Highguard Set to Shut Down After Just 45 Days
Highguard, the latest 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, struggled to maintain its player base, averaging around 400 concurrent players on Steam and at least double that on PS5.
Despite attracting a total of 2 million players overall, Highguard faced significant backlash following its reveal at The Game Awards 2025. This negative reception likely contributed to the game’s rapid decline in popularity. Wildlight Entertainment has acknowledged the challenges faced by Highguard, stating, “Today we’re sharing difficult news. We have made the decision to permanently shut down Highguard on March 12.”
The decision to shut down the game comes as Wildlight Entertainment has also experienced mass layoffs, indicating the financial strain the company faced due to Highguard’s poor performance. The game was categorized as a live service title, which typically requires ongoing player engagement and updates to thrive. However, Highguard’s inability to attract and retain players has raised questions about the viability of launching new IPs in the current gaming landscape.
In an effort to provide some closure to its players, Wildlight Entertainment announced that a final patch would be released before the shutdown. This patch is expected to introduce a new Warden, a new weapon, account level progression, and skill trees, potentially offering players a last chance to engage with the game before its closure.
Community reactions to the shutdown have been mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the game’s potential that was never fully realized. One player remarked, “Genuinely wonder what even is the point of launching a live service new IP if you’re just going to shut it down before even trying to update it?” Another lamented, “Honestly after this, I’m good off video games. These people made a great game.”
Highguard’s shutdown serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by live service games, which often require a dedicated player base to survive. As one observer noted, “Highguard is shutting down because live service games are not allowed to be unpopular.” This sentiment reflects the harsh reality that many new titles encounter in a competitive market.
As the shutdown date approaches, players have only nine days left to enjoy the game. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential future projects from Wildlight Entertainment or how the company plans to recover from this setback. The gaming community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what it means for the future of live service games.
