{"id":17204,"date":"2026-01-31T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T14:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T14:00:00","slug":"highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet\/","title":{"rendered":"#Highguard Already Trying Something Different as Player Numbers Plummet"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet\/#Highguard_Already_Trying_Something_Different_as_Player_Numbers_Plummet\" >Highguard Already Trying Something Different as Player Numbers Plummet<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet\/#Related_Articles\" >Related Articles<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet\/#Review_Highguard_PS5_%E2%80%93_Jack_of_All_Trades_PS5_Shooter_Is_Fine\" >Review Highguard (PS5) &#8211; Jack of All Trades PS5 Shooter Is Fine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet\/#Related_Articles-2\" >Related Articles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Highguard_Already_Trying_Something_Different_as_Player_Numbers_Plummet\"><\/span>Highguard Already Trying Something Different as Player Numbers Plummet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<div class=\"body body-text article-text\">\n<section class=\"text\">\n<figure class=\"picture\" data-uuid=\"df5ae7fd2fc47\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Highguard PS5 1\" href=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/df5ae7fd2fc47\/highguard-ps5-1.large.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/df5ae7fd2fc47\/highguard-ps5-1.900x.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" alt=\"Highguard PS5 1\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>After a fairly strong start for the free-to-play release, the number of active Highguard users has dropped dramatically (at least on PC, where the stat is trackable). One of the big complaints is how large the maps are, which, combined with the fact that the only mode is 3v3, means there&#8217;s a lot of empty space.<\/p>\n<p>To combat this, developer Wildlight Entertainment has added a new &#8220;experimental&#8221; mode for the weekend that supports two teams of five. It adds an extra four players to the raid mode, but the standard 3v3 mode remains available too.<\/p>\n<div class=\"for-mobile insert insert-label\">\n<div id=\"inject-primis-player\" data-src-primis=\"https:\/\/live.primis.tech\/live\/liveView.php?s=117168&amp;vp_content=plembed39b4tigwxqjz&amp;cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&amp;playerApiId=primis_player_float&amp;schain=1.0,1!ziffdavis.com,22392450815,1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In this time-limited mode, there are now 10 lives instead of six and player respawns take slightly longer.<\/p>\n<p>The <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/PlayHighguard\/status\/2017334052865658987\">social media post announcing the bonus mode<\/a> then comes with the following note: &#8220;As most of you know, we are working on optimisations across the game. Many are in this patch, and 3v3 should see good improvements! But\u2026 adding 4 more players to the game is not going to improve performance, right? Please keep that in mind as you try 5v5!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Wildlight Entertainment will hope this addition revives some of the player base it attracted on launch day, when it first peaked at 97,000+ concurrent players. Five days later, it currently has fewer than 10,000 users on PC.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"picture\" data-uuid=\"dd3125da3f405\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"scanlines\" title=\"Highguard PS5 2\" href=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/dd3125da3f405\/highguard-ps5-2.large.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/dd3125da3f405\/highguard-ps5-2.900x.jpg\" width=\"900\" height=\"531\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Highguard PS5 2\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<p><!-- cache: html:pushsquare.com\/ssl\/ps5\/related-articles:196846 @ 1769868003 --><\/p>\n<aside class=\"block object-related\">\n<header class=\"widget-header\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles\"><\/span>Related Articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<div class=\"object-related-list\">\n<article class=\"object-related-article\">\n<p class=\"object-related-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/55cdd1ec703a9\/150x90.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"90\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Highguard (PS5) - Jack of All Trades PS5 Shooter Is Fine\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"object-related-info\">\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Review_Highguard_PS5_%E2%80%93_Jack_of_All_Trades_PS5_Shooter_Is_Fine\"><\/span><span class=\"category accent\">Review<\/span> <span class=\"title\">Highguard (PS5) &#8211; Jack of All Trades PS5 Shooter Is Fine<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"tagline\">Master of none<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article><\/div>\n<p>Our <strong>Highguard PS5 review<\/strong> is live now on the site, having given it a 6\/10 score. We said: &#8220;As it stands today, this is a fun yet bloated shooter that lacks the spark you\u2019ll find in other games in the genre, like The Finals. It\u2019ll play to the tactical players out there, and it seems that Wildlight is committed to improving the game. But with a game mode that crams every type of shooter into a single experience, Highguard is a jack of all trades and master of none.