The reveal of Highguard, the oddest 'and finally' game showcased at The Game Awards, is starting to generate buzz just days before its official release. But here's where it gets controversial—despite an initially lukewarm trailer, some industry insiders and fans are beginning to believe the game might actually surprise us.
The recent Game Awards event (which you can check out here: https://www.eurogamer.net/heres-everything-announced-at-the-game-awards-2025) had its moments of excitement and disappointment. Yet, the decision to close the show with a mysterious live-service hero shooter—featuring graphics that didn’t seem groundbreaking—left many scratching their heads. The reveal trailer (see it here: https://www.ign.com/videos/highguard-official-reveal-trailer-the-game-awards-2025) was visually decent but didn’t quite ignite hype. Despite this, developers with backgrounds in Titanfall and Apex Legends deserve some benefit of the doubt, which is why all eyes are on Highguard as its launch date on January 26 approaches.
Just recently, Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2026/01/17/highguard-did-not-pay-for-its-infamous-game-awards-finale-slot/) reported that Game Awards host Geoff Keighley liked what he saw of Highguard so much that he offered Wildlight Entertainment the show's final slot without charge. Meanwhile, social media chatter has shifted from skepticism to curiosity—what if Highguard isn’t the dud many initially thought? After all, Titanfall and Apex Legends have set high standards for responsive, exhilarating first-person shooter gameplay. Could it simply be poor marketing that's holding back its reputation?
The first public glimpse of the game was pretty...okay. Nothing offensive, nothing groundbreaking—just a standard look at a shooter with potential. You can read more about the reveal here: https://www.eurogamer.net/the-game-awards-big-reveal-this-year-was-for-a-shooter-from-the-creatives-behind-apex-legends-and-titanfall-and-it-looked-fine. But in today’s gaming landscape, 'fine' rarely cuts it anymore, especially with the shadows cast by Concord’s collapse in 2024 lingering over the hero shooter genre. Fans of FPS games are rightfully wondering why there’s been silence from the developers after the initial reveal. Yes, the official website has a countdown, but where’s the real hype? Is Wildlight attempting to replicate the viral success of Apex Legends?
Looking at SteamDB’s recent activity (https://steamdb.info/app/4128260/history/), it’s clear that Highguard is very much alive, with development processes continuing smoothly ahead of the launch on PC and current-gen consoles. This week has seen a flurry of updates—new tags, package modifications, and behind-the-scenes adjustments—indicating that the game is progressing despite an initially hesitant reception. The fear that initial backlash could derail efforts seems unfounded; plans remain in place, and the pre-launch period is unusually active.
Adding to the intrigue, industry figures and popular gaming personalities on platforms like X/Twitter and BlueSky are starting to have cautious hope. Some believe that once players get their hands on the game, it might defy expectations. For example, Chris Person of Aftermath posted on January 17th (see it here: https://x.com/Snamwiches/status/2013742846629601773?s=20) that he’s 'half convinced it’s going to be good,' despite many betting on its failure. If we look back at past games that originally suffered from poor previews yet went on to succeed—like many titles that gained cult followings—Highguard’s potential isn’t entirely out of reach.
Interestingly, the current low-key marketing approach might actually be a strategic move. The lack of aggressive promotion has generated a viral wave of speculation, with fans analyzing every snippet—a phenomenon reminiscent of old online launch hype. Some posts even humorously suggest that the game's executable might be hidden in a single paragraph of leaked info or that it’s a remnant from classic titles like Tribes 2. This nostalgic feeling of collective curiosity echoes the days of surprising, sometimes chaotic game launches that made headlines. And perhaps that sense of unpredictability is what keeps the community engaged.
In summary, with less than a week until release, all signs hint that Highguard could still surprise us—whether positively or negatively. The game’s fate might depend less on traditional marketing and more on word-of-mouth and community buzz. Are we on the cusp of witnessing the birth of a sleeper hit, or are we walking into yet another underwhelming release? The industry is watching closely, and we’d love to hear your thoughts—do you believe Highguard has what it takes to stand out, or is it destined to fade into obscurity? Share your opinion in the comments below.
