In a recent announcement, Starbreeze’s global brand director, Almir Listo, confirmed that Payday 3, the highly-anticipated shooter game, will require an always-on internet connection. Regardless of whether players choose to play solo or with a squad, this connectivity demand is due to the game being developed on the Unreal Engine and implementing cross-progression and cross-play features. Listo clarified in a live stream that while players can engage in single-player mode, an internet connection will be essential to access the game’s features fully.
Following this revelation, the Steam and subreddit discussion forums for Payday 3 have been flooded with messages from disgruntled players expressing disappointment for various reasons. Some players cite concerns over poor internet service, while others express their love for modding and their desire for an offline mode.
Despite Listo’s use of cautious language, the always-on requirement has not been officially confirmed by Starbreeze as of now. There has been no formal clarification from the company regarding this matter at the time of writing. However, fans are eagerly awaiting any updates on this issue.
Payday 3 is scheduled for release on September 21, 2023, and will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game offers two distinct experiences: a tense multiplayer stealth mode reminiscent of films like Mission Impossible, where players employ stealth tactics to navigate through high-security areas silently, and an all-out shooter experience, where fast-paced action is necessary to grab the loot and escape in the getaway vehicle.
Producer Andreas Häll-Penninger expressed the team’s goal of capturing the essence of the original Payday while modernizing it to match the expectations of today’s FPS games. The game promises to deliver the classic Payday feeling with dynamic pacing, movement, and engaging gunplay, marking a “redemption story” for the studio after a decade since the last game in the series.
