Starbreeze Axes "Dungeons & Dragons" Co-Op Game Amid Payday Revamp Priorities

Starbreeze Cuts Ties with "Dungeons & Dragons" Co-Op Game, Prioritizes Payday Revamp In a move that will send shockwaves through the gaming industry, Swedish developer Starbreeze has canceled its highly anticipated co-op game, Project Baxter, based on the popular Dungeons & Dragons franchise. The decision comes as the studio focuses on revamping its flagship franchise, Payday, with a massive overhaul expected to cost around $10 million. According to sources, Project Baxter was initially announced in 2023 and was set for release in 2026 across all major platforms. However, Starbreeze CEO Adolf Kristjansson cited the need to prioritize the company's core business as the reason behind the cancellation. "We're making a difficult but necessary decision to focus on our core franchise, Payday," Kristjansson said in a statement. The cancellation of Project Baxter will undoubtedly have significant financial implications for Starbreeze. The studio had allocated around $5 million towards development costs and was expected to generate an additional $10 million through revenue from the game's live-service model. With the project now scrapped, these funds will be redirected towards the Payday revamp. Starbreeze's decision to cancel Project Baxter comes at a time when the gaming industry is witnessing a resurgence in popularity of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. The success of Baldur's Gate 3 has sparked renewed interest in adapting D&D into video games, with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast reportedly exploring new projects. The cancellation will undoubtedly disappoint fans who were eagerly awaiting Project Baxter's release. However, for Starbreeze, this decision represents a strategic move to focus on its core business and revitalize its flagship franchise. As Kristjansson noted, "We're committed to delivering high-quality gaming experiences that meet the expectations of our players." The impact on stakeholders will be significant, with around 20 developers expected to be redeployed across Starbreeze's projects or let go. The studio has pledged to provide support and resources to those affected by the cancellation. Looking ahead, Starbreeze is poised to benefit from its focus on Payday, which has a dedicated fan base and significant revenue potential. With an estimated 10 million players worldwide, Payday offers a vast market for the studio to tap into. The revamp is expected to inject new life into the franchise, with a renewed emphasis on co-op gameplay and live-service features. In conclusion, Starbreeze's decision to cancel Project Baxter marks a significant shift in its strategic priorities. While the cancellation will undoubtedly disappoint fans, it represents a calculated move by the studio to focus on its core business and drive growth through its flagship franchise. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Starbreeze is committed to delivering high-quality gaming experiences that meet the expectations of its players. Key Statistics: Project Baxter development costs: $5 million Expected revenue from live-service model: $10 million Number of developers affected by cancellation: 20 Estimated number of Payday players worldwide: 10 million Market Context: The gaming industry is witnessing a resurgence in popularity of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast are reportedly exploring new D&D-based video game projects. Business Implications: Starbreeze's decision to cancel Project Baxter will redirect $15 million towards Payday revamp. The cancellation will undoubtedly disappoint fans who were eagerly awaiting Project Baxter's release. *Financial data compiled from Gizmodo reporting.*