Starbreeze has introduced a new subscription service for Payday 2 downloadable content (DLC), offering players access to all available DLC for a monthly fee of . This flexible subscription model allows users to subscribe and cancel at their discretion, presenting what many consider a compelling deal. However, the launch has inadvertently highlighted a contentious issue surrounding the recent price hike of the Infamous Collection, a comprehensive bundle that includes all current Payday 2 DLC for outright purchase.
Price Increase Sparks Controversy
In the weeks leading up to the subscription service’s debut, the price of the Infamous Collection surged from 8 to 0, a move that many players interpreted as an attempt to steer them towards the new subscription option. Gustav Nisser, Starbreeze’s head of commercial, addressed these concerns, asserting that there was no intentional connection between the two events. He described the timing as “unfortunate” and acknowledged that the studio had “dropped the ball” in terms of communication with its fanbase.
Despite Nisser’s reassurances, skepticism among the Payday community remained palpable. In response to the backlash, Starbreeze has opted to revert the Infamous Collection’s pricing back to its original discount structure. Nisser expressed regret over the situation, stating, “The community has been pretty clear about how it looks next to the subscription launch—and they’re not wrong, it’s terrible timing.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency, noting that they had failed to communicate the price changes effectively.
The adjustment in the Infamous Collection’s pricing was part of a broader “general pricing review,” which determined that the previous 52% discount was excessive, especially when combined with other individual DLC discounts. Nisser clarified that the core issue for many players was not merely the new price but the lack of prior notice, which fostered a perception that Starbreeze was attempting to nudge players towards the subscription service.
“If we had realized the change would be happening so close to the subscription launch, we wouldn’t have done it,” Nisser stated. He acknowledged the missteps in both internal coordination and community communication, admitting that the resulting confusion was understandable. “For better or worse that’s not the case, literally just a mishap,” he added.
Starbreeze is acutely aware of the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with its player base. Despite being a 12-year-old title, Payday 2 continues to attract tens of thousands of players daily on Steam, while its successor, Payday 3, is still in development and has yet to reach a peak concurrent player count that rivals its predecessor. As Starbreeze navigates these challenges, it remains essential for the company to keep its loyal community engaged and satisfied.
