Highguard Developer Wildlight Faces Major Layoffs Just Two Weeks Post-Launch, Cutting “Most” of the Team

Layoffs Hit Wildlight Entertainment Just Weeks After Launch of Highguard

The gaming industry is once again grappling with unsettling news as Wildlight Entertainment, the creative force behind the newly released free-to-play first-person shooter Highguard, confirmed a wave of layoffs just over two weeks after the game’s launch on January 26, 2026. This studio, formed by veterans of Apex Legends and Titanfall 2, faces significant challenges as it navigates this unexpected turn of events.

Details of the Layoffs

Developers from various ranks, including principal and senior staff members, have taken to LinkedIn to share their experiences following the layoffs. While the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed by Wildlight, several statements revealed that significant cuts were made, indicating that most of the team is now impacted.

In a heartfelt post, lead tech artist Josh Sobel expressed sadness over his departure, calling his time at Wildlight the best of his career and highlighting the emotional toll of the layoffs. He noted, “Today I was laid off from my job at Wildlight along with most of the staff. It was the best team I’ve ever worked with… I’m still spinning and I won’t be in a place to start thinking about the future for a while.”

Mixed Reactions to Highguard

Despite initial enthusiasm surrounding the game’s launch, it appears Highguard did not meet the studio’s expectations. Criticism arose due to disruptive marketing strategies, including a misleading trailer presented at The Game Awards that left potential players confused. Following the launch, many players voiced their dissatisfaction, resulting in a series of negative reviews on Steam.

Today we made an incredibly difficult decision to part ways with a number of our team members while keeping a core group of developers to continue innovating on and supporting the game. We’re proud of the team, talent, and the product we’ve created together. We’re also grateful…

— Wildlight Entertainment (@WildlightEnt) February 12, 2026

Efforts to Improve and Future Prospects

In response to player feedback, Wildlight quickly attempted to salvage the situation by introducing a new 5v5 gameplay mode aimed at enhancing the gaming experience. However, the declining team size has made it increasingly challenging for the studio to rebuild its reputation and provide a comprehensive gaming experience.

These developments raise important questions about the sustainability of game development studios today. While it is possible for teams to rebound from challenging launches—many have turned their fortunes around before—consistent investment in high-stakes gaming hopes often leads to drastic measures, like layoffs. The hope remains that Wildlight can navigate this setback and evolve, avoiding the pitfalls that have befallen others in the industry.

It is a tired narrative, repeating the cycle of expectations and disappointments. As studios continue to chase the elusive success of massive hits like Fortnite and No Man’s Sky, the heart of the industry—its creators—too often pays the price.

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