Starbreeze Acknowledges Error in Payday 2 Subscription Model and Price Hike for Infamous Collection DLC Bundle

Starbreeze Launches Optional Subscription for Payday 2

Starbreeze Studios has recently unveiled an optional subscription model for their cooperative heist-based first-person shooter, Payday 2. This subscription grants players automatic access to a staggering collection of over 65 downloadable content (DLC) packs. Players can choose between a monthly, auto-renewing subscription priced at $4.99 or opt for a biannual plan at a discounted rate of $19.99, representing a savings of 31% compared to the monthly plan.

Retention of Progress After Cancellation

Players who decide to subscribe to this new model can rest easy knowing that any progress they make in the game—such as their level, accumulated money, and inventory—will remain intact even if they choose to cancel their subscription later. However, it’s important to note that any DLC content they possessed, including weapons, characters, heists, and masks, will become inaccessible. Subscribers can reclaim access either by renewing their subscription or by purchasing the relevant DLC individually.

Community Response to Price Changes

The launch of this subscription option was marred by controversy when Starbreeze also opted to reduce the discount on the popular Infamous Collection bundle, which encompasses all existing Payday 2 DLCs. The discount plummeted from a considerable 52% to just 33%, prompting significant backlash from the community. This shift led to a decline in user reviews on Steam, with current ratings hovering at 54%, while overall reviews still maintain a more favorable rating of 87%.Many fans perceived this move as an opportunistic strategy to nudge players toward subscribing.

In a statement released to Game Developer, Gustav Nisser, the Head of Commercial at Starbreeze, openly acknowledged the misstep, confirming that the discount on the Infamous Collection has now been restored to its original 52%.

“We dropped the ball on coordinating internally and communicating with our community properly, ” Nisser explained.“The negative reaction makes complete sense, and the community has made it clear how the price change and its timing looks from the outside. We agree with the community; we messed up on this one, and we have reverted the price on the bundle effective immediately. In hindsight, we should have realized how it would seem.” He further clarified that since the bundle only charges for items the player does not own, and the bundle discount accumulates with any other existing discounts, the actual price can vary significantly.

Caution Amid Commercial Struggles

In light of Payday 3‘s disappointing commercial performance, as confirmed by Embracer Group, the parent company of publisher Deep Silver, Starbreeze must tread carefully with its flagship intellectual property. Maintaining goodwill among its player base is crucial for the future of the franchise.

Looking Ahead: Project Baxter

The Swedish studio’s upcoming venture is an adaptation of a well-known licensed franchise: Dungeons and Dragons. Tentatively titled Project Baxter, this online cooperative game is slated for release in 2026, marking a new chapter for Starbreeze.

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