Highguard to Shut Down Just 45 Days After Launch
Highguard, a new live service game 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, struggled to maintain a sustainable player base, leading to its early closure.
Despite attracting a total of 2 million players, Highguard faced significant challenges in retaining its audience. The game had regular concurrent players of around 400 on Steam and at least double that on PS5, indicating a disparity between initial interest and ongoing engagement. Wildlight Entertainment acknowledged the difficulties in building a long-term player community, 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 decision to shut down Highguard comes amid a backdrop of online backlash following its launch. Critics have questioned the viability of launching a new intellectual property (IP) as a live service game, especially when it is shut down before any significant updates can be implemented. One observer 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?”
Wildlight Entertainment plans to release one final patch before the game goes offline, aiming to address some of the concerns raised by players. However, the sentiment surrounding the game’s closure reflects a broader issue within the gaming industry, where live service games are often expected to maintain popularity to survive.
Mohammad Alavi, a key figure in the game’s development, expressed the emotional toll of the situation, 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 highlights the pressures developers face in an increasingly competitive market.
Highguard’s brief lifespan serves as a cautionary tale for other developers considering similar models. The game’s shutdown raises questions about the sustainability of live service games and the expectations placed on new titles in a crowded marketplace.
As the closure date approaches, players and industry observers alike are left to ponder the implications of Highguard’s fate. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential future projects from Wildlight Entertainment or whether they will pivot to different game models.
