In a recent announcement, game director Dustin Browder shared the bittersweet news regarding the future of the PvPvE game, Wildgate. Despite the dedicated efforts of developer Moonshot Games over the past year, the game has struggled to attract a sustainable player base. In a Steam update, Browder stated, “Wildgate hasn’t found a large enough audience to sustain ongoing development,” leading to the decision to halt further updates.
Future of Wildgate
However, Browder reassured fans that Wildgate is not disappearing entirely. He mentioned that the game will continue to receive occasional updates, including bug fixes, balance adjustments, and small events that will utilize existing content. New players will still have the opportunity to purchase the game across all platforms, ensuring that the community can continue to grow.
The Wildgate Discord server will transition to being managed by community members, fostering a sense of ownership among players. While this shift may raise concerns about the future of Moonshot Games, a spokesperson clarified to PC Gamer that there are no plans for layoffs at this time.
Critics have noted that Wildgate showcased significant potential but struggled to deliver a consistently engaging experience. Tyler Colp, in a review that rated the game at 60%, remarked, “It’s one of the most creative shooters I’ve played in a while, but at times I think the entire concept is better on paper than it is as a game.” He elaborated on the game’s highs and lows, stating, “At its best, Wildgate can create an entire story arc as your team rises in power, overcomes unforeseen obstacles, and eventually beats the odds. At its worst, Wildgate gives you 30-minute slogs where nobody is quite sure what to do until another more coordinated team dismantles your ship before you can even react.”
Despite receiving a “mostly positive” user rating on Steam, the game’s audience dwindled shortly after its launch. Even with subsequent updates aimed at enhancing the player experience, including PvE-focused modes and the introduction of a free trial version, the player base did not rebound as hoped. As Moonshot Games looks ahead, there is hope that their next project will resonate more deeply with gamers.
