Payday 3 is currently facing challenges in attracting a player base, with SteamDB reporting a modest count of just over 500 concurrent players. In stark contrast, its predecessor, Payday 2, continues to thrive, boasting around 27,000 players even after 12 years since its launch. This disparity poses a significant concern for Starbreeze, a studio renowned for its innovative games but which has predominantly focused on the Payday franchise in recent years.
The enduring popularity of Payday 2 has necessitated ongoing support, leading to the introduction of a subscription service for its extensive DLC offerings. While some players have expressed reservations about this new model, it has generally been well-received as a valuable addition to the game.
New Developments with Sidetrack
Starbreeze has recently partnered with Sidetrack, a team with strong ties to the Payday modding community. Their previous work on RAID: World War II demonstrated their ability to deliver quality updates consistently. The team is well-versed in the intricacies of the Payday 2 engine and has already commenced work on enhancing the game.
Players can anticipate the first update from Sidetrack on Thursday, October 23, which aims to enhance game stability and overall player experience. This collaboration marks a significant opportunity for Sidetrack, as they will now contribute to both RAID: World War II and Payday 2.
While the news of Sidetrack’s involvement is promising for Payday 2 enthusiasts, the spotlight remains on Starbreeze as it seeks to revitalize Payday 3. The initial launch of the game was met with considerable criticism, with developers acknowledging it as a “bad experience.” However, the studio remains committed to improving the game, as evidenced by their recent decision to cancel a Dungeons and Dragons project to focus more intently on Payday 3’s future.
Gustav Nisser, Starbreeze’s head of commercial, reiterated the company’s renewed commitment to the franchise, stating, “As our new CEO Adolf [Kristjansson] has mentioned in recent interviews, we are increasing our focus on Payday as a whole and Payday 3 in particular.” In a statement released on October 3, Starbreeze announced plans to more than double the team size dedicated to Payday, expressing their ambition to not only address existing issues but to exceed player expectations, aiming to deliver a game that remains exceptional for years to come.
