Highguard to Shut Down 45 Days After Launch
Highguard, a 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 shortly after its release, has struggled to maintain a sustainable player base, leading to the decision to close its servers permanently.
According to Wildlight Entertainment, Highguard attracted approximately 2 million players overall, but the developer cited an inability to build a long-term player community as the primary reason for the shutdown. “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,” a spokesperson for the studio stated.
The game was initially met with enthusiasm, reaching a significant player count shortly after its launch. However, it faced considerable backlash online, with many players expressing disappointment over the rapid decline in its player base. Critics have pointed out the irony of shutting down a game that had garnered a dedicated following so quickly after its debut.
Highguard was described as a 3v3 multiplayer shooter and was developed by Wildlight Entertainment, a new studio reportedly backed by Tencent. The game’s launch followed a controversial reveal at The Game Awards 2025, which may have set the stage for its struggles in the competitive gaming market.
In response to the impending shutdown, Wildlight Entertainment announced that a final patch will be released before the servers go offline. This patch is expected to add new content, providing players with a last opportunity to enjoy the game before its closure. The servers will officially go offline at 3 AM ET on March 12, 2026, or 8 AM GMT.
The decision to shut down Highguard has also resulted in significant layoffs at Wildlight Entertainment, further highlighting the challenges faced by new studios in the gaming industry. Many fans have taken to social media to express their sadness over the news, with one player lamenting, “So sad I been playing all week with the boys man we crushing it on 5v5.” Others have questioned the rationale behind launching a live service game only to close it without giving it a fair chance to evolve.
As the countdown to the shutdown continues, players have expressed mixed feelings about the game’s brief lifespan. Some have voiced their frustration, with one user stating, “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 player remarked, “Honestly after this, I’m good off video games. These people made a great game.” Observers are left to ponder the implications of this closure for the future of new game launches and the sustainability of player engagement in an ever-evolving market.