Sony’s refund policies are known to be strict. However, some PS5 players have recently noticed an unusual gesture on the part of the manufacturer. After the rapid closure of a free-to-play game launched in early 2026, automatic refunds were reportedly made for in-app purchases.
Highguard closes two months after launch
On January 26, 2026, Wildlight Entertainment studio launched Highguard, a free-to-play shooter focused on heroes. However, the title closed its servers on March 12, 2026, making the game completely unplayable less than two months after its release. While the closure of a game service is not unprecedented, its speed surprised many players, particularly those who had invested in in-app purchases. In theory, the general conditions of use do not guarantee any reimbursement in this type of situation.
Automatic refunds on PS5
On Reddit, several PS5 users claim to have received automatic refunds for their Highguard-related in-app purchases. According to these testimonies, no prior request would have been necessary. The credits would have been paid directly by Sony.
At this point, no similar reports have emerged on other platforms. The automated and limited nature of the PS5 suggests that the decision would come directly from Sony and not from the Wildlight Entertainment studio.
An unusual decision for Sony
Sony generally has a particularly strict refund policy on the PlayStation Store. This gesture could be explained by a large volume of reimbursement requests or by considerations linked to certain consumer protection legislation. As of now, neither Sony nor Wildlight Entertainment have officially commented on the situation.
A precedent in a tense context
This information comes shortly after the announcement of the closure of another PS5 exclusive game, for which no refund is planned. Service game management remains a sensitive topic in the industry, particularly when a shutdown occurs quickly after launch. In the case of Highguard, Sony’s quick response appears to have eased some of the frustration among affected players.