What happened at Highguard developer Wildlight?

Layoffs weeks after launch

Wildlight Entertainment — the studio behind the recently released shooter — confirmed it has cut staff following the game's launch. Multiple former employees and community reports described the layoffs as substantial; some former team members publicly said "most of the team" were affected. Wildlight later issued a statement acknowledging the cuts and saying a smaller core group will continue to support the game.

What is known

• Timing: The reductions came only a few weeks after the game debuted.
• Scale: Several posts from ex‑employees and industry observers characterised the layoffs as large, with some describing the majority of development staff being let go.
• Studio response: Wildlight confirmed staff changes and has said a core group remains to maintain and update the live service.

What remains unclear

• Exact numbers: Neither Wildlight nor its publisher released a full breakdown of how many people were laid off.
• Financials and triggers: While observers pointed to the game’s rocky reception after a high‑profile reveal and the difficulty of sustaining free‑to‑play live services, the studio has not publicly attributed the cuts to a single cause.

Why it matters

• Industry impact: Rapid layoffs after a launch spotlight the risks of live‑service development and how quickly a project’s fortunes can change.
• For players: Ongoing support and content roadmaps can be affected when most of a studio’s staff are removed; Wildlight says core operations will continue, but the long‑term plan is uncertain.

In short: a major post‑launch staff reduction occurred, the studio has confirmed cuts and a reduced team will follow up on the game; precise causes and full scope have not been fully disclosed.