Highguard's Unexpected Closure: A Final Update and Farewell
Wildlight has announced the permanent closure of Highguard on March 12, leaving players with one last chance to enjoy the game's final update. This update brings a new Warden, a powerful weapon, account level progression, and skill trees, offering a fitting send-off for the game. The news comes as a surprise to many, as Highguard had initially generated excitement at The Game Awards 2026, with Geoff Keighley praising its potential.
The game's journey, however, took an unexpected turn. Josh Sobel, a former developer, revealed that Highguard's launch was plagued by false assumptions about a million-dollar ad placement, leading to a chaotic and disappointing experience for players. The game faced immediate backlash, with downvotes and meme-filled comments sections, and a review bomb from users with minimal playtime. Despite the initial buzz, Highguard struggled to find its footing, with a 'mostly negative' user review rating on Steam.
Wildgate, the studio behind Highguard, responded swiftly, adding a 5v5 game mode to address player complaints. However, the game's fate took a turn for the worse when most of the studio was laid off, leaving the game's future uncertain. Highguard's story is a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges of game development and the impact of player expectations.
Despite the closure, Highguard's impact on the gaming community cannot be overlooked. IGN's Travis Northup praised the game's compelling gunplay, rapid updates, and Raid mode, scoring it a 7/10. The game's unique competitive matches, though lacking in certain areas, showed promise, and the team's dedication to improving it was evident. The closure marks the end of an era for Highguard, leaving players with fond memories and a sense of loss for a game that once held promise.
