Live Service Games
Ongoing coverage on Live Service Games.
Latest coverage
Perfect Ten: Why MMORPGs have ruined me for other video games
This opinion piece argues that MMORPGs have significantly impacted the author's gaming habits, making it difficult to enjoy other genres. The author highlights how MMORPGs offer persistent progression, character attachment, a wide variety of activities, continuous updates, and crucial social interaction, making them a preferred 'comfort food' for gaming.
Highguard director shares stats and thoughts on the game's failure, denies conspiracy theories about where it all went wrong: 'Nobody will know the true story of the studio or game'
Wildlight Entertainment has shut down its live service game Highguard after only 37 days due to unsustainable revenue, despite attracting over two million players. Studio head Chad Grenier shared performance insights and denied conspiracy theories, stating that the team made mistakes and the game simply didn't resonate with players. Tencent had previously pulled its funding for the project.
PlayStation Will No Longer Publish Its Singleplayer Games On PC, Says New Report
Sony's PlayStation division is reportedly reversing its strategy of releasing single-player exclusives on PC, with titles like Ghost of Yotei now slated to remain on PlayStation 5. While live-service and online games will still launch on PC, this shift aims to bolster console sales and protect the PlayStation brand, despite some past PC releases achieving significant success.
Final Fantasy 11 locks down yet another server as overpopulation continues to hit Final Fantasy 14's predecessor, over two decades after its original launch
Final Fantasy XI is experiencing significant server congestion, leading Square Enix to close off its Odin server to new players starting March 10, 2026. This marks the third server closure in less than a year due to overpopulation, a rare issue for an MMORPG over two decades old. The surge in popularity is occurring despite the release of Final Fantasy XIV's Dawntrail expansion.
Highguard will shut down just 45 days after launch — 'We are witnessing the era of two month lifespan…
Wildlight Entertainment has announced that its online shooter Highguard will shut down on March 12, 2026, just 45 days after its January 26, 2026 launch. The studio cited an inability to build a sustainable player base despite over two million players engaging with the game. This closure follows a trend of high-profile live-service game failures, including Sony's Concord.
PlayStation Reportedly No Longer Releasing Single Player Games On PC | Console Creatures
PlayStation is reportedly shifting its PC strategy, moving away from releasing single-player exclusives on the platform and focusing instead on live service titles. This change aims to make its consoles more attractive by keeping major single-player offerings exclusive. While some games like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will still come to PC, the era of PlayStation single-player exclusives on PC appears to be ending.
Marathon roadmap: All upcoming updates
Bungie has outlined the roadmap for its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, detailing content updates for its first three seasons. The game will feature new maps, playable classes, weapons, and game modes, with seasonal server wipes intended to refresh the gameplay loop. Marathon aims to compete in the live service space against titles like Arc Raiders.
Sony Returns to PlayStation Exclusivity and Stops Single Player PC Ports, New Report Says
A new report indicates Sony will cease porting its first-party single-player games to PC, keeping them exclusive to PlayStation consoles like the PlayStation 5. Live service titles will still be released on other platforms. This shift is attributed to concerns about brand damage and potential impact on console sales, though plans are subject to change.
Marathon launch times and release date
Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon will launch on March 5, 2024, at 6 pm UTC on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game will feature mandatory server wipes every three months, with new maps and ranked modes rolling out post-launch. Preloading is available for those who have pre-ordered the game.
Highguard shutting down this month as live service obsession claims new victim
Wildlight Entertainment's hero shooter Highguard will permanently shut down on March 12, 2026, less than two months after its January 26 launch. Despite initial strong player numbers, the game failed to maintain a sustainable audience, leading to staff layoffs and Tencent reportedly pulling funding. The game's director, Chad Grenier, shared player statistics indicating PlayStation 5 as the primary platform and the US as the largest audience.
World of Warcraft: Midnight Expansion Goes Live for All Players
The MMORPG expansion World of Warcraft: Midnight has officially launched for all players, concluding its early access period. This launch marks a significant moment for the long-running game, positioning it for its next phase amidst a competitive gaming landscape. Blizzard Entertainment's decision to move from early access to full availability aims to balance rewarding dedicated players with broad accessibility.
PlayStation May Stop Releasing Single-Player Games on PC
Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier suggests Sony Interactive Entertainment may cease releasing traditional single-player PlayStation exclusives on PC, citing concerns about brand damage and console sales. While live-service titles are expected to continue launching on PC, games like Marvel's Wolverine are reportedly planned for PlayStation 5 only. This potential shift does not appear to affect third-party published titles.
Highguard's failure is emblematic of something that has tormented videogame investors for years now: past live service hits do not equal future live service hits
The failure of live service games like Highguard highlights a persistent problem for investors: past success does not guarantee future hits. Even experienced developers like those from Apex Legends and major companies like Riot Games and Valve have struggled to replicate live service success, leading to cancellations and layoffs across the industry.
Highguard is sunsetting on March 12 following just 45 days of life
Highguard is shutting down on March 12, just 45 days after its January 26 launch. Studio Wildlight cited a failure to build a long-term sustainable player population. A final patch will include a new Warden, weapon, account progression, and skill trees before the game's closure.
Ghost of Yōtei Was Planned for PC But Not Anymore, Saros to Also Remain PS5-Exclusive – Rumor
Rumors suggest that Sony's single-player titles, including Ghost of Yōtei and Saros, will no longer be released on PC, despite Ghost of Yōtei initially being planned for the platform. This alleged shift in strategy is reportedly due to concerns within PlayStation about impacting sales for current and future consoles and the overall brand.
RIP Highguard: In a better world, an FPS is allowed to be unpopular
Wildlight Entertainment announced that its 3v3 raid shooter Highguard will shut down on March 12, just 45 days after its launch. Despite having a dedicated player base, the game was reportedly cut due to its backer, Tencent, withdrawing funding after it failed to become a major hit. The article criticizes the trend of live service games being quickly discarded rather than exploring options for continued play.
Highguard has raided its last fortress, will shutdown on March 12
Wildlight Studios announced that its live-service multiplayer shooter Highguard will permanently shut down on March 12, just 46 days after its launch. Despite efforts to add new content and support from over two million players, the game failed to build a sustainable player base. Factors contributing to its demise include a lack of marketing post-announcement, dwindling player counts, and reportedly, Tencent pulling funding.
Highguard Permanently Shutting Down March 12, One Final Update Announced | Console Creatures
The free-to-play hero shooter Highguard will permanently shut down on March 12, after a short and unsuccessful run since its late January launch. Wildlight Entertainment, which recently laid off most of its staff, will release one final update adding a new Warden, weapon, account progression, and skill trees before service ends. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.
Highguard is permanently shutting down barely a month after its debut
Wildlight Entertainment announced that its multiplayer live service shooter Highguard will permanently shut down on March 12, 2026, less than a year after its launch. Despite efforts and a player base of over 2 million, the studio cited an inability to sustain the game long-term. A final content update will be released this week before the servers go offline.
Highguard Is Shutting Down Just 46 Days After Launching
The live-service shooter Highguard is shutting down on March 12, just 46 days after its launch, due to an unsustainable player base. Despite a strong initial launch with over 100,000 concurrent players on Steam, player numbers dropped rapidly. Developers cited the inability to build a long-term player base as the reason for the closure.
