- Primary Subject: Highguard
- Key Update: Former developer says Highguard struggled because its gameplay was “too competitive” for most players
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: March 4, 2026
- Quick Answer: A former Highguard developer says the game’s intense 3v3 focus and complex mechanics made it too demanding for casual players, contributing to its declining player base.
Wildlight Entertainment’s multiplayer shooter Highguard launched with ambitious expectations, but the game struggled to maintain a strong player base after its release.
According to former senior level designer Alex Graner, one of the key reasons behind the game’s difficulties was that it leaned too heavily into highly competitive gameplay.
Graner believes that the intense design of the game created an experience that demanded a lot from players, which ultimately made it less welcoming for those looking for a more relaxed multiplayer shooter.
Graner discussed the situation during an appearance on the Quad Damage podcast, where he explained that Highguard’s core design revolved around a 3v3 team format.
While small team modes can create exciting and tactical gameplay, they also increase the pressure on individual players.
To succeed in Highguard, players typically had to communicate nonstop with teammates, coordinate during engagements, and execute precise movement and shooting.
As a result, players entering matches without a well-organized team frequently had difficulty keeping up.
Why Did Highguard’s Competitive Focus Turn Players Away?
According to Graner, 3v3 formats usually create the most intense competitive environments in team-based shooter games.
With fewer players on each side, mistakes carry greater consequences in both battle royale and objective-based matches.
In Highguard, this translated into matches where players had to stay close to their teammates, share information about enemy positions, and carefully plan attacks or defensive plays.
Without strong coordination, teams often struggled during engagements as the combat system made fights even more demanding.
The game’s systems revolved around skilled movement, accurate shooting, and tactical positioning, leaving players who were cut off from their teammates at a serious disadvantage.
Facing several enemies solo was rarely effective, so coordinated team play was usually required to win encounters.
Players who entered matches without a full squad or consistent communication often found the experience frustrating.
Did Highguard’s Complex Gameplay Make It Harder for New Players?
Another factor that contributed to the game’s steep learning curve was its multi-stage match structure.
Instead of focusing solely on combat, Highguard included several different phases during a match.
Players might begin by gathering resources or loot, then transition into objective-based gameplay where teams had to pursue or defend specific goals.
Matches could also shift into additional stages depending on how the round progressed, such as planting objectives or dealing with overtime conditions.
While these layers added depth for experienced teams, they also meant that new players had to learn several mechanics at once before fully understanding how the game worked.
Graner explained that these systems functioned well at a high level of play but could be overwhelming for newcomers trying the game for the first time.
Unlike some successful shooters that rely on straightforward rules, Highguard asked players to grasp multiple mechanics and strategies early on.
For players still learning the basics, this complexity could make the game feel difficult to approach.
Why Did the 3v3 Format Create Such a High Skill Barrier?
According to Graner, the heavy focus on competitive gameplay was deliberate, with the development team increasingly designing the game for highly skilled players.
This direction eventually molded the core gameplay loop into a more demanding system that favored coordination and strong mechanical ability.
This competitive-first design worked well for dedicated players but pushed away casual players who just wanted a fun and easy match.
Not long after release, players began suggesting that the 3v3 structure should be expanded into larger team modes such as 5v5, since bigger teams make matches more forgiving.
In response to this feedback, the remaining developers later tested new modes, including a 5v5 format and another version that removed the looting phase to simplify gameplay.
These changes attempted to make the experience easier to understand, but they arrived after many players had already moved on.
How Did Competition From Other Shooters Affect Highguard?
Highguard also faced an uphill battle in the crowded multiplayer shooter market, as established games like Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, and PUBG continue to dominate the genre.
Graner noted that successful shooters often rely on simple concepts that players can immediately understand and explain to their friends.
In comparison, Highguard’s layered mechanics and intense teamwork requirements made it harder for players to immediately grasp what made the game enjoyable.
Despite its struggles, Highguard did attract attention before launch. The game received a significant spotlight during a Game Awards presentation, which raised expectations for its debut.
However, this attention also increased the pressure on the game to make a strong first impression. In the modern live-service model, multiplayer games must engage players immediately because early impressions can dictate long-term player retention.
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