Wardogs sold more than one million copies on its first day of Steam Early Access, proving that tactical shooters still draw massive crowds. The game peaked at over 350,000 concurrent players, a surge that overwhelmed Bulkhead's server infrastructure. This launch volume shows that players are willing to embrace new multiplayer titles despite known technical risks.
Tactical shooter overwhelms infrastructure with massive player surge
The tactical shooter launched on September 10 in Steam Early Access for $39.99 in the US and £36.99 in the UK. Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer said the sales milestone means a huge amount to the team because they avoided blind hype. Players who bought in early are now navigating a live service environment that is still stabilizing under load.
Server infrastructure simply could not handle the launch demand, resulting in long queues and failed connections. Players experienced disconnections that kicked them from matches mid-game. Despite these technical hurdles, Steam reviews for Wardogs have improved from Mixed to Very Positive as the community adapts to the early access state.
Console versions for PS5 and Xbox are confirmed for release in 2028, giving PC players a long head start. The game does not currently support Steam Deck or other Linux-based SteamOS devices because the anti-cheat system lacks Linux compatibility. This limitation excludes handheld users from the current player base, though support could change in the future.
We looked at Mewgenics Launches on PS5, Xbox, and earlier while tracking Bulkhead launches. Wardogs remains available on PC with ongoing server fixes and a clear roadmap for console ports. The title stands as a high-volume early access launch that prioritizes player volume over immediate technical polish.
Source: NotebookCheck
