Starbreeze has recently shared insights into the performance of their latest release, Payday 3, and the news isn't as positive as fans might have hoped. In their end-of-year report for 2023, the company opened up about the game's underwhelming performance, revealing that net sales for the year stood at approximately 60.5 million USD, a figure significantly impacted by Payday 3's failure to meet expectations.
The CEO of Starbreeze didn't mince words, stating that both sales and player activity for Payday 3 were considerably lower than anticipated. The company, along with its co-publishing partner Plaion, is now focused on identifying and implementing necessary changes to enhance the game's appeal. These changes, aimed at both short-term and long-term improvements, are expected to be announced by the Payday team in February.
Despite Payday 3's struggles, it's not all doom and gloom for Starbreeze. The company reported that Payday 2 is performing better than expected, with 400,000 active players in single months during the quarter. This resurgence of interest in Payday 2 highlights the franchise's enduring appeal and presents an opportunity for Starbreeze to potentially convert these players to Payday 3 enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, Starbreeze remains optimistic about its financial position and its ability to grow its employee base in 2023. The company is also working on Project Baxter, a live-service Dungeons & Dragons game slated for launch in 2026, signaling its commitment to expanding its portfolio and exploring new opportunities.
This report serves as a candid acknowledgment of the challenges facing Payday 3 and Starbreeze's determination to address them. As the gaming community awaits further updates, there's hope that the beloved franchise can bounce back stronger and better aligned with player expectations.
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