Was Highguard’s Problem that it was too Competitive?
Released during a period of intense competition in the live service market, Highguard failed to meet expectations. Now, looking back, the question “where did we go wrong?” is being asked more frequently. Statements from former senior level designer Alex Graner offer an insider’s perspective. A particularly noteworthy detail is the excessive emphasis placed on competition during the game’s development process.
Highguard May Have Missed the Competitive Balance
According to Graner, the team gradually evolved Highguard towards a more intense and fast-paced 3v3 format. On paper, this seems like a decision that strengthens teamwork. However, in practice, the need for communication and coordination increased significantly. This raised the entry barrier to the game. It’s noted that players could quickly become disengaged from matches, especially in random matchmaking, if team cohesion wasn’t achieved.
The increased competitiveness may have led to the game becoming a more “sweaty” experience. In other words, the high concentration required in each match seems to have alienated players seeking a more relaxed experience. Graner states that it has become difficult to take on two opponents alone, and team cohesion has become almost mandatory. This could be a deterrent for casual players.
Timing is also a key factor. Examples like Apex Legends launched when the battle royale genre was relatively new. Highguard, on the other hand, tried to find its place in a saturated market. Being a game with a high learning curve and low error tolerance for new players is a risky choice.
Of course, it’s not fair to attribute all the blame to a single design decision. Leadership, marketing, and overall vision also play a role. However, it seems Highguard struggled to balance its competitive identity with its broad player base.
