Stockholm, Sweden – The highly anticipated release of Payday 3 in 2023 turned into a major disappointment for fans and developers alike. With poor reviews, a negative Steam rating, and players flocking back to Payday 2, it became clear that the new installment had not lived up to expectations. Months later, the game still struggled to meet sales projections, prompting the removal of Starbreeze’s CEO as the company sought a new direction in leadership.
Upon its launch in September 2023, Payday 3 encountered numerous technical issues, including broken servers and faulty matchmaking on its first day. Even after addressing these initial problems, the game continued to face criticism for lacking essential features like solo play options and quick match entry. In response to the widespread discontent, developers announced plans in February 2024 to focus on addressing player demands and improving the game’s overall experience.
Despite efforts to salvage the game, Payday 3’s failure to meet sales expectations painted a grim picture for the future of the franchise. SteamDB data revealed that the game struggled to maintain an active player base, with fewer than 400 online users most days, compared to the over 25,000 players still engaging with Payday 2. This disparity underscored the magnitude of Payday 3’s underperformance and its impact on the gaming community.
In a significant development on March 12, Starbreeze’s board of directors announced the immediate removal of CEO Tobias Sjögren, citing the need for “different leadership” to steer the company in a new direction. Juergen Goeldner, a board member and former CEO of Focus Home Interactive, was appointed as the interim CEO during the transition period. The decision marked a pivotal moment for Starbreeze as it embarked on a search for a permanent CEO to redefine its future trajectory.
Torgny Hellström, Chairman of Starbreeze, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating compelling games based on both original and licensed intellectual properties. The decision to change leadership was a strategic move to realign the execution of this vision with the company’s goals. With Goeldner’s extensive industry experience, Starbreeze aimed to navigate the challenges ahead and regain its footing within the gaming industry.
Looking ahead, the removal of CEO Sjögren signals a significant shift in Starbreeze’s leadership structure, catalyzing a period of transition and transformation for the company. As Starbreeze navigates this new chapter, the gaming community eagerly anticipates how these changes will shape the future of the Payday franchise and the company as a whole.