The Game Awards has a reputation for ending on sequels, remakes, or long-anticipated AAA reveals. But for TGA 2025, the show broke its own pattern. Instead of relying on a familiar franchise, it closed with a brand-new shooter from a newly formed studio—one that happens to carry an impressive pedigree. Wildlight Entertainment, a team built by veterans of Apex Legends, Titanfall, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, lifted the curtain on Highguard, a fast-paced PvP raid shooter launching in just a few weeks.

A New Studio With Familiar Talent

Wildlight Entertainment formed in 2021, quietly assembling developers with deep experience in multiplayer action. Over the last four years, the team has shaped Highguard into a free-to-play title focused on competitive raids, squad-driven combat, and a brand-new fantasy-meets-arcane universe.

Players take on the role of Wardens, “arcane gunslingers” who battle for control of a mythic continent. Every match tasks two Warden crews with fighting over the Shieldbreaker, an objective that doubles as the central path to victory. After capturing it, teams launch raids on the opposing base to secure the win.

Highguard’s world layers fantasy elements onto high-mobility gunplay. Airships hover above the battlefield. Eagle companions scout threats. The setting blends magical combat and tactical firefights without leaning on any established franchise. It’s a clean break from the shooters the developers previously built.

A Vision of Creative Control

Wildlight co-founder and CEO Dusty Welch described Highguard as the studio’s first step toward building a long-term universe. He highlighted the team’s focus on scale, quality, and new IP potential. Game director Chad Grenier emphasized a development culture where the team leads with ideas rather than constraints. Their messaging signals confidence in both the game and the world they want to build around it.

Launching Sooner Than Expected

Highguard stands out for more than its surprise reveal. The game ships Jan. 26, 2026, only weeks after its debut. It supports cross-play and cross-progression on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. This tight turnaround contrasts sharply with typical Game Awards showcases, which often highlight projects still years away.

Closing the show with a new IP, backed by a near-term release, marks a rare strategic choice. It also signals trust from host Geoff Keighley, whose brand depends on generating momentum and excitement. Highguard will soon face its first real test as players jump in and decide whether this new universe can stand beside the shooters that inspired it.

With the launch window approaching, the wait to find out is short. Highguard will reveal its full potential when it goes live next month.