In a recent podcast, Highguard's senior level designer Alex Graner detailed why the game's initial 3v3 mode alienated casual players, as Wildlight Entertainment fully shifts to 5v5 formats like Raid Rush following funding cuts from Tencent and layoffs reducing the team to around 20.
Following rocky launch updates that introduced limited-time 5v5 modes and improved Steam ratings, Wildlight Entertainment's senior level designer Alex Graner addressed Highguard's core issues on the Quad Damage podcast. The free-to-play hero shooter, which debuted in January 2026 after premiering at The Game Awards, struggled with its intense 3v3 duos mode. "3v3 duos is always the sweatiest version of anything," Graner said, highlighting the need for tight team communication, high-skill movement, and coordination across phases like looting, objectives, planting, and overtime. High time-to-kill mechanics and an armor loot economy made solo play nearly impossible, overwhelming new players.
Graner noted the mode's complex rules work at high levels but deter casuals. In response, the team has now fully pivoted, replacing 3v3 with permanent 5v5 options, including the new Raid Rush mode focused on base fighting akin to Counter-Strike.
Compounding challenges, Tencent—withheld funding despite Wildlight's independence claims and a Game Awards advisory role—pulled support after unmet targets. This led to significant layoffs, shrinking the team from around 100 to fewer than 20, according to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier. Post-launch player drop-off followed negative feedback despite early patches.
