The Fallout from Highguard's Unlikely Closing Act

The recent revelation that Highguard was chosen as the closing act for The Game Awards has left many in the gaming community scratching their heads. While some were excited to see what this live service had in store, others couldn't help but feel that it was an odd choice.

What is Highguard?

For those who may not be familiar with Highguard, it's a new IP from Remedy Entertainment, the renowned developers behind Max Payne and Quantum Break. The game promises to deliver a fast-paced, action-packed experience with a focus on exploration and narrative-driven gameplay.

The Game Awards and Live Service Games

Live service games have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering players ongoing access to new content, events, and updates after the initial launch of the game. However, this model has also been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that it can lead to a "games as a service" mentality, where the primary focus is on generating revenue rather than creating a standalone gaming experience.

Why Highguard as the Closing Act?

So, what made Highguard an odd choice for The Game Awards closing act? Some might say it was simply because the game wasn't ready to make its grand entrance just yet. Others might argue that Remedy Entertainment's live service model didn't quite align with the tone and scope of The Game Awards.

Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Highguard's unveiling has sparked a heated debate among gamers about the future of live service games and their place in the gaming industry.

The Gamers' Response

Fans of Remedy Entertainment were generally excited to see Highguard announced, with many expressing enthusiasm for the game's unique blend of action and exploration. However, not everyone was pleased with the choice.

"I don't get why they would choose a live service game as the closing act," said one gamer in an online forum. "I mean, I love Remedy Entertainment, but this just feels like a weird way to start the year."

Another fan expressed concern about the potential implications of Highguard's live service model on the gaming industry as a whole.

"I'm all for innovative business models and whatnot," they said, "but this feels like a slippery slope. If games are already being released with a 'live service' label, where do we draw the line? Is that just another way of saying 'game as a service'?"

The Industry's Response

Industry insiders have been weighing in on the debate surrounding Highguard and live service games.

"I think it's interesting to see Remedy Entertainment taking a different approach with Highguard," said one industry expert. "While some might view live service models as a way to generate revenue, I believe they can also offer a unique experience for players that traditional single-player games simply can't match."

However, not everyone is convinced.

"I think we need to be careful about how we frame this conversation," cautioned another industry insider. "The term 'live service game' has become synonymous with games-as-a-service models that prioritize monetization over player satisfaction. We need to make sure we're not perpetuating a culture that values profit over player experience."

What's Next for Highguard?

As the news surrounding Highguard continues to spread, one thing is clear: the game will be closely watched by gamers and industry insiders alike.

Remedy Entertainment has promised to deliver regular updates and content drops for Highguard, with a focus on delivering a rich narrative experience that sets it apart from other live service games.

However, only time will tell if this strategy will pay off. Will Highguard prove to be a success story in the world of live service games, or will it falter under the weight of expectation?

One thing is certain: the gaming community will be watching closely as Highguard makes its grand entrance into the world of gaming.

Conclusion

The revelation that Highguard was chosen as The Game Awards closing act has sparked a heated debate about the future of live service games and their place in the gaming industry. While some see this model as an innovative way to deliver ongoing content and experiences, others are more skeptical.

As we look ahead to the future of Highguard and the wider world of live service games, one thing is clear: only time will tell if this approach will prove successful or not.