Highguard shutdown confirmed: servers close March 12

Wildlight has confirmed that Highguard will permanently shut down on March 12, according to the developer's announcement today. The studio cited an inability to build a sustainable player base to support the game long-term, despite attracting over 2 million players since launch.

Why is Highguard shutting down?

According to Wildlight, the decision comes down to player retention. '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 studio said in their announcement.

This follows previous concerns about the game's future when the official website experienced extended downtime. Highguard released in a rush and unfinished state, we found. The map was huge for 3v3 matches, the lack of PvE content made the game feel empty, and while the gameplay loop showed promise, it felt like a first draft that was pushed as the final release.

The closure reflects a broader trend of online game shutdowns affecting studios worldwide, from Amazon's cancelled Lord of the Rings MMO to recent Meta studio closures.

What's included in Highguard's final update?

Wildlight is releasing one last content update before the shutdown, targeting tonight or tomorrow morning for deployment. The final patch includes several new features that the development team has been working on since the game's original launch.

The update adds a new Warden character, expanding the roster with what appears to be the final playable option for the game. Players will also get access to a new weapon, though specific details about its capabilities weren't disclosed in the announcement.

More significantly, the update introduces account level progression and skill trees — systems that weren't present at launch. These additions suggest the development team was working on longer-term player retention features, though they arrive too late to change the game's fate.

It's not a last-ditch effort but simply to ship whatever the development team has worked on for months after the release, we believe. This allows Wildlight to end on a positive note by delivering content that was already in development.

What this means for players

Highguard's servers will remain online until the March 12 shutdown date, giving current players roughly one week to experience the final content and say goodbye to the game. The timing suggests Wildlight wanted to give players advance notice while providing one last meaningful update.

For the 2 million players who experienced Highguard since launch, the closure represents the end of a unique multiplayer experience. The game's 3v3 format and fantasy setting distinguished it from other online shooters, though ultimately not enough to maintain a viable player base.

UAE players who invested time in Highguard will need to find alternative online games, as no successor or migration path has been announced. The expanding MENA gaming market continues to grow, but Highguard won't be part of that future.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Highguard shutting down?

Highguard will permanently shut down on March 12, 2024. Servers will remain online until this date, giving players roughly one week from the announcement.

What is included in Highguard's final update?

The final update adds a new Warden character, a new weapon, account level progression systems, and skill trees. Wildlight is targeting tonight or tomorrow morning for the patch release.

Why is Wildlight shutting down Highguard?

Wildlight stated they have not been able to build a sustainable player base to support the game long-term, despite attracting over 2 million players since launch and the team's passion for the project.

Can players still access Highguard before shutdown?

Yes, servers remain fully operational until March 12. Players can continue playing and will have access to the final content update before the permanent closure.

Will there be any compensation for players?

Wildlight's announcement did not mention any compensation or refund programmes for players. The focus appears to be on providing final content and keeping servers online until closure.

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