Alright, PlayXIX fam, grab your energy drinks because we've got some *major* news hitting the wires straight from the heart of Wildlight! A former level designer, who was part of the Highguard team and recently let go, is *not* holding back on their theories about why the free-to-play shooter has been struggling to find its footing. This dev believes the game made a critical misstep: leaning way too hard into the ultra-competitive scene, specifically pointing to the intense, "sweaty" 3v3 ranked matches as the primary culprit driving players away. Could the relentless grind and high-stakes atmosphere have alienated the broader player base looking for a more casual experience? This is a hot take that’s sure to spark some serious debate in the community!