Wardogs beta sees massive player surge as Bulkhead Interactive shifts to open testing

The military simulation game Wardogs recently experienced a significant surge in popularity during its beta phase. Developer Bulkhead Interactive transitioned the test from a closed beta to an open beta to stress-test server performance, leading to a peak of over 245,000 concurrent players on Steam.

Despite the massive influx of players, Bulkhead Interactive CEO Joe Brammer noted that the studio is prepared for a natural decline in player counts as the initial hype subsides. Brammer stated that the developers originally planned for 5,000 concurrent players and that a fluctuating player base is a healthy cycle rather than an indicator of a failing game.

The beta period concluded on September 6, 2026. Gameplay mechanics within the title include three distinct ammunition types: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) for balanced damage, Hollow Point (HP) for increased damage against unarmored targets, and Armor Piercing (AP) for effectiveness against vehicles and armored players.