As the sun sets on Wildlight Entertainment, a chilling hush blankets the studio formerly buzzing with creative energy. The aftermath of Highguard‘s disappointing launch is palpable, marked by significant layoffs that have left many talented developers reeling. One insider revealed that “most of the team” has been let go, casting doubt on the studio’s public dismissal of the scale of these changes.
“Today we made an incredibly difficult decision to part ways with a number of our team members,” the studio announced on X. While they maintain that a “core group of developers” will remain to provide ongoing support for the game, this claim stands in stark contrast to what many former employees have experienced.
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
In an intriguing twist, level designer Alex Graner shed light on the situation through a candid LinkedIn post before Wildlight’s announcement. “Along with most of the team at Wildlight, I was laid off today,” he lamented, noting that a plethora of meticulously crafted content might never see the light of day. His words resonate with the harsh reality facing these developers—what once bubbled with potential is now shrouded in uncertainty.
Graner’s statement suggests that Wildlight’s narrative of downsizing may be glossing over a much graver situation. A “number” of non-core developers pales in comparison to “most of the team.” This internal shakeup raises questions about how Highguard will be supported moving forward and the studio’s future plans.
Attempts to view the situation optimistically become more difficult with each passing day. I envisioned a scenario where Wildlight could quietly regroup, akin to the revival of No Man’s Sky, which reemerged from the ashes after its initial player base plummeted from 200,000 to a mere 1,000. However, this restructuring may signal a more strategic shift rather than just a recalibration.
What awaits the once-promising Highguard? Only time will tell.