KUALA LUMPUR: Generating hype and fanfare is healthy in the business of selling games, but what happens when it backfires?
You end up with a new game from a small studio called Highguard.
The multiplayer three-versus-three player-versus-player first-person shooter, set in a fantasy world of guns and magic, was the final major announcement at last year’s The Game Awards.
Not many people online were pleased to see yet another competitive online first-person shooter enter the market, let alone close out The Game Awards. Sentiment quickly turned sour, with many already primed to dislike the game even before its Jan 26 release.
Developer Wildlight Entertainment did themselves no favours either, remaining radio silent from the TGA announcement until launch week. This led to widespread speculation that the game would be delayed or even cancelled.
When Highguard finally launched, it was met with a wave of negative reviews. Many were based on playtimes of less than an hour and clearly amounted to review-bombing. However, some criticisms were valid, particularly those highlighting performance and optimisation issues.
Several major video game publications appeared eager to play devil’s advocate, publishing as many as eight articles and features on Highguard during launch week alone. This raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether subconscious influence or advertorial arrangements were at play.
More patient players and dedicated critics have since pointed out that there is potential in Highguard’s core shooter mechanics and gameplay systems. With time, the early low-effort reviews may be filtered out, leaving behind more thoughtful critiques that highlight flaws which can be addressed through player feedback.
The ball is now firmly in Wildlight Entertainment’s court to decide Highguard’s fate before the end of 2026. The road ahead is clearly arduous and stacked against them, but if they manage to course-correct and make the game relevant, Highguard could still turn things around. After all, former launch failures such as No Man’s Sky and Fallout 76 are still alive, kicking and populated with players.
Short Beats
After 25 years, Osaka-based game idea studio Comcept has shut its doors. Founded by former Capcom producer Keiji Inafune, the company is known for co-creating Recore, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z and Mighty No.9.
Thailand-based game developer BitEgg has delayed its puzzle-adventure title Lost and Found Co. from its Feb 11 release date to March 6.
Capcom will host a Resident Evil Requiem launch event in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Feb 28 and March 1.
Compile Heart has announced a new game by Megami Tensei and Persona series co-creator Kouji Okada titled Villion: Code. The new school-themed role-playing game will launch for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch on May 25 in Japan. No English version has been announced.
Former Blizzard developers and original Diablo and Diablo II creators have formed a new studio, Moon Beast Inc. They have announced an upcoming action RPG titled Darkhaven, featuring procedural generation and a fully destructible open world.
Upcoming two-dimensional beat-em-up Scott Pilgrim EX, based on the Canadian comic book series and 2010 film, will be released on March 3.
Op-Ed
We discuss Arknights: Endfield and Code Vein 2 in our latest video podcast.
Games Out This Week
Code Vein 2 is the latest Soulslike action role-playing game from Bandai Namco Studios for PC and consoles. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans and vampires known as Revenants coexist, players assume the role of a Revenant Hunter who can travel back in time using their partner Lou’s powers to alter history, while battling a host of challenging bosses.
Highguard is a new free-to-play online team-based shooter from Wildlight Entertainment. Players ride, fight and raid as Wardens, arcane gunslingers sent to battle for control of a mythical continent. Available on PC and consoles.
Cairn is a story-driven mountain-climbing game from indie studio The Game Bakers. Players attempt to reach an unclimbed summit, planning routes carefully while managing pitons and resources to survive the unforgiving Mount Kami. The game explores what protagonist Aava is willing to sacrifice to achieve the ascent of a lifetime. Available on PC and consoles.
Recommended Viewing
Content creator Mujin has recapped the recent Marvel Rivals US$40,000 streamer drama involving high-level player Kingsman and content creators Cece, Zazza and Luciyasa. The video examines how fortunes can change overnight when toxic behaviour is enabled within the gaming space.
