Wildlight Entertainment's recently launched free-to-play PvP "raid shooter," Highguard, has experienced a challenging debut. Despite positive critical reviews, player feedback has been markedly mixed, with a significant portion expressing dissatisfaction. The game's Steam user score currently hovers around "mostly negative," largely due to widespread complaints about lengthy match queues, tutorial glitches, and general server instability. Players have also reported performance issues, including noticeable frame rate drops and other technical difficulties, particularly on PC platforms. This rocky start has been further compounded by the game's unexpected transformation into an internet meme, a difficult obstacle for any new title to overcome.
The game's struggles are partly attributed to a wave of "review-bombing" that began even before its official release. Unveiled as the grand finale of The 2025 Game Awards, Highguard faced skepticism from players already weary of the live-service shooter genre. Many were disappointed by its announcement trailer, which, despite impressive visuals, offered little insight into the gameplay. This pre-release backlash intensified on platforms like Reddit, where some drew unfavorable comparisons to Sony's 2024 shooter, Concord, which also had a difficult launch. The initial surge in concurrent players on Steam quickly dissipated, with numbers plummeting shortly after launch, mirroring similarly lukewarm receptions on Xbox and PlayStation stores.
Despite the player-driven controversy, critical reception for Highguard remains largely positive. Gaming publications have lauded the game, with some calling it "one of the best new shooters in years" and praising its "snappy gunplay" and fresh approach to the genre. However, the game now faces the added burden of its meme status, which began on launch day with viral posts mocking its player count. Wildlight Studios has unveiled a first-year roadmap, promising new playable characters and updates, but the ultimate success of Highguard will depend on its ability to address player concerns, evolve its gameplay, and navigate the difficult waters of its early online reputation.
The journey of any new video game in today's dynamic market is fraught with challenges, yet it also presents immense opportunities for growth and refinement. Highguard's initial reception, while complex, underscores the critical importance of a stable launch and clear communication with the player community. By embracing constructive feedback and consistently striving for improvement, developers can transform early setbacks into powerful catalysts for long-term success, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to innovation in the ever-evolving world of interactive entertainment.
