The launch of Highguard was plagued with issues, and questions surrounding the game’s development and future have lingered since its release. Now, the mystery surrounding its funding has been resolved: Tencent, the world’s largest video game company, was the primary financial backer of Wildlight Entertainment’s “raid shooter.” This revelation comes after weeks of speculation and follows a rocky start for the game, which faced largely negative reception from players despite ambitious plans for ongoing content.
Wildlight Entertainment repeatedly stated that Highguard was “fully funded” but remained tight-lipped about the source of those funds. According to sources who spoke with GameFile journalist Stephen Totilo, Tencent’s involvement was substantial and largely undisclosed. The Chinese gaming giant, known for titles like PUBG Mobile and League of Legends, has a significant investment portfolio that includes stakes in Epic Games and Ubisoft, among others. This investment in Highguard appears to have been channeled through Tencent’s TiMi studio group.
The reason for the secrecy surrounding Tencent’s backing remains unclear, and the exact amount of the investment has not been publicly disclosed. However, sources indicate that TiMi’s contribution was a significant portion of the game’s overall funding. The arrangement raises questions about the level of influence Tencent may have had on the game’s development and direction, particularly given the studio’s subsequent layoffs and the game’s website being taken offline earlier today.
A Prime Spot at The Game Awards
Highguard was initially unveiled with a trailer during the finale of The Game Awards in 2025. Wildlight Entertainment stated that the presentation slot was offered to them free of charge by Geoff Keighley, the host and creator of the event. Keighley had personally playtested the game and expressed enthusiasm for its potential. Notably, Tencent senior vice president Steven Ma is a member of The Game Awards’ advisory board, a connection that has drawn scrutiny in light of the newly revealed funding arrangement.
Neither Wildlight Entertainment nor Tencent have publicly acknowledged the partnership. The development costs for Highguard are unknown, but the game launched with plans for extensive post-launch seasons and high-quality cinematic content, suggesting a considerable financial commitment. Wildlight, which has offices in Los Angeles and Seattle, once employed around 100 developers, many of whom were previously with Respawn Entertainment. However, recent layoffs have drastically reduced the studio’s workforce, leaving its future uncertain.
Layoffs and Website Shutdown
The timing of the layoffs, occurring shortly after the game’s launch, has fueled speculation about Tencent’s role in the studio’s decisions. It remains unconfirmed whether Tencent influenced the reduction in staff. Adding to the uncertainty, Highguard’s official website is currently inaccessible, further raising concerns about the game’s long-term viability. Representatives from Wildlight Entertainment did not respond to requests for comment regarding the funding or the recent developments.
The revelation of Tencent’s backing adds a new layer of complexity to the story of Highguard. Whereas Tencent’s investment portfolio is vast, the secrecy surrounding this particular arrangement is unusual and raises questions about the motivations behind it. The situation highlights the increasing financial influence of major players like Tencent in the gaming industry and the potential implications for independent developers.
The future of Highguard remains uncertain. With the website offline and a significantly reduced development team, the game’s planned updates and seasons are now in doubt. The industry will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what impact it will have on Wildlight Entertainment and the broader gaming landscape. What comes next for the studio and the game remains to be seen, but the revelation of Tencent’s involvement is a significant development in the ongoing narrative.
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