Payday 2 Lives On: Starbreeze Partners with Sidetrack for Updates
The heisting isn't over yet for a legion of dedicated fans. In a move that reaffirms its commitment to one of gaming's most enduring communities, publisher Starbreeze has announced a new partnership to continue developing content for the beloved co-op shooter, Payday 2. The decade-old title will receive ongoing support from Sidetrack Games, a studio with deep roots in the Payday community, which will now spearhead future updates for the PC version of the game.
This development signals a bright future for the classic title, which has maintained a loyal player base even after the release of its successor. The collaboration allows Starbreeze to maintain its "full focus" on improving Payday 3 while ensuring that Payday 2 players continue to receive the new content and quality-of-life improvements they have come to expect.
A Familiar Crew Takes the Helm
For veteran players, the name Sidetrack Games may be new, but the talent behind it is anything but. The studio was founded by members of the well-respected "M.U.G. Team," a group of prolific and highly-regarded modders from within the Payday 2 community. This background provides them with an intimate understanding of the game's mechanics, its community's desires, and the technical intricacies of its engine.
Their experience isn't limited to fan-made content. The team at Sidetrack Games also has professional experience working on titles with similar DNA, having previously contributed to updates for the cooperative shooter RAID: World War 2. This unique combination of grassroots passion and professional development experience makes them an ideal partner to carry the Payday 2 torch forward. By entrusting the game to former modders, Starbreeze is placing its future in the hands of those who know and love it best.
What This Means for Payday 2 Heisters
The primary mission for Sidetrack Games is to enhance the existing Payday 2 experience on PC. The focus of their upcoming work is expected to center on several key areas that will directly benefit the active player community.
Players can look forward to:
- Quality-of-Life Improvements: Streamlining menus, tweaking game balance, and improving overall performance to make the heisting experience smoother than ever.
- Bug Fixes: Addressing long-standing issues and stamping out new ones to ensure game stability.
- Community-Driven Content: Leveraging their unique position as former community members, Sidetrack is poised to deliver updates that resonate with what players have been asking for.
The announcement specified that this partnership is for the PC version of Payday 2. While the game has a long history, this new chapter ensures that its most active platform will continue to evolve and thrive, keeping the experience fresh for both seasoned veterans and newcomers drawn to its classic brand of cooperative action. The first update from this new collaboration is already on the horizon, promising to be the first of many exciting additions to come.
Starbreeze’s Strategic Vision for the Franchise
This strategic partnership is a clear win for the entire Payday ecosystem. By bringing Sidetrack Games on board to manage Payday 2, Starbreeze is freeing up its core development team to concentrate their efforts entirely on the ongoing development and expansion of Payday 3. The publisher has been vocal about its long-term commitment to its latest title, and this move allows them to dedicate the necessary resources to deliver on that promise without leaving the dedicated Payday 2 community behind.
This two-pronged approach ensures that both games in the franchise can flourish simultaneously. It acknowledges the separate but equally passionate communities that support each title. For Payday 2 fans, it means their loyalty is being rewarded with continued support from a team that understands them. For Payday 3 players, it means the developer's focus is undivided, aimed squarely at building out the future of the franchise.
The decision demonstrates a savvy understanding of modern game communities, where older titles often maintain a powerful and lasting appeal. Rather than forcing a migration, Starbreeze is choosing to support its entire player base, fostering goodwill and ensuring the Payday name remains a dominant force in the co-op shooter genre for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Payday 2 still getting updates in 2024?
Yes. Publisher Starbreeze has partnered with Sidetrack Games, a studio founded by veteran Payday modders, to continue developing updates, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements for the PC version of Payday 2.
Who is Sidetrack Games?
Sidetrack Games is a development studio formed by key members of the former "M.U.G. Team," a well-known and respected modding group from the Payday community. They have years of experience creating content for the game and have a deep understanding of its community.
Does this new partnership affect the console versions of Payday 2?
The official announcement from Starbreeze specified that the partnership with Sidetrack Games is for the support and development of the PC versions of Payday 2.
What is Starbreeze focusing on now?
With Sidetrack Games handling Payday 2 updates, the internal development team at Starbreeze is able to maintain its "full focus" on the continued development, improvement, and expansion of Payday 3.