The gaming industry has seen its fair share of live-service disappointments, and the latest one, Highguard, is no exception. A game that promised so much, yet failed to deliver, is now shutting down, leaving players and developers alike wondering what went wrong.
Highguard, a free-to-play shooter developed by Wildlight Entertainment, is calling it quits less than two months after its launch. Despite the talent behind the game, including former Apex Legends and Call of Duty developers, Highguard struggled to find its footing and maintain a dedicated player base.
The announcement came as a surprise to many, as Wildlight had initially planned a stealth launch, similar to Apex Legends' successful debut in 2019. However, they opted to showcase Highguard at The Game Awards 2025, a decision that, in hindsight, might have been a risky move.
But here's where it gets controversial... Highguard did manage to attract a significant number of players initially, with nearly 100,000 concurrent users on Steam alone. But the game's popularity was short-lived. Player counts rapidly declined, and by the time a month had passed, Highguard was struggling to maintain even 1,000 concurrent players.
Wildlight wasn't sitting idle, though. They actively tried to address player concerns and improve the game. Updates were rolled out, introducing new modes, heroes, and features to enhance the gameplay experience. But despite their efforts, the player base continued to shrink.
And this is the part most people miss... Highguard's closure wasn't solely due to gameplay issues. Financial troubles also played a significant role. Wildlight reportedly laid off most of its team just two weeks after launch, as their financial backer, Tencent, pulled funding. According to a Bloomberg report, the staff was under pressure to hit specific metrics, such as retention rates, which they failed to achieve.
Our reviewer, Ford James, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Highguard's biggest issue was having "too many ideas." The game attempted to blend various elements from different genres, resulting in awkward pacing and an overall confusing experience.
So, what can we learn from Highguard's failure? It's a reminder that even with talented developers and a promising concept, live-service games require a delicate balance of gameplay, player engagement, and financial stability. Highguard's story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges and risks associated with this increasingly popular gaming model.
What are your thoughts on Highguard's closure? Do you think the game had potential, or was it doomed from the start? Feel free to share your opinions and join the discussion in the comments below!
