The recent unveiling of Highguard, a hero shooter game, at the Game Awards sparked considerable debate and negative reactions from the gaming community. This response echoes past instances where anticipated titles faced immediate criticism upon their debut. The game, which did not secure its spotlight through traditional paid advertising, instead received the prime placement due to the personal endorsement of the event's showrunner. This unusual circumstance has further fueled public discontent, highlighting a growing skepticism towards new entries in the hero shooter genre, especially after previous disappointments like Concord.
The announcement of Highguard during the Game Awards was met with a wave of online criticism, drawing parallels to the ill-fated game, Concord. Observers anticipated a reveal on par with major titles like Monster Hunter Wilds or the groundbreaking Matrix Unreal Engine 5 tech demo. Instead, Highguard's trailer garnered significant disapproval, with a disproportionately high number of dislikes on platforms like YouTube. Many viewers initially speculated that the game's developer must have paid a substantial sum for such a coveted slot, leading to an intensified backlash against what was perceived as an undeserving promotion.
Contrary to popular belief, Highguard's slot at the Game Awards was not a result of a financial transaction. A report by Forbes clarified that the game's inclusion was a direct decision by showrunner Geoff Keighley, who reportedly held a strong personal appreciation for the game. This revelation challenges the common practice where other developers invest significant amounts, often six-figure sums, to secure even a brief trailer presence at the event. Keighley's choice, while potentially well-intentioned, inadvertently placed Highguard in a precarious position, making it a focal point for the audience's frustration.
The unexpected spotlight, meant to be a boon, unfortunately backfired for the Highguard team. Instead of a marketing triumph, the game now faces an uphill battle to win over a skeptical audience. The perception that it's merely 'another hero shooter' has been amplified, turning what might have been mild indifference into strong negative sentiment. This situation underscores a broader trend in the gaming community where new titles, particularly in saturated genres, are met with immediate and often harsh judgment, sometimes regardless of their actual quality.
The controversy surrounding Highguard highlights a significant challenge for new games entering competitive genres. While the game itself may not possess glaring flaws, its uninspired presentation at a high-profile event has subjected it to intense scrutiny and preemptive condemnation. This incident reflects a wider pattern of 'vibes-based' criticism within the gaming community, where initial impressions can quickly solidify into widespread disdain, impacting a game's trajectory before it even has a chance to fully present itself.