Payday 3: Starbreeze Studios Confirms New Round of Layoffs

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By Gaming News
23 January 2026 1 comment

Starbreeze Studios, the developer behind the co-op shooter Payday 3, is reportedly cutting staff again. Following a rocky launch in 2023 and the subsequent firing of their CEO, the Stockholm-based company faces a fresh wave of internal difficulties. LinkedIn posts from affected employees confirm the cuts, though official numbers remain undisclosed.

Also learn about how Sidetrack Games has taken over development of Payday 2 with “The Next Chapter”!


Starbreeze Confirms Stockholm Layoffs

Reports, as confirmed by Insider Gaming, surfaced Wednesday indicating that multiple employees at the studio have received notice of layoffs. While the company has not released a formal press statement, staff members broke the silence on social media. The cuts appear to affect various departments, including Quality Assurance and production roles.

QA specialist Alexander Pereswetoff-Morath shared his departure on LinkedIn, stating, “Today, many of us at Starbreeze, Stockholm, got sad news and I’m now seeking a new role.” He noted that after seven years with the company, his time had likely come to an end.

Senior Tech Producer Sabina af Jochnick also posted that her role was identified as “at risk of redundancy,” signaling a broader restructuring effort.


Payday 3 Post-Launch Struggles

These layoffs are the latest blow in a difficult timeline for the heist shooter. The game launched in late 2023 to severe server instability and matchmaking failures. The technical state of the game was so poor that it led to the termination of then-CEO Tobias Sjögren in 2024.

The fallout extended beyond just personnel changes. Starbreeze previously announced it would significantly reduce investment for Year 2 content. Additionally, Project Baxter, a planned live-service game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, was cancelled completely as the studio attempted to stabilize its finances.

Despite these cuts, the team recently deployed Update 3.1 on January 13, adding the “Shopping Spree” heist, but with the offline mode scrapped, the future remains unclear.


Verdict: Is Payday 3 Worth the Risk?

Starbreeze is fighting to keep the ship afloat, but these layoffs suggest the water is rising. The core gameplay loop has improved since launch, and the recent updates show a pulse. However, paying full price for a live-service title with an uncertain roadmap is a gamble.

If you have a dedicated crew and want to experience the heists, the smart move is to buy only when the price drops significantly. The game offers fun moments, but the studio’s volatility makes it a “budget-only” recommendation.

Do you think Starbreeze can turn the game around with a smaller team, or is this the beginning of the end?

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A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !

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