Highguard has found itself at the center of a whirlwind of controversy since its unveiling at The Game Awards. From its somewhat clumsy reveal to the developers’ unusual silence leading up to launch, the game has faced a barrage of skepticism. Many critics hastily dismissed it as “dead on arrival,” drawing comparisons to the ill-fated Concord.
Despite the initial wave of negativity, Highguard managed to attract nearly 100,000 concurrent players on Steam at launch. However, it currently grapples with a disheartening 33% rating, categorized as ‘mostly negative’ reviews. For those familiar with truly subpar gaming experiences, a 33% score typically signifies a game that is far from enjoyable. Yet, Highguard does not fit that description.
In contrast, titles like Marvel Rivals and Arc Raiders have not encountered the same level of scrutiny. While these games have their merits, they have not revolutionized the genre any more than Highguard has. By labeling Highguard as a failure and subjecting it to review-bombing, the community risks dooming Wildlight’s ambitious project. The developers assert that the game does not require “super huge” player counts to thrive, but the current climate suggests that the odds are stacked against innovative ventures.
Looking Ahead
With time, there is hope that Highguard can address its performance issues, introduce new content, and implement significant changes to its core gameplay mechanics. Enhancements such as larger team sizes and improved looting systems could elevate the experience. While the game may not be perfect at present, prematurely dismissing it undermines the potential for growth and improvement.
It is essential to recognize that while personal opinions about the game may vary, allowing it the space to evolve could yield positive results in the future. Constructive criticism is valuable, but the trend of review-bombing sends a detrimental message to the industry, one that could have far-reaching consequences for all involved.