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"insert-label centered insert lazyload for-mobile insert-extended lazyload\">\n<div id=\"PS_MPU_X_I697E139CD5040\" style=\"min-width:300px; min-height:250px;display:flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items:center; justify-content: center;\" data-dfp-id=\"pushsquare\/mobile_web_display\/article\" data-dfp-sizes=\"300x250,300x600\" data-dfp-targeting=\"pos=1,gto=false,experiment=nl-article-mobile-2\" class=\"lazyload\" data-dfp-refresh-direct=\"true\" data-prebid-config=\"Lazy_Load_HP_MPU\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Will you give this new game mode a go or are you already done with Highguard? Let us know in the comments below.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text source\">[source <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external\" title=\"External Link: https:\/\/x.com\/PlayHighguard\/status\/2017334052865658987\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/PlayHighguard\/status\/2017334052865658987\">x.com<\/a>]<\/p>\n<p><!-- cache: html:pushsquare.com\/ssl\/ps5\/related-info\/ecd757eb5b24ad635ca5df2337b30a36 @ 1769869734 --><\/p>\n<aside class=\"see-also\">\n<dl>\n<dt>Related Games<\/dt>\n<dd class=\"first\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\" first last\"><strong>Highguard<\/strong> (PS5)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/dd>\n<dt>See Also<\/dt>\n<dd class=\"first\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\" first\"><strong>Highguard (PS5)<\/strong> Review<\/li>\n<li class=\" last\">The Best PS5 Games (2025)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"footer\">\n<ul class=\"share-this \">\n<li class=\" first\">Share:<\/li>\n<li class=\"value\"><span class=\"accent-bg share-count\">0<\/span><span class=\"icon icon-caret-right accent\"><\/span><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"ui-share-page whatsapp accent\" title=\"Share this on WhatsApp\" data-service=\"whatsapp\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"icon icon-whatsapp\"><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"ui-share-page bsky accent\" title=\"Share this on Bluesky\" data-service=\"bsky\" data-username=\"pushsquare.com\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"icon icon-bsky\"><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"ui-share-page facebook accent\" title=\"Share this on Facebook\" data-service=\"facebook\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"icon icon-facebook\"><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"ui-share-page twitter accent\" title=\"Share this on Twitter\" data-service=\"twitter\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"icon icon-twitter\"><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"ui-share-page threads accent\" title=\"Share this on Threads\" data-service=\"threads\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"icon icon-threads\"><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"ui-share-page messenger accent for-mobile\" title=\"Share this on Facebook Messenger\" data-service=\"fbmessenger\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"icon icon-messenger\"><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\" last\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"ui-share-page reddit accent for-desktop\" title=\"Share this on Reddit\" data-service=\"reddit\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"icon icon-reddit\"><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"article-stats\" data-article-id=\"196882\" data-comments=\"6\" data-shares=\"0\" data-likes=\"0\">\n<li class=\" first\">0<\/li>\n<li class=\" last\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"ui-comments accent icon icon-comments\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"news\/2026\/01\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet#comments\">6<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"insert soft-bg below-article for-mobile insert-extended lazyload\">\n<div id=\"PS_MPU_X_W697E139CD521B\" style=\"min-width:300px; min-height:250px;\" data-dfp-id=\"pushsquare\/mobile_web_display\/article\" data-dfp-sizes=\"300x250,300x600\" data-dfp-targeting=\"pos=1,gto=false,experiment=nl-article-below\" class=\"lazyload\" data-dfp-refresh-direct=\"true\" data-prebid-config=\"Lazy_Load_HP_MPU\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"insert centered article-billboard for-desktop for-desktop lazyload\">\n<div id=\"PS_MPU_X_L697E139CD523B\" style=\"min-width:300px; min-height:250px;display:flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items:center; justify-content: center;\" data-dfp-id=\"pushsquare\/desktop_web_display\/article\" data-dfp-sizes=\"300x250\" data-dfp-targeting=\"pos=1,gto=false,experiment=nl-article-billboard\" class=\"lazyload\" data-dfp-refresh-direct=\"true\" data-prebid-config=\"LAZY_DESKTOP\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-content\">\n<div class=\"author-info\">\n<section class=\"block author\">\n<header class=\"widget-header\">\n<p>About <span class=\"accent\">Liam Croft<\/span><\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p class=\"avatar\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/users\/153014\/avatar.jpg\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Liam Croft\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"text\">\n<p>Liam grew up with a PlayStation controller in his hands and a love for Metal Gear Solid. Nowadays, he&#8217;s found playing the latest and greatest PS5 games as well as supporting Derby County. That last detail is his downfall.