Payday 3’s release last week has been far from smooth. The game has encountered persistent server issues, impacting both solo and multiplayer experiences. This problematic launch has led to overwhelmingly negative user reviews on Steam. Starbreeze, the game’s developer, has addressed these issues and hinted at the introduction of an offline mode. In this post, we delve into the details of these developments.

Server Issues and Always-Online Requirement

(Image credit: Starbreeze Studios)

Persistent Server Problems

The main gripe that players have is with the game’s server stability. With the game mandating an always-online requirement, even solo players find it difficult to access the game. The consequence has been a plummeting user rating on Steam, where 68% of almost 25,000 reviews are negative.

Developer’s Statement

Starbreeze issued a statement indicating that Payday 3’s matchmaking software encountered an unforeseen error. This malfunction left the system unable to manage the high volume of players attempting to join the game. Moreover, an update rolled out over the weekend by Starbreeze’s third-party matchmaking partner led to further instability.

Starbreeze CEO’s Standpoint

Tobias Sjögren, Starbreeze’s CEO, expressed disappointment in the challenges faced during the launch weekend. Despite the issues, he remains confident in the core product of Payday 3. He acknowledges the significant effort required to rebuild community trust but assures that the team is committed to rectifying the situation.

Considering an Offline Mode

The Need for Offline Play

The always-online requirement has proved to be a significant point of contention among players. The constant server issues have highlighted the need for a more reliable offline mode, particularly for those who prefer solo play.

Future Directions

Starbreeze stated that they are now on the hunt for a new matchmaking services partner. The aim is to make Payday 3 less dependent on online services. Sjögren confirmed on Twitter that the team is contemplating adding some form of offline mode to alleviate the issues.

Lessons Learned and Future Outlook

The Perils of Always-Online

The problems faced by Payday 3 are not unique. Previous instances, such as Microsoft’s Xbox One and Bethesda’s Redfall, have also demonstrated that a persistent online requirement can lead to complications.

Ongoing Issues and Future Resolutions

While the server issues and always-online requirement continue to plague the game, Starbreeze seems determined to rectify the problems. However, players should be prepared for ongoing difficulties until the problems are fully addressed.

Conclusion

The launch of Payday 3 has been marred by server problems and an unpopular always-online requirement, leading to a majority of negative user reviews on Steam. Starbreeze has expressed its intent to resolve the issues and is considering introducing an offline mode. Although these measures may improve the situation, the road to full recovery seems long, and much work lies ahead for the development team.

Also Read: