What's Happening?
Wildlight Entertainment, the developer behind the newly launched multiplayer shooter Highguard, has laid off a significant portion of its staff. This decision comes just over two weeks after the game's
release. According to statements from former employees on LinkedIn, including level designer Alex Graner and lead tech artist Josh Sobel, most of the team has been let go. Wildlight Entertainment confirmed the layoffs, stating that they have decided to part ways with a number of team members while retaining a core group to continue supporting and innovating on the game. The company expressed pride in the team's work and gratitude towards players who have engaged with the game. This move follows a similar trend in the gaming industry, as Riot Games also announced layoffs affecting about 80 employees from its 2XKO fighting game project.
Why It's Important?
The layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment highlight the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where even newly launched projects can face significant staffing changes. This development may impact the future support and updates for Highguard, potentially affecting the game's player base and community engagement. For the broader industry, such layoffs underscore the challenges faced by game developers in maintaining financial viability and the pressure to deliver successful products quickly. The decision also reflects a growing trend of cost-cutting measures within tech and gaming companies, which can have ripple effects on employment and innovation within the sector.
What's Next?
The immediate future for Wildlight Entertainment involves focusing on maintaining and supporting Highguard with a reduced team. The company may need to reassess its development strategies and resource allocation to ensure the game's continued success. For affected employees, the layoffs may lead to a search for new opportunities within the gaming industry, which could be challenging given the current economic climate. Industry observers will be watching to see how Wildlight navigates these changes and whether similar actions will occur at other gaming companies facing similar pressures.
