Sony issuing automatic refunds to gamers who paid for additional Highguard content

Sony is issuing automatic refunds to PlayStation gamers who purchased additional content for the short-lived hero shooter title.

Sony is reportedly issuing automatic refunds to players who purchased additional content in Highguard, following the game’s rapid shutdown.

The move comes after developer Wildlight took Highguard permanently offline on March 12 — just weeks after launching on January 26.

While the title initially drew strong interest, with Steam concurrent player numbers nearing 100,000, engagement quickly dropped off amid negative reviews and player backlash.

Now, players have begun reporting that Sony is proactively refunding purchases tied to in-game content.

One Reddit user wrote: “I honestly didn’t care for a refund. I enjoyed the game and enjoyed supporting it, but if you were looking for a refund, they are sending them out.”

At the time of writing, similar refund efforts have not been widely reported on other platforms, suggesting Sony may be taking a more direct approach for PlayStation users.

Highguard’s short lifespan has drawn comparisons to Concord, another PlayStation-published live service title that was pulled offline shortly after launch due to low player numbers. In that case, Sony also issued refunds before ultimately shutting down developer Firewalk Studios.

Despite attempts to course-correct — including the addition of a 5v5 mode in response to criticism of its original 3v3 format — Highguard struggled to retain players.

Former developer Alex Graner suggested the game’s competitive focus may have alienated casual audiences and added that the title’s layered objectives and team reliance made it difficult for new players to get into.

He explained: “3v3 duos is always the sweatiest version of anything… it doesn’t leave much room for casualness.”

With servers going dark after just 45 days, Sony’s refund initiative appears aimed at mitigating player frustration — and avoiding further damage to its live service ambitions.