What's up, PlayXIX Nation?! Get ready, because we've got some SCORCHING hot intel dropping straight from the battlefield! Highguard, the free-to-play shooter from Wildlight that's been trying to conquer the arena, is under the microscope. And guess what? A *former* level designer, tragically part of recent layoffs, is not holding back! This dev is spilling all the beans, claiming that Highguard's biggest tactical error was diving headfirst, and perhaps *too far*, into the super-intense, ultra-competitive 3v3 scene. We're talking 'sweaty palms,' 'no-fun-allowed,' 'meta-slave' levels of competitive grind! According to this insider, pushing the game *so hard* towards esports-level play actually became the ultimate turn-off for a HUGE chunk of potential players. Instead of attracting a broad audience, that relentless focus on hardcore 3v3 battles just alienated anyone looking for a more chill, pick-up-and-play experience. Was chasing the competitive dream Highguard's ultimate downfall? This ex-Wildlight talent seems to think so, suggesting it drove away the very casuals needed to keep the player base thriving! Major F for that strategy, Highguard! What do YOU think, gamers?