Highguard Set to Shut Down Just 45 Days After Launch
Highguard, a 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 peaked at 97,249 players on Steam, has struggled to maintain a sustainable player base, leading to its early closure.
Despite an initial surge of interest, Highguard has seen regular concurrent players drop to around 400 on Steam, with at least double that number on PS5. Overall, the game attracted 2 million players, but this was not enough to support its long-term viability. Wildlight Entertainment acknowledged the challenges, stating, “Despite the passion and hard work of our team, we have not been able to build a sustainable player base to support the game long term.”
The game’s launch was marred by significant online backlash, which contributed to its poor performance. Mohammad Alavi, a representative of Wildlight Entertainment, commented on the situation, saying, “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 sentiment reflects the struggles faced by developers in the current gaming landscape.
In response to the feedback, Highguard’s final update will introduce a new Warden, a new weapon, account level progression, and skill trees. These additions aim to enhance the gameplay experience, but they come too late to salvage the game’s future. The update is intended to provide a final farewell to the players who supported Highguard during its brief existence.
Wildlight Entertainment, which reportedly received significant backing from Tencent, has faced further challenges, including mass layoffs following the game’s disappointing performance. The financial and operational implications of Highguard’s shutdown are likely to resonate within the company and the broader gaming community.
As the shutdown date approaches, players have expressed their disappointment. One player lamented, “So sad I been playing all week with the boys man we crushing it on 5v5,” highlighting the camaraderie that the game fostered among its community. Another player remarked, “Honestly after this, I’m good off video games. These people made a great game,” underscoring the emotional investment many had in Highguard.
With Highguard’s impending shutdown, observers are left to ponder the future of Wildlight Entertainment and the lessons learned from this experience. The gaming industry continues to evolve, and the challenges faced by Highguard serve as a reminder of the volatility inherent in game development. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the company’s next steps and how it will address the fallout from this closure.