Highguard, the PvP shooting game from Wildlight Entertainment, has been the subject of intense debate since its recent launch, especially following its announcement at The Game Awards 2025. Despite reaching nearly 100,000 simultaneous players, the reception of the title has been rather negative, with only 30% positive reviews on Steam. This discontent among players has created an atmosphere of uncertainty in the community, highlighting unfavorable comparisons with other shooters like Overwatch and the short-lived Concord.
A team determined to show what they can do
Chad Grenier, co-founder and game director, has defended Highguard by pointing out that comparisons do not capture the essence of the gameplay it offers. In his opinion, the combination of three-player team combat, territory control, and a strategic progression structure makes for a unique proposition within the genre. However, Grenier also acknowledged that the initial trailer, which generated high expectations, did not reflect the game’s strengths and was made with little preparation time.
Despite the initial criticism, Wildlight Entertainment is committed to improving the gaming experience through constant updates and a full year of planned content. Dusty Welch, co-founder and CEO, has expressed his determination to maintain player interest, emphasizing that the game is free, which removes the barrier to entry and allows new users to try it without commitment.
Currently, although the number of players has decreased since its launch, the game maintains around 11,000 concurrent users on PC. Despite the lukewarm reception it has received, both Welch and Grenier have stated that their team has no plans to abandon the project and are determined to build a franchise that lasts over time.