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\" first\"><span class=\"icon icon-profile\"><\/span> Author Profile<\/li>\n<li class=\" last\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" onclick=\"return replyTo('LiamCroft');\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"icon icon-comments\"><\/span> Reply<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"insert with-label centered block lazyload for-desktop lazyload\">\n<div id=\"PS_MPU_X_S697E139CD533B\" style=\"min-width:300px; min-height:250px;display:flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items:center; justify-content: center;\" data-dfp-id=\"pushsquare\/desktop_web_display\/article\" data-dfp-sizes=\"300x250\" data-dfp-targeting=\"pos=1,gto=false,experiment=nl-article-foot-after-author\" class=\"lazyload\" data-dfp-refresh-direct=\"true\" data-prebid-config=\"LAZY_DESKTOP\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"comments-list\">\n<section id=\"comments\" class=\"block comments\">\n<header class=\"widget-header\">\n<p>Comments <span class=\"counter comment-count\">6<\/span><\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<div class=\"comments hidden-comments\" data-subject=\"dgp:news\/2026\/01\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet\">\n<article class=\"comment\" id=\"comment9002997\" data-author=\"users\/134871\" data-subject=\"comments\/9002997\" data-dislikes=\"0\" data-id=\"9002997\">\n<p class=\"avatar\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"framed lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/users\/134871\/avatar.jpg?v=1559147243\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"SoulsBourne128\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"detail\">\n<ul class=\"info\">\n<li class=\" first\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"num\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"news\/2026\/01\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet#comment9002997\">1<\/a><\/li>\n<li>SoulsBourne128<\/li>\n<li class=\" last\"><time data-days=\"5\" class=\"date age \" datetime=\"2026-01-31T14:13:02+00:00\">24 mins ago<\/time><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"text\">\n<p>Makes you wonder why didn&#8217;t they release the game with this at launch cause from what I have heard, the mode is more fun than 3v3.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<ul class=\"ui-comment-tools\">\n<li class=\"likes first last\">2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"comment\" id=\"comment9003007\" data-author=\"users\/269794\" data-subject=\"comments\/9003007\" data-dislikes=\"0\" data-id=\"9003007\">\n<p class=\"avatar\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"framed lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.pushsquare.com\/themes\/base\/images\/avatar.svg\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Pat_trick\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"detail\">\n<ul class=\"info\">\n<li class=\" first\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"num\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"news\/2026\/01\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet#comment9003007\">2<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Pat_trick<\/li>\n<li class=\" last\"><time data-days=\"5\" class=\"date age \" datetime=\"2026-01-31T14:17:35+00:00\">19 mins ago<\/time><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"text\">\n<p>It baffles me they no idea a huge empty map with 3 players on each side would feel&#8230;empty!<\/p>\n<p>5v5 or 6v6 seems much more interesting, but with the complete drop in interest, I don&#8217;t know if they can recover.<\/p>\n<p>This game needed an extra 6 months of development and betas for player feedback. Look at Marathon and how much they changed their game because they had feedback. It went from a guaranteed failure to a possible success.