What's Happening?
Wildlight Entertainment, the development studio behind the recently launched multiplayer shooter Highguard, has announced significant layoffs just over two weeks after the game's release. According to
a LinkedIn post by former senior level designer Alex Graner, most of the team has been laid off, although the exact number of affected employees has not been confirmed. The studio's LinkedIn page previously indicated a team size of 51-200 employees. Wildlight's official statement on social media confirmed the layoffs, stating that a core group of developers will remain to continue supporting and innovating on the game. Despite Highguard's initial success, debuting in the top 10 for weekly active users on US Steam and top 20 on US PlayStation and Xbox, the game experienced a sharp decline in player engagement shortly after launch.
Why It's Important?
The layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment highlight the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where even successful launches can be followed by rapid declines in player engagement, leading to financial instability. This situation underscores the challenges faced by game developers in maintaining player interest and sustaining revenue streams in a highly competitive market. The layoffs could impact the studio's ability to deliver on its content roadmap, which promised regular updates and new features throughout the year. This development may also affect the morale and job security of employees within the gaming industry, as it reflects broader trends of unpredictability and financial pressures in the sector.
What's Next?
The future of Wildlight Entertainment and its game Highguard remains uncertain following the layoffs. The studio has committed to continuing support for the game, but it is unclear how the reduced team size will affect the planned content updates and new features. Stakeholders, including remaining employees and the gaming community, will be closely watching for any announcements regarding changes to the game's development schedule. Additionally, the layoffs may prompt discussions within the industry about sustainable business models and strategies to mitigate similar situations in the future.
