Starbreeze, the developer of the co-op first-person shooter Payday 3has revealed that while the game’s sales and player activity is “currently at a significantly lower level than we would like”, it is an “absolute priority” to ensure it “lives up to expectations”.
This was revealed in 2023 from the company end-of-year report, which was published today (February 15). In his “CEO message,” Starbreeze CEO Tobias Sjögren stated that the developer is already working with Plaion to “identify the changes we will implement,” both in the near future and beyond.
“Payday 3Sales and player activity are currently at a significantly lower level than we would like,” said Sjögren. “Our biggest focus and absolute priority, both during and after the quarter, are the efforts required to ensure the game meets expectations. We are working closely with our co-publishing partner Plaion to identify the changes we will implement, both in the short and long term, that will add the most value to the gaming experience. The Payday team will announce the changes and improvements prioritized for implementation in February.”
He added that there is no “simple recipe” to make a game that starts with “a problematic first time on the market” a more successful game in the long run. However, he added: “A common thread from the positive examples is to take player criticism to heart, dare to support your game and have an open and honest dialogue with your stakeholders.” He confirmed that this approach is “exactly” what Starbreeze is taking Payday 3.
“As a company, Starbreeze is strong, with a strong cash position and a balance sheet that is largely debt-free. Our biggest focus now and in the future is Payday 3”, Sjögren concluded. “We know what needs to be done for the game to be successful over time, and we have the financial strength, the community and the brand in place. Payday and the skills needed to execute our plan.”
For more games like Payday 3, be sure to check out our review of the best co-op gamesjust like the best FPS games.
