Highguard to Shut Down Just 45 Days After Launch
Highguard, a free-to-play 3v3 multiplayer shooter developed by Wildlight Entertainment, is set to shut down on March 12, 2026, just 45 days after its launch on January 26, 2026. The game, which reached a peak of 97,249 players on Steam, has struggled to maintain a sustainable player base since its debut.
Despite attracting around 2 million players overall, Highguard has seen only about 400 regular concurrent players on Steam, with at least double that number on PS5. This sharp decline in player engagement has prompted Wildlight Entertainment to announce the game’s closure, a decision that has been met with disappointment from the gaming community.
Wildlight Entertainment has faced significant backlash since Highguard’s reveal at The Game Awards 2025, with many players expressing frustration over the game’s rapid decline. A user on X questioned the rationale behind launching a live service title only to shut it down before implementing any updates. This sentiment reflects a broader discontent among fans who had hoped for a more sustainable gaming experience.
In response to the impending shutdown, Wildlight Entertainment has announced a final patch that will introduce new content, including a new Warden, a new weapon, account level progression, and skill trees. This update is intended to provide players with a last opportunity to engage with the game before its closure.
Lead designer Mohammad Alavi acknowledged the challenges faced by the development team, stating, “Being the ire of the internet hate machine sucks, but at the same time, I try to just focus on making the best game I can and getting that game into people’s hands.” This statement underscores the difficulties encountered in the gaming industry, particularly when launching new intellectual properties.
Following the poor performance of Highguard, Wildlight Entertainment experienced mass layoffs, further highlighting the impact of the game’s failure on the company. The situation raises questions about the viability of new game launches in an increasingly competitive market, especially for live service titles.
As the shutdown date approaches, players have expressed their disappointment, with one frustrated fan stating, “Honestly after this, I’m good off video games. These people made a great game.” With only nine days left to enjoy Highguard, the gaming community is left to reflect on what could have been a promising addition to the multiplayer shooter genre.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future of Wildlight Entertainment and its plans for new projects following the closure of Highguard. The gaming industry continues to watch closely as the company navigates this challenging period.
