The developer behind the popular heist series Payday, Starbreeze, announced on Thursday that they have canceled a cooperative Dungeons & Dragons title that was in development at the studio. Codenamed Project Baxter, the decision to cancel the title was part of an ongoing shift in focus to the Payday series, which last saw release in 2023 with Payday 3.
CEO of Starbreeze, Adolf Kristjansson stated in a Press Release:
This was a difficult but necessary decision. Where internal opportunities are limited, Starbreeze will provide active support for affected employees to transition to new roles across the industry.
As part of this restructure, he stated that many members of the Baxter team will be relocated within the company, in particular, being placed on the Payday development team. However, it was also stated that not all members of the team will be relocated, with some people seemingly being laid off as part of this cancellation.
Originally announced in 2023, Starbreeze stated that this Dungeons & Dragons title would feature “feature the signature game cornerstones” the studio was known for, with this being the focus on multiplayer co-op, something that their Payday series has often been praised for. In addition, they pointed to their “lifetime commitment” towards their service games and community. Originally intended to be released in 2026, Starbreeze has largely remained quiet about the project, save for some concept art it had showcased.
This cancellation turns the studio’s full focus back to Payday 3, with Kristjansson stating, “We are doubling down on what our players love – and what we do best – owning the heisting genre.” The title initially launched to a mixed reception, with some of the mechanics being praised as an improvement over its predecessor, but the overall package was found to be lacking. This being said, Starbreeze has already taken a focus on improving the game, with the studio addressing many fan complaints about it.
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