Highguard's Rocky Launch: Can a Dream Team Save Its Reviews?

Launching a video game is a high-stakes art. The best strategy is either a long hype build-up or a total surprise release. The online shooter *Apex Legends* proved the surprise method works, becoming a major hit in 2019. New game *Highguard* tried something in between. The result has been a troubled start. The online multiplayer title comes from Wildlight Entertainment, a studio founded by veterans from Respawn Entertainment. This team previously worked on major series like *Titanfall*, *Call of Duty*, and *Apex Legends*. Their experience is not in question. But in the fiercely competitive multiplayer market, a poor launch is hard to overcome. *Highguard* now faces an uphill battle to win positive reviews and a loyal player base.