The high-octane adrenaline of heists and shootouts is returning as the much-awaited Payday 3 prepares to hit the market. However, the thrilling news of its arrival is interlaced with a swirl of controversy because of its microtransactions and season pass system.
Starbreeze Studios recently confirmed that the game will have two different DLCs: Silver and Gold. The former gives players access to the first half-year of DLC. On the other hand, the latter equips players with an entire year’s worth of DLC.
In an industry where microtransactions are becoming increasingly mainstream, Payday 3 joins the trend by introducing the Payday Credits digital currency. Players can acquire these credits in exchange for real-life money for purchasing additional cosmetic items in the game. To maintain a balanced gameplay, Starbreeze asserts the items are cosmetic only with zero effect on gameplay.
Still, fans remain cautious. The developers made similar promises with Payday 2 only to introduce changes later on.
This approach echoes the structure established by its predecessors. Despite the normative status of these practices in the industry, the announcement did not sit well with all the fans. A section of the gaming community expressed their dissent by cancelling their pre-orders following the revelation that the game would be online-only. This means that even those who wish to enjoy the single-player campaign are required to maintain an active internet connection, causing a certain degree of discontent.
Payday’s appeal is tied to its exhilarating multiplayer component. Coordinating and executing meticulously planned heists with friends has often been deemed more engaging than delegating tasks to AI companions. This sentiment is echoed by the fans who predominantly view the sequel as a multiplayer shooter, indicating a potential impact on the overall perception of the game.
First announced earlier this year, Payday 3 left quite an impression with gamers following its initial gameplay showcase at the Xbox Games show and subsequent leaks. Fans are naturally excited to get their hands on the threequel considering the gap between its release and that of Payday 2.
Payday 3 continues the saga of the original Payday Gang as they turn to their old tricks. It will bring back the original cast of characters from Payday: The Heist: Dallas, Chains, Wolf, and Hoxton. The storyline is set against the backdrop of New York in the 2020s, throwing the gang against the evolving challenges of advanced surveillance and the rise of cryptocurrency.
Slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on September 21, Payday 3 promises a riveting blend of gun-blazing action and strategic gameplay.
Despite the controversy surrounding its online-only aspect and the inclusion of microtransactions, there is no denying that the upcoming game has piqued the interest of fans and critics alike.
As the clock ticks towards the launch date, gamers worldwide will be keeping a keen eye on what the next chapter in the saga of the Payday Gang has to offer.
