Highguard, the ambitious new shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, has encountered a challenging reception following its debut at The Game Awards last month. The independent studio, formed in 2022 by former Apex Legends developers, chose to reveal their game during the prestigious event, diverging from the popular strategy of extensive playtesting prior to launch.
Wildlight’s decision to showcase Highguard at The Game Awards was influenced by a long-standing relationship with Geoff Keighley, the event’s host. “Geoff came in and played the game, and he was blown away,” said Dusty Welch, CEO and co-founder of Wildlight. “We were honored to be part of the TGAs and reveal our game alongside other major titles.” Despite this significant platform, the game’s trailer received a lukewarm response, prompting a wave of online criticism.
Lessons from Apex Legends and the Shooter Genre
Wildlight’s approach to Highguard’s launch draws heavily from their experience with Apex Legends, which famously launched without prior marketing, achieving 25 million players in its first week. Welch explained, “That launch worked extremely well. We wanted to replicate that surprise drop with Highguard, putting all our resources into the game itself.”
However, the reception to Highguard’s trailer was mixed, with some gamers expressing disappointment and drawing unfavorable comparisons to other titles. Welch acknowledges the changing sentiment towards online shooters but remains focused on the studio’s vision. “Shooters are still the rocket fuel propelling the games business,” he noted, emphasizing the genre’s continued popularity despite some negative perceptions.
Handling Criticism and Maintaining Focus
Despite the backlash, Wildlight remains steadfast in their commitment to Highguard. “We focus on making a great game that we love to play internally,” Welch stated. The team is experienced in managing criticism, with co-founder Chad Grenier noting, “It takes a couple projects to develop that thick skin. All it takes are a couple really great comments, and it makes up for everything.”
Highguard is positioned as a ‘raid shooter,’ differentiating itself from the battle royale format of Apex Legends. This distinction is crucial in a competitive market where new shooters often struggle to gain traction. Grenier expressed confidence in their expertise, stating, “We love making shooters. It’s our expertise, and I think players will appreciate what we’re doing.”
Strategic Planning and Future Content
Wildlight is keenly aware of the challenges in sustaining player engagement post-launch. Welch reflected on lessons learned from Apex Legends, where a lack of post-launch content led to a lull in player interest. “We already have a year’s worth of content, either finished or in late-stage development,” he assured, highlighting a comprehensive roadmap for Highguard’s future.
However, the team acknowledges that plans may evolve based on player feedback. “It’s almost guaranteed that things will change once we launch,” Grenier admitted, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue with the community.
Self-Publishing and Industry Challenges
Unlike Apex Legends, which was backed by EA, Highguard is being self-published by Wildlight. Welch explained that the evolving landscape for indie developers has made self-publishing a viable option. “We onboarded hires familiar with successful launches to build our publishing capability,” he said, underscoring the team’s confidence in their approach.
Despite the competitive nature of the online shooter market, Wildlight remains focused on their passion project. “Success to us is other people playing the game, loving the game, and building a community,” Grenier concluded. “Whether it’s a big audience or a small audience, I just want people to love it and see what we see in it.”
The team at Wildlight is optimistic about Highguard’s future, despite the initial mixed reactions. As they continue to refine their game and engage with their audience, the coming months will be crucial in determining the game’s success in the crowded shooter landscape.