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<ul class=\"ui-comment-tools\">\n<li class=\"likes first last\">1<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"comment\" id=\"comment9003016\" data-author=\"users\/208131\" data-subject=\"comments\/9003016\" data-dislikes=\"0\" data-id=\"9003016\">\n<p class=\"avatar\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"framed lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.pushsquare.com\/themes\/base\/images\/avatar.svg\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Simu001\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"detail\">\n<ul class=\"info\">\n<li class=\" first\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"num\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"news\/2026\/01\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet#comment9003016\">3<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Simu001<\/li>\n<li class=\" last\"><time data-days=\"5\" class=\"date age \" datetime=\"2026-01-31T14:20:36+00:00\">16 mins ago<\/time><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"text\">\n<p>Making the mode time limited is certainly a decision. Your game is hemorrhaging players and is considered ok. Everyone asks for a 5vs5 mode and you make it time limited? Yeah see I have no time this weekend so im gonna miss out. Well done. Hopefully they keep it around<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<ul class=\"ui-comment-tools\">\n<li class=\"likes first last\">0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"comment\" id=\"comment9003021\" data-author=\"users\/345899\" data-subject=\"comments\/9003021\" data-dislikes=\"0\" data-id=\"9003021\">\n<p class=\"avatar\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"framed lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/static.pushsquare.com\/themes\/base\/images\/avatar.svg\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ECharles\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"detail\">\n<ul class=\"info\">\n<li class=\" first\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"num\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"news\/2026\/01\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet#comment9003021\">4<\/a><\/li>\n<li>ECharles<\/li>\n<li class=\" last\"><time data-days=\"5\" class=\"date age \" datetime=\"2026-01-31T14:23:49+00:00\">13 mins ago<\/time><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"text\">\n<p>&#8220;Thanks for nothing Geoff&#8221; lol<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<ul class=\"ui-comment-tools\">\n<li class=\"likes first last\">0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"comment\" id=\"comment9003031\" data-author=\"users\/192411\" data-subject=\"comments\/9003031\" data-dislikes=\"0\" data-id=\"9003031\">\n<p class=\"avatar\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"framed lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/users\/192411\/avatar.jpg?v=1746536302\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"RBMango\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"detail\">\n<ul class=\"info\">\n<li class=\" first\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"num\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"news\/2026\/01\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet#comment9003031\">5<\/a><\/li>\n<li>RBMango<\/li>\n<li class=\" last\"><time data-days=\"5\" class=\"date age \" datetime=\"2026-01-31T14:28:14+00:00\">9 mins ago<\/time><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"text\">\n<p>The 5v5 mode is definitely better because it makes the matches feel slightly more like a large-scale raid, but it still plays like a confused mess. I legit thought Concord was better designed than Highguard, because at least Concord didn&#8217;t have all of these annoying roadblocks to the PvP action like wall reinforcing, tedious resource gathering, a pointless loot system, and long respawn timers.<\/p>\n<p>For a studio full of multiplayer veterans, it&#8217;s stunning how many obvious and amateur-hour mistakes Wildlight made. People can blame the hating, toxic gamers for Highguard&#8217;s reception all they want, but I think the things that did the most damage were Geoff Keighley&#8217;s stunning lack of good judgment and foresight and Wildlight&#8217;s hubris.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<ul class=\"ui-comment-tools\">\n<li class=\"likes first last\">0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"comment\" id=\"comment9003040\" data-author=\"users\/48408\" data-subject=\"comments\/9003040\" data-dislikes=\"0\" data-id=\"9003040\">\n<p class=\"avatar\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"framed lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/users\/48408\/avatar.jpg?v=1507900272\" width=\"80\" height=\"80\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Boxmonkey\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"detail\">\n<ul class=\"info\">\n<li class=\" first\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"num\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"news\/2026\/01\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet#comment9003040\">6<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Boxmonkey<\/li>\n<li class=\" last\"><time data-days=\"5\" class=\"date age \" datetime=\"2026-01-31T14:34:05+00:00\">3 mins ago<\/time><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"text\">\n<p>This makes sense! It\u2019s a quick easy win the the developers. They have instantly removed people\u2019s biggest complaint.