Remember when you truly owned the games you bought, like those old Game Boy cartridges? Today’s digital landscape often means our purchases are subject to publisher control or require ongoing subscriptions. It was quite a surprise when Payday 2, a game from 2013, announced its own subscription service, a move that perhaps shouldn’t be so shocking given current industry trends.
Many might not realize that Payday 2 boasts an astounding 65 pieces of DLC. Acquiring all of it individually or even in a bundle could be quite costly. To address this, developer Starbreeze launched a new subscription service, granting players access to every single piece of DLC for a monthly fee.
For a monthly or six-month fee, players can dive into more than a decade’s worth of heists. Gustav Nisser, head of commercial at Starbreeze, stated in a press release that the goal is to offer players greater flexibility and a cost-effective way to enjoy all the game has to offer. While Payday 2 is a beloved cooperative shooter, the introduction of a Game Pass-like DLC subscription feels poorly timed to many.
This service might appeal to those looking for short-term access to various missions. However, it’s hard to see it as a superior alternative to outright owning the DLC. With numerous existing subscriptions for entertainment and other games, adding yet another for a single, decade-old title seems like a tough sell.
Fortunately, players still have the option to purchase the DLC outright, maintaining a semblance of ownership. However, controversy arose when, just three weeks prior to the subscription announcement, Starbreeze significantly increased the price of the Infamous Collection, which includes all Payday 2 DLC, by nearly 50%. This made the timing of the new subscription service appear cynical to many.
In response to the backlash, Gustav Nisser clarified that the price hike was “completely unrelated” to the subscription plan. He admitted that Starbreeze “dropped the ball on coordinating internally and communicating with our community properly,” acknowledging that the negative reaction from the community was understandable. Consequently, the price on the bundle was immediately reverted.
Currently, Payday 2 is available for purchase, and players can subscribe to the DLC service at the announced monthly or six-month rates. This ensures that enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the extensive content offered by this popular game, either through direct purchase or the new subscription model.