Starbreeze Studios has decided to discontinue its Dungeons and Dragons project in order to concentrate on its flagship franchise, Payday. Known by the internal name Project Baxter, this game was introduced in 2023 with an expected release in 2026. While specific details about the project were scarce, it aimed to incorporate the studio’s hallmark elements of cooperative multiplayer gameplay, a commitment to ongoing engagement through a Games as a Service model, and a grand, immersive gaming experience.

Following a comprehensive strategic review, the management and board of directors have determined that it’s in the company’s best interest to redirect resources towards enhancing the Payday series. As a result of this decision, the studio anticipates incurring a non-cash impairment of approximately SEK 255 million (around £20 million).

“This was a challenging but essential choice,” commented Adolf Kristjansson, CEO of Starbreeze, in a statement. “Our strategy is straightforward: Payday is one of the most legendary intellectual properties in gaming, with exceptional reach and potential. By concentrating our investments and talent in this area, we can enhance our content delivery, engage players more effectively, and solidify Starbreeze’s leadership position in the heist genre. This focus is key to maximizing long-term value for our players, staff, and shareholders.”

The company noted that part of the team originally assigned to Project Baxter will be reassigned to various initiatives, primarily within the Payday franchise. For employees facing limited internal opportunities, Starbreeze has pledged to assist them in transitioning to new roles within the industry. The studio anticipates a reduction of around 44 full-time employees and contractors as a result of these changes.

Starbreeze highlighted that the Payday series has attracted over 50 million players worldwide, generating nearly SEK 4 billion in total gross revenue to date. “We are committed to what our players cherish—and what we excel at—excelling in the heist genre,” said Kristjansson. “Payday is not just a game; it’s a genre we pioneered and continue to dominate. By reallocating talent and resources, we aim to bring innovative advancements to heist gameplay more swiftly, while also laying the groundwork for future genre expansion.”

Earlier this year, Starbreeze secured the publishing rights for Payday 3, which faced significant challenges upon its release in 2023. This strategic acquisition is expected to allow the studio to expedite its content development plans and explore broader opportunities for expanding the Payday brand.