Highguard Could Have Witnessed a Smoother Launch — Only if Geoff Keighley Didn’t Ruin It

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It’s fair to say that Highguard’s launch is a complete nightmare, with the game sitting with “Mostly Negative” reviews on Steam. The only thing that has saved this game from being a Concord-level failure is the fact that it’s free to play.

However, this game wouldn’t have been in the mess it is right now if Geoff Keighley hadn’t hype it up for no reason at The Game Awards 2025, and let its shadow drop happen, which was the actual plan from the beginning.

Geoff Keighley Is Responsible For Highguard‘s Launch Spiral

Credit: Wildlight Entertainment, Inc.

Oh, we all remember the end of The Games Award 2025. Out of nowhere, a game that no one had even heard of, Highguard, was suddenly revealed. Geoff Kieghley hyped the game to the point as if it’s going to save the gaming industry. Of course, the expectations for the title skyrocketed. However, the developers went completely radio silent up until the game’s release, at which point it was immediately bombarded with negative reviews.

Now, it was never going to matter whether Highguard was good or bad. The expectations that Keighley set at The Games Award 2025 were simply too big a mountain for the game to climb. However, what might shock you is that developer Wildlight Entertainment Inc. never wanted that kind of attention at the game’s launch in the first place. It was actually planning to release Highguard as a shadow drop.

You read that right. While chatting with the press, the studio’s cofounder Chad Grenier (via Kotaku) stated that they had always planned to release Highguard as a shadow drop. It’s a strategy that has worked well for games like Apex Legends. However, those plans changed when Keighley offered the studio a spot at The Game Awards 2025. He was reportedly impressed by the game and pushed for its full reveal, which sabotaged the original plan.

Obviously, no developer could ever turn down an offer like that. Wildlight Entertainment Inc. rushed together to prepare a trailer for the show, and they didn’t even have enough time to properly showcase the gameplay. They couldn’t tell gamers what truly made Highguard unique from its competitors.

Due to all these expectations, Highguard was doomed from the start. If the game had launched as a shadow drop as was the original plan, it would’ve never attracted this level of criticism. The developers would’ve had a breathing room to take in feedback, and work overtime to fix the game. However, Keighley’s involvement put the game into the big leagues prematurely and ruined its perception even before it could be released.

Wildlight Entertainment Isn’t Giving Up On Highguard

Highguard‘s future isn’t all doom right now. | Credit: Wildlight Entertainment, Inc.

Most game developers facing this level of backlash would’ve walked away from their games altogether. In Sony’s case, even shut down the studio that made the game. However, Wildlight Entertainment Inc. has no plans of backing down.

The developer is actually planning to commit to the game and has even given us a roadmap for its future.

Here’s a look at the Highguard Year 1 Game Plan 🗺️🐺Episode 2 arrives in 2 weeks✌️Each Episode is ~2 months long🫶Content shown is free for all players👀More info to come as we approach each EpisodeWe’re excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to share more! pic.twitter.com/ErUeKbMsid— Highguard | LIVE NOW! (@PlayHighguard) January 26, 2026

The developer plans to release multiple episodes throughout 2026, each bringing new maps, modes, weapons, mods, and other additions into the game. What’s the best part? All of this content will be free for everyone!

Will this be enough to save Highguard? Well, only time will tell us. However, it’s great to see that the developers are owning up to their missteps and are actively working to make the game a better one.

With that said, what do you think about Geoff Keighley’s involvement in Highguard? Let us know in the comments below!
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