October 14th 2023.
Payday 3 has been a major disappointment for fans, with many unimpressed by the newly released installment of the well-established franchise. It was an especially bitter pill to swallow considering the anticipation of its predecessor and the well-earned rest it deserved.
Sequels have the potential to be amazing. We have seen it with classics like Halo 2, Portal 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, Half-Life 2, Silent Hill 2, and even Shrek 2. Each of these titles introduced extra depth, fresh gameplay mechanics, and world-building that gave fans more of what they wanted in an innovative and creative manner.
Unfortunately, Payday 3 has not been able to hit the mark. It has an attractive price point, improved visuals, and interesting new game mechanics. But the majority of the characters are gone, thanks to an awkward plot point. This is in part understandable, due to having to monetize the game in the long term. But the production value has dropped in comparison to Payday 2's neat live action backgrounds, making the game feel much less alive.
Moreover, the matchmaking experience is rough, and there is no proper single-player option for those who simply want to have fun. The gunplay is still fun, but the lack of weapon modifications and akimbo variants make it feel like a shadow of its former self. Payday 3 seems to be simply a way to make money and keep major companies afloat.
Phil Spencer's remarks on the gaming industry are spot on. Sequels are becoming too often just a way to keep an IP's name in the game, providing little in terms of innovation. It's a real shame, as Starbreeze had their hands forced to make this game in order to support them getting back into the game. It leaves us feeling cheated, as the mismanagement and pressure to deliver has resulted in another sequel that is simply here to push an IP for the sake of it.
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