In a recent update, Gustav Nisser, the head of commercial at Starbreeze, addressed concerns regarding the recent price increase of the Infamous Collection, which bundles all downloadable content (DLC) for Payday 2. He clarified that this price hike was “completely unrelated” to the launch of their new subscription service.
The Evolution of Ownership in Gaming
The gaming landscape has shifted dramatically over the years. Once upon a time, players cherished the tactile experience of owning a physical cartridge for their Game Boy Color. Today, digital downloads reign supreme, often leaving consumers at the mercy of publishers who can revoke access at any moment. The introduction of subscription services, such as Game Pass, has further transformed how players engage with their favorite titles. The launch of a subscription service for Payday 2 in 2025 may not have been anticipated, but it reflects the current trajectory of the industry.
With an impressive 65 pieces of DLC available for Payday 2, acquiring the complete set can be quite a financial commitment, costing approximately 0.77 / £145.33. To alleviate this burden, Starbreeze has introduced a subscription model that allows players to access all DLC for a monthly fee. For just .99 / £3.99 per month or .99 / £15.99 for a six-month subscription, gamers can immerse themselves in over a decade of thrilling heists.
Nisser emphasized the intention behind the subscription service, stating, “We want to give players greater flexibility in how they experience the game. The subscription service makes it simple and cost-effective to enjoy everything Payday 2 has to offer.” While the game is celebrated as one of the best first-person shooters for cooperative play, the timing of this subscription offering raises eyebrows amidst a saturated market of existing services.
For players looking to dive into a few missions for a limited time, the subscription may seem appealing. However, many gamers are already navigating a plethora of subscription services spanning music, television, and gaming, making the addition of another for a single title from 2013 a challenging proposition. Fortunately, players still retain the option to purchase DLC outright, albeit with the caveat that a Steam purchase does not equate to true ownership.
Adding to the complexity, it was noted that Starbreeze had raised the price of the Infamous Collection just three weeks prior, nearly doubling it from £100.29 (~4.72) to its current price of 0.77 / £145.33. Earlier this year, the bundle was available for as low as £80.71 (~8.42), making the introduction of a subscription service feel somewhat disingenuous. In response to the backlash, Nisser acknowledged the miscommunication within the company, stating, “We dropped the ball on coordinating internally and communicating with our community properly. The negative reaction makes complete sense, and the community has made it clear how the price change and its timing looks from the outside. We agree with the community; we messed up on this one, and we have reverted the price on the bundle effective immediately.”
Payday 2 is currently available for .99 / £8.50, with the subscription option priced at .99 / £3.99 per month or .99 / £15.99 for six months. Players can download the game or sign up for the subscription on Steam.
For those eager to enjoy cooperative gameplay, exploring the best co-op games might be a worthwhile endeavor. Alternatively, if you have a penchant for the criminal underworld, consider delving into the best crime games available.
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