Former Highguard Developer Reflects on Disastrous Launch: 'We Were Turned Into a Joke From Minute 1'

Overview

A recently laid-off Highguard developer has opened up about the game's disastrous announcement and launch. They stated, "We were turned into a joke from minute one," sharing the difficulties the development team faced.

Key Details

Highguard received negative reactions from the moment it was first revealed at the Game Awards. According to the developer, the main issue was the disconnect between exaggerated marketing and actual game content.

The game received "Mostly Negative" reviews on Steam within the first hour of launch, and player numbers fell far short of expectations. The developer explained, "We did our best, but the marketing direction and community expectation setting were misguided."

Industry Lessons

This case demonstrates the importance of honest marketing and realistic expectation management in the gaming industry. Several prominent developers have defended the Highguard team, noting that "harsh criticism causes real harm to real people."

Many developers have now been laid off, and the game's future remains uncertain. This incident, along with other failures like Concord, serves as another reminder of the risks in the live service game market.