next adventure. If your team or anyone you know needs an experienced Level Designer, hit me up!"

A spokesperson for Wildlight itself confirmed to GamesRadar+ that layoffs did occur, but didn't specify how many employees were impacted. The studio also confirmed development on the game will continue with a "core group of developers."

"Today we made an incredibly difficult decision to part ways with a number of our team members while keeping a core group of developers to continue innovating on and supporting the game," the Wildlight spokesperson said.

"We're proud of the team, talent, and the product we've created together. We're also grateful for players who gave the game a shot, and those who continue to be a part of our community."

I had a genuinely alright time playing the few matches of Highguard I did, and by all accounts it seems the game was doing alright for itself, so I'm hoping we get some additional clarification from Wildlight soon.

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