What's Happening?
Highguard, a free-to-play PvP raid shooter by Wildlight Entertainment, launched with a peak of 97,249 concurrent users on Steam. Despite the strong player numbers, the game has received a 'mostly negative' user review rating, with only 32% of reviews being positive. Criticisms focus on the game's design, including the size of the map, resource-gathering mechanics, and character abilities. Players have expressed dissatisfaction with the game's pacing and lack of excitement during the resource-gathering phase. However, the raid phase of gameplay, where combat is concentrated, has been more positively received.
Why It's Important?
The mixed reception of Highguard highlights the challenges faced by new games in the competitive live service market. The game's initial
success in attracting players underscores the potential for innovative game concepts to capture interest. However, the negative reviews emphasize the importance of meeting player expectations and delivering a polished experience. For Wildlight Entertainment, addressing the feedback will be crucial for maintaining player engagement and ensuring the game's long-term success. The situation also reflects broader industry trends where new games must balance innovation with player satisfaction to thrive.
What's Next?
Wildlight Entertainment has outlined a roadmap for Highguard's first year of content, indicating a commitment to ongoing updates and improvements. The company will likely focus on addressing player feedback, particularly regarding game design and performance issues. As a free-to-play game, Highguard's success will depend on its ability to retain players and generate revenue through its live service model. The outcome of these efforts will be critical for the game's future and could influence the development of similar projects in the industry.
