It’s been less than a month since its release and Payday 3 is still struggling to maintain its player base. Starbreeze, the developer behind the game, recently announced that a crucial update aimed at addressing the games problems will be postponed, casting further doubt on the game’s long-term viability.
Payday 3’s launch has been far from smooth. Players have faced numerous issues, the most notable of which is the constant requirement for an internet connection, leading to a range of network-related problems. These issues have been a significant factor in driving players away from the game, with many citing the unstable online experience as a deal-breaker.
Initially slated for a mid-October release, the first major update designed to resolve many of these issues has been delayed indefinitely. Starbreeze cited “unresolved issues that need further attention” as the reason for the postponement. While the developer has apologised for the delay and poor communication, promising that the patch remains their top priority, this has done little to assuage concerns.
The impact of these problems is quantifiable: Payday 3’s player count on Steam has plummeted by almost 90% in just over three weeks. Meanwhile, Payday 2, the previous instalment in the series, boasts a player base nearly ten times larger than its successor on the same platform, serving as a glaring indicator of the newer game’s struggles.
Fans are increasingly skeptical about Payday 3’s future, especially with the imminent releases of blockbuster titles like Spider-Man 2 this week and Modern Warfare III in a month. These high-profile launches could further divert players from Payday 3, exacerbating its already precarious situation.
Starbreeze has indicated that the extra time being taken for the delayed patch is intended to ensure the quality and timeliness of future updates. However, given the current state of affairs, there’s a growing consensus that the game may never recover.