Starbreeze Entertainment, the studio behind the Payday franchise, announced today, October 2, 2025, that it has cancelled Project Baxter following a strategic review. Project Baxter was a D&D title announced in 2023 with a projected 2026 release window.
“As we sharpen our focus on the PAYDAY-franchise, we have reviewed our portfolio to ensure resources are directed where they create the most value for our players,” the company posted on LinkedIn.
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“This has led us to the difficult decision to discontinue Project Baxter. This decision affects talented members of our team: many will continue their work within PAYDAY and other projects, while others will unfortunately leave Starbreeze. Our priority is to support all colleagues through this transition with care and respect.”
The studio maintained that although both the cancellation and layoff were hard choices, it was a necessary step to strengthen their ability “to concentrate fully on PAYDAY and secure Starbreeze’s long-term success”.
“Our mission remains unchanged: to own the heisting genre and deliver amazing games and experiences to our global community.”
A similar publication on the company’s website gave more details about the strategic review, including the financial implications. The decision will lead to the loss of around SEK 255 million (approx. $27.1 million) in the third quarter, which is related to previously capitalized development costs.
“This was a difficult but necessary decision,” said Adolf Kristjansson, CEO of Starbreeze.
“Our strategy is clear: PAYDAY is one of the most iconic IPs in gaming, with unmatched reach and potential. By focusing our investment and talent here, we can accelerate delivery, engage players with more content, and reinforce Starbreeze’s position as the clear leader in the heisting genre. This is about sharpening our focus to create the strongest long-term value for our players, our people, and our shareholders.”
Some of the devs working on Baxter will be redeployed across other projects within the company, especially within Payday. Those who cannot fit into the Payday project will be supported through their transition to new roles. Starbreeze Entertainment is expected to be cash positive by 2026, thanks to headcount reduction and Baxter cancellation.
Devs impacted by Starbreeze Entertainment layoff speak
Project Baxter
Starbreeze was founded in 1998. The Stockholm-based company is an independent developer, publisher, and distributor, with studios in Stockholm, Barcelona, Paris, and London. GameBaba Universe spotted two posts from people impacted by the layoff.
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The first was from talent acquisition partner Oksanna Innes, who wrote, “It’s with a heavy heart that I write this: my role is at risk of redundancy.☹️💔. Innes used the opportunity to highlight their portfolio and solicit opportunities.
Luke Beazley, who is also a talent acquisition manager, was also let go from Starbreeze Entertainment. Beazley spent two and a half years with the studio.
“Looks like it’s my turn to join the green banner crew, and so it felt only fitting to dig this one out again!” Beazley wrote. “After a fantastic 2 and a half years at Starbreeze, I have been informed that my role is at risk of redundancy.”
It appears the talent acquisition department took the most hit in this layoff round. Payday 3 suffered several issues during launch, which forced the company to take drastic measures, including firing the CEO, to appease angry fans.
Do you think reducing their portfolio to just Payday was a smart decision by Starbreeze Entertainment executives? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
