3 months after closing The Game Awards, Highguard is officially shutting down

March 4, 2026 - 17:48

Just three months after its prominent launch showcase at The Game Awards, the multiplayer shooter Highguard is closing its servers for good. Developer Wildlight has announced the immediate and permanent shutdown of the game, citing an unsustainable player base as the core reason for the decision.

In a statement, the studio expressed that despite the initial visibility from its December premiere, Highguard ultimately failed to attract and retain a large enough audience to support its live-service model. The free-to-play title, which emphasized team-based combat and hero abilities, struggled to carve out a space in the highly competitive online shooter market.

Wildlight thanked the community that did engage with the game during its brief lifespan. The shutdown marks a swift end to a project that had significant promotional backing at its inception. This closure highlights the immense challenges facing new live-service games, where initial hype must quickly translate into a dedicated, long-term community to ensure survival. Players who purchased any premium currency will be receiving full refunds through their respective platform storefronts.