Highguard's Rocky Start: A Promising Game's Troubled Launch
In the fiercely competitive world of online multiplayer games, a successful launch is crucial. Highguard, a new title from Wildlight Entertainment, has stumbled out of the gate with a poorly received reveal, leaving it fighting for positive reviews and player loyalty.
A Surprise Reveal Gone Wrong
The game was unexpectedly unveiled at the Game Awards in December via an oblique trailer, catching viewers off guard. This surprise approach, which worked wonders for Apex Legends in 2019, backfired for Highguard, as audiences were left confused and unimpressed by the fantasy-themed shooter they had never heard of.
Wildlight Entertainment, formed by ex-Respawn staff with experience on Titanfall, Call of Duty, and Apex Legends, had planned a shadow drop similar to Apex Legends. However, Game Awards organiser Geoff Keighley offered them a free slot after playing and enjoying the game, a decision that, in hindsight, may have been a misstep.
Gameplay and Identity
Despite the rocky start, Highguard offers an intriguing blend of online shooter and Moba elements. Players form teams of three, choose from hero characters with unique skills, and engage in phases of fortification, exploration, and combat to destroy the opposing base.
The game combines fantasy and mythological styling with modern weaponry, creating a unique feel reminiscent of a cross between Call of Duty and classic fantasy films. Inheriting Respawn's smooth kinetic design, Highguard allows seamless movement through running, sliding, climbing, and leaping.
Challenges and Competition
Negative reviews flooded Steam shortly after launch, citing visual performance issues and long match queues, though some criticism may have been premature. The game attracted around 100,000 players on its first day, a decent start but not enough to guarantee success in a crowded market.
Highguard faces stiff competition from failed titles like Concord and Hyenas, as well as upcoming threats like Valve's Deadlock. With Fortnite generating billions annually and the market being volatile, the stakes are high for Wildlight Entertainment.
The Road Ahead
To thrive, Highguard must overcome the botched reveal and build a lasting community. The gaming industry is unforgiving, and the next big hit may come from an unexpected, innovative source rather than a hybrid of existing successes.
In other gaming news, Pantaloon has secured £150,000 to invest in indie titles, Nintendo is reviving Virtual Boy games on Switch, and titles like Cairn offer thoughtful, challenging experiences. The industry continues to evolve, with games subverting player expectations and embracing creativity.
