Highguard to Shut Down Just 45 Days After Launch
Highguard, a free-to-play 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 shortly after its debut, has seen a significant decline in its player base since then.
Since its launch, Highguard has attracted over 2 million players, but the initial excitement quickly waned. Wildlight Entertainment announced that they would release one final patch before the game goes offline permanently. This patch will introduce a new Warden, a new weapon, account level progression, and skill trees, aiming to provide a last hurrah for its players.
The announcement of the game’s shutdown follows a tumultuous period for Wildlight Entertainment, which laid off most of its staff just 16 days after Highguard’s launch. The layoffs raised concerns about the game’s future and its ability to sustain a long-term player base. In a statement, Wildlight expressed, “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.”
Highguard was first revealed at The Game Awards 2025, generating considerable anticipation among gamers. However, the game has faced backlash since its unveiling, and user reviews have been mixed. Players have expressed disappointment over the game’s rapid decline, with one 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?”
Fans of Highguard have also voiced their frustration, with one saying, “Honestly after this, I’m good off video games. These people made a great game.” The sentiment reflects a broader disappointment within the gaming community regarding the fate of new titles that fail to maintain player engagement.
As the shutdown date approaches, players are left with a sense of loss, having invested time and energy into a game that will soon be unavailable. Wildlight’s final patch is expected to be a bittersweet farewell for the community that formed around Highguard.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future plans of Wildlight Entertainment and whether they will pursue new projects following the closure of Highguard. For now, the game’s brief existence serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by new entries in the competitive gaming market.
