Highguard to Shut Down Just 45 Days After Launch
Highguard, a 3v3 multiplayer shooter developed by Wildlight Entertainment and published by Tencent, is set to shut down on March 12, 2026, a mere 45 days after its launch on January 26, 2026. The game reached a peak of 97,249 players on Steam, but struggled to maintain a sustainable player base.
Despite its initial success in attracting players, Highguard’s regular concurrent player count hovered around 400 on Steam, with at least double that number on PS5. Overall, the game managed to attract 2 million players, but the numbers were not sufficient for long-term support, leading to the decision to discontinue the service.
Wildlight Entertainment has announced that they will release one final patch before the shutdown, which will introduce a new Warden, a new weapon, account level progression, and skill trees. This move aims to provide a last experience for players who have supported the game during its brief existence.
The development of Highguard was reportedly backed by Tencent, a major player in the gaming industry. However, the game’s launch was met with controversy and online backlash, which may have contributed to its rapid decline in player engagement.
Following the poor performance of Highguard, Wildlight Entertainment faced mass layoffs, highlighting the challenges faced by game developers in an increasingly competitive market. The company’s statement reflects a sense of disappointment, as they acknowledged, “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 creator, Mohammad Alavi, expressed his frustration with 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 sentiment resonates with many developers who strive to create engaging experiences for players amidst the pressures of public opinion.
As the shutdown date approaches, players have voiced their concerns and disappointment. One user 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 expressed their disillusionment with the gaming industry, stating, “Honestly after this, I’m good off video games. These people made a great game.” These reactions reflect the emotional investment players have in games and the impact of sudden shutdowns on their gaming experiences.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future of Wildlight Entertainment and whether they will pursue new projects following the closure of Highguard. The gaming community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and what it means for the studio’s future endeavors.
