WARDOGS beta test surpasses 160,000 concurrent players

The final beta test for the military FPS WARDOGS, developed by BULKHEAD and published by Team17, has seen a massive surge in player interest. As of September 4, the game surpassed 160,000 concurrent players, breaking the previous beta record of approximately 105,000 by more than 50,000 users.

WARDOGS is a large-scale shooter featuring up to 100 players divided into three teams competing for control zones across a 256-square-kilometer map. The gameplay incorporates a “capital growth system” where players earn funds through combat and support to purchase weapons and vehicles. The title is scheduled to enter early access on Steam on September 11, 2026.

BULKHEAD CEO and Executive Producer Joe Brammer expressed surprise at the high engagement levels on social media. The game has previously gained attention for its marketing, including a video titled “10 Reasons Not to Buy It,” which preceded the game reaching over one million wishlists on Steam.