The Game Awards 2025 concluded with the reveal of Highguard, a brand-new fantasy hero shooter developed by Wildlight Entertainment. Unlike many of the show’s headline announcements, Highguard is not tied to an existing franchise, positioning it as a fresh IP introduced during one of the industry’s most high-profile events.
The announcement was presented as a world premiere and served as the final reveal of the show, placing Highguard alongside other major titles showcased during the event.
Veteran Team Behind the Project
Wildlight Entertainment is composed largely of experienced developers, with strong ties to well-known shooter franchises. According to comments made during the reveal, 61 members of the development team previously worked on Respawn Entertainment titles, including Apex Legends and Titanfall.
This pedigree immediately drew attention, as those games are widely regarded for their tight gunplay, mobility systems, and competitive design philosophies.
Fantasy Raid Shooter Meets Hero-Based Gameplay
Highguard is described as a fantasy FPS raid shooter blended with hero shooter mechanics. Players select from a roster of characters, each equipped with distinct abilities and combat roles, combining traditional shooter mechanics with large-scale fantasy set pieces.
Core Gameplay Loop
- Players begin matches at a home base
- Teams ride out on horseback across the battlefield
- A central objective revolves around capturing a powerful sword known as the Shieldbreaker
- Once secured, the Shieldbreaker is used to summon a giant battering ram
- The ram is then deployed to breach the enemy base
In addition to PvP combat, the reveal suggests that PvE encounters may take place across the map, adding another layer of pressure and unpredictability during matches.
Abilities, Characters, and Visual Style
The debut trailer showcased a wide range of character abilities and visual effects, emphasizing variety over realism. Highlighted abilities include:
- Ice troll ground-slam attacks
- Electric spear strikes from aerial positions
- Companion-based abilities, including a bird ally
- Lava-based summons
- Defensive ice walls used for battlefield control
While these abilities echo mechanics seen in established hero shooters, Highguard frames them within a mythic fantasy setting rather than a sci-fi or modern combat theme.
Release Date, Platforms, and Monetization
Highguard is set to launch on January 26, with availability confirmed for:
- PC
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series consoles
The game will adopt a free-to-play model, aligning it with other competitive hero shooters currently on the market.
Early Reception and Industry Context
Initial reaction to the reveal trailer leaned negative, with early engagement showing more dislikes than likes. Many viewers quickly compared Highguard to other hero shooters, including recent high-profile releases and titles that struggled to find long-term audiences.
Comparisons to projects like Concord, as well as established competitors such as Overwatch and Marvel Rivals, were common. Skepticism largely centers on genre fatigue and concerns about differentiation in an already crowded market.
That said, the development team’s experience and the free-to-play approach may still give Highguard an opportunity to carve out a player base once hands-on impressions and post-launch support become clearer.
What Comes Next
With release just weeks away, Highguard’s success will likely depend on:
- How well its gameplay systems feel in practice
- The depth and balance of its hero roster
- Long-term content support and progression systems
While the reveal has sparked debate, final judgment will come after launch, when players can evaluate whether Highguard offers enough originality to stand out in the competitive hero shooter space.
