Starbreeze Cancels D&D Game, Doubles Down on Payday's Future

Last Updated: November 1, 2025

In a significant strategic pivot, Starbreeze Entertainment has canceled its highly anticipated Dungeons & Dragons multiplayer game, codenamed 'Project Baxter'. The decision, announced in early 2024, was part of a major company realignment that included staff layoffs and a renewed, laser-focus on reviving and expanding its core intellectual property, the Payday franchise.

This move marks a definitive shift for the Swedish developer, stepping away from a major licensed partnership to secure its future by concentrating on the series that defines its brand.

The Short Life of Project Baxter

Development on 'Project Baxter,' Starbreeze's licensed Dungeons & Dragons co-op title, has been officially terminated. First announced in December 2023, the game was being developed in Unreal Engine 5 and was set to be published by Wizards of the Coast. It was pitched as a multiplayer action-adventure that would "carry the signature Starbreeze DNA," promising a unique take on the legendary tabletop universe.

However, its life was cut short just a few months after its reveal. In a statement, Starbreeze explained the decision was made to sharpen its business strategy and concentrate on its own intellectual properties. This allows the company to redirect crucial resources and talent toward projects it fully owns, mitigating the risks and complexities of licensed game development and maximizing long-term value.

The Human Cost of a Strategic Pivot

Unfortunately, the strategic shift came at a human cost. Alongside the cancellation, Starbreeze confirmed layoffs impacting approximately 44 employees, primarily those assigned to the now-defunct D&D project. This news placed Starbreeze among the many studios conducting workforce reductions during a volatile period for the global games industry in late 2023 and early 2024. The company stated it would provide support to the affected employees during the transition as it restructured its teams to align with its new goals.

The Future is Payday: A Turnaround in Progress

With Project Baxter shelved, Starbreeze is officially all-in on the Payday franchise. The studio's efforts are now almost entirely concentrated on the continued improvement of Payday 3 and the long-term future of the heist-centric series.

Payday 3's launch in September 2023 was met with a mixed reception, facing significant criticism for its online-only requirement, matchmaking issues, and a lack of content compared to its predecessor. This renewed focus is a clear and direct response to that feedback. Starbreeze has since initiated "Operation Medic Bag," a large-scale effort to address player concerns and rebuild community trust. Tangible results of this pivot include the release of an offline solo mode, the removal of controversial Denuvo anti-tamper software, and the addition of new free and paid content, demonstrating a firm commitment to transforming Payday 3 into the successful live-service title it was envisioned to be.

A Calculated Bet on Core Strengths

This decision is a calculated bet on familiar ground for a company that has navigated significant financial challenges in the past. Following a period of reconstruction years ago, Starbreeze has been working to find stable footing. While venturing into a high-profile licensed project like Dungeons & Dragons was a bold move, it also carried immense pressure and external dependencies.

By canceling Project Baxter and refocusing on Payday, Starbreeze has opted for a path it fully controls. The company is prioritizing the long-term health of its most valuable asset. For fans, this marks the unfortunate end of what could have been an exciting new chapter for D&D video games, but it has also directly fueled the ongoing, critical turnaround of Payday 3. The future of Starbreeze is now more secure, tied directly to the heisting franchise that brought it to prominence.