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<ul class=\"ui-comment-tools\">\n<li class=\"likes first last\">0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p class=\"empty\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"ui-load-comments ui-cta-button\" onclick=\"this.innerHTML = 'Please Wait...'; this.classList.add('loading'); return false\" href=\"news\/2026\/01\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet#comments\"><span class=\"icon icon-comments\"><\/span> Show Comments<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"reply\" class=\"block comments\">\n<header class=\"widget-header\">\n<p>Leave A Comment<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p class=\"empty\">Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-group optional\">\n<div class=\"insert centered block with-label lazyload for-mobile lazyload\">\n<div id=\"PS_MPU_X_N697E139CD60D6\" style=\"min-width:300px; min-height:250px;display:flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items:center; justify-content: center;\" data-dfp-id=\"pushsquare\/mobile_web_display\/article\" data-dfp-sizes=\"300x250\" data-dfp-targeting=\"pos=1,gto=false,experiment=nl-article-after-comments\" class=\"lazyload\" data-dfp-refresh-direct=\"true\" data-prebid-config=\"Lazy_Load_HP_MPU\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- cache: html:pushsquare.com\/ssl\/ps5\/related\/articles\/highguard,ps5,wildlight-entertainment @ 1769859829 --><\/p>\n<div class=\"related-articles\">\n<h2 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles-2\"><\/span>Related Articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<p class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/64ed990e4d88a\/75x75.jpg\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"PS Plus Essential Game for February 2026 Leaked\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"heading\">PS Plus Essential Game for February 2026 Leaked<\/p>\n<p class=\"description\">Available from 3rd Feb<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<p class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/2d832b755cfb3\/75x75.jpg\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"PS Plus Essential Games for February 2026 Announced\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"heading\">PS Plus Essential Games for February 2026 Announced<\/p>\n<p class=\"description\">Boxing! Diving! Flying!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<p class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/71bebe33418f7\/75x75.jpg\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"New PS5 Firmware Update Is Available Now, Here Are All the Patch Notes\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"heading\">New PS5 Firmware Update Is Available Now, Here Are All the Patch Notes<\/p>\n<p class=\"description\">What does version 26.01-12.60.00 do?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<p class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/e462a1dd9cf8f\/75x75.jpg\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"PlayStation State of Play Is Locked in for February, It's Claimed\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"heading\">PlayStation State of Play Is Locked in for February, It&#8217;s Claimed<\/p>\n<p class=\"description\">So says NateTheHate2<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<p class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/dfa3f438dc698\/75x75.jpg\" width=\"75\" height=\"75\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sony Set to Delay PS6 Release Date, Claims Financial Report\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"heading\">Sony Set to Delay PS6 Release Date, Claims Financial Report<\/p>\n<p class=\"description\">PS5&#8217;s life could be extended<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"insert centered block with-label lazyload for-desktop lazyload\">\n<div id=\"PS_MPU_X_S697E139CD619D\" style=\"min-width:300px; min-height:250px;display:flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items:center; justify-content: center;\" data-dfp-id=\"pushsquare\/desktop_web_display\/article\" data-dfp-sizes=\"300x250\" data-dfp-targeting=\"pos=1,gto=false,experiment=nl-article-after-related-articles\" class=\"lazyload\" data-dfp-refresh-direct=\"true\" data-prebid-config=\"LAZY_DESKTOP\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/game\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Game<\/a><\/span> category.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pushsquare.com\/news\/2026\/01\/highguard-already-trying-something-different-as-player-numbers-plummet\" target=\"_blank\" >Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highguard Already Trying Something Different as Player Numbers Plummet After a fairly strong start for the free-to-play release, the number of active Highguard users has dropped dramatically (at least on PC, where the stat is trackable). One of the big complaints is how large the maps are, which, combined with the fact that the only&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17205,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/images.pushsquare.com\/df5ae7fd2fc47\/large.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[2085,1403,1400,2084],"class_list":["post-17204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-game","tag-highguard","tag-news","tag-ps5","tag-wildlight-entertainment"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17204","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17204"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17204\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17204"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17204"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yohrt.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}