Starbreeze Reverses Payday 2 Price Hike After Fan Backlash

Last Updated: October 26, 2025

Starbreeze Studios has issued a formal apology and reversed a sudden, significant price increase for a major Payday 2 DLC bundle following widespread and intense community backlash. The developer of the long-running co-op shooter increased the price of the "Infamous Collection" bundle by 44% in late September 2024. The move, which saw the bundle jump from approximately $118 to $170, controversially coincided with the launch of a new monthly subscription service for the game.

The swift reversal came after Starbreeze admitted the price adjustment was an error, acknowledging the firestorm of negative sentiment it created among its dedicated player base. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance developers must maintain when evolving monetization strategies for beloved, long-standing titles.

The Controversial Hike and Immediate Reaction

The controversy ignited when players discovered the unannounced price adjustment for the Payday 2: Infamous Collection, a comprehensive bundle containing a vast amount of the game's post-launch content. For a game that launched in 2013, this bundle represented a key way for players to acquire years of DLC in a single purchase.

The timing proved to be the critical issue. This 44% price hike was implemented almost simultaneously with the introduction of a new subscription program. This new service, priced at $5 per month, was designed to give players access to the majority of the game's extensive DLC library. However, instead of being seen as a new, affordable option, the price hike on the permanent bundle was perceived by many as a predatory tactic to make the one-time purchase less appealing and funnel players toward the new recurring payment model.

Community forums, the Payday 2 subreddit, and the game’s Steam review section erupted with criticism. Veteran players and newcomers alike accused Starbreeze of greed and disrespecting its loyal audience. The sentiment was clear: the community felt the developer was attempting to devalue a long-standing purchase option to prop up its new subscription service.

Starbreeze's Apology and Rapid Reversal

Facing overwhelming negative feedback, Starbreeze acted quickly to control the damage. Within a day, the studio issued a public apology, admitting that it had "botched" the rollout of the new pricing structure. The developer acknowledged the price increase was a mistake and took responsibility for the frustration it caused.

Crucially, Starbreeze immediately reverted the price of the Infamous Collection bundle back to its original $118 price point. This prompt action was a direct response to the community's outcry and demonstrated an understanding of the potential long-term damage such a misstep could inflict on player trust and the game's hard-won reputation.

Context of a Shifting Monetization Strategy

This incident occurred as Starbreeze continues to support and evolve Payday 2, even over a decade after its release and following the launch of Payday 3. The introduction of the subscription program was intended to offer a more accessible entry point for new players overwhelmed by years of accumulated DLC, and a cost-effective alternative for existing fans.

The goal was likely to create a sustainable revenue stream to support the aging title's ongoing development. However, the poorly executed price increase for the permanent bundle overshadowed the potential benefits of the subscription, creating widespread confusion and resentment that nearly derailed the entire initiative.

A Lesson in Community Trust

The swift apology and price reversal by Starbreeze Studios underscore the immense power of community feedback in the modern live-service gaming landscape. For a title like Payday 2, which thrives on an engaged and supportive player base, maintaining transparent and fair monetization practices is non-negotiable.

While the immediate crisis was averted, the incident serves as a definitive cautionary tale. It highlights that even with good intentions, a lack of clear communication and perceived anti-consumer tactics can quickly erode years of accumulated goodwill. Moving forward, Starbreeze has successfully navigated the immediate fallout, but the episode remains a powerful case study on the importance of respecting a game's community when evolving its financial future.