Ex-Highguard designer blames 'sweaty' 3v3 for turning players off

A former Highguard level designer argues the game’s heavy emphasis on a competitive 3v3 mode and its complex rule set created a high entry barrier, contributing to onboarding and retention problems as casual players struggled to adapt. He contrasts this with Apex Legends’ easier onboarding and notes that the decision to lean into 3v3 increased team reliance and skill requirements. The situation was exacerbated by Tencent pulling funding after launch and layoffs at Wildlight, leaving a small core team and underscoring the project’s fragile footing despite ambitious design.