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Layoffs Hit Game After Release; UK Economy Stalls

Wildlight Entertainment, the developer of the multiplayer shooter "Highguard," laid off multiple staff members just two weeks after the game's release, according to BBC Technology. The news comes as the UK economy experienced sluggish growth in the final quarter of 2025, and amidst other significant developments, including a civil service pension backlog and controversy surrounding Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.

The layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment followed the release of "Highguard," which was initially showcased at The Game Awards in December. Despite being developed by industry veterans with experience on titles like "Call of Duty," "Apex Legends," and "Titanfall," the free-to-play game struggled to retain players after its January launch, BBC Technology reported. The company confirmed the layoffs in a statement.

Meanwhile, the UK economy grew by a lower-than-expected 0.1% in the final quarter of 2025, BBC Business reported. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicated that the services sector saw no growth for the first time in over two years, with manufacturing driving the slight increase. The construction sector also experienced its worst quarterly performance in four years, the ONS added.

In other news, Capita, the company administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme, is facing criticism due to a significant backlog. Capita took over the scheme's administration in December, inheriting a backlog of 86,000 cases and over 15,000 unread emails, which has since expanded to 120,000 cases, according to BBC Business. Richard Holroyd, chief executive of Capital Public Services, told a committee of MPs that the backlog "overwhelmed" the company. People attempting to contact the company have reportedly faced lengthy wait times.

Adding to the week's developments, Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe is facing backlash after claiming the UK had been "colonised by immigrants," Al Jazeera reported. Politicians, campaigners, and fan groups condemned the remarks, made in an interview with Sky News, which suggested that high levels of immigration had damaged the economy.

Finally, the UN Development Programme has begun clearing a massive wartime waste dump in Gaza City, created after access to the main landfill was cut off during Israel's genocide on Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. The effort aims to reduce serious health and environmental risks facing nearly two million Palestinians.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

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