PAYDAY 3

Heist shooter threequel, PAYDAY 3, has had a very rocky launch. Developer Starbreeze has been putting out fires since launch day, as matchmaking issues and other server-related problems have stopped an eager player base from, well, playing. The game's always-online requirement means it's even affecting those looking to play solo. As the studio works to stabilise the game, it appears it's looking into creating ways to play it offline.

An "unforeseen error" with the game's matchmaking software essentially put it out of action as players piled onto the servers. While Starbreeze's online services partner has been working to make improvements, a subsequent software update tanked the game again. "The issue in question did not manifest during Technical Betas or Early Access due to the specificity of rapid user influx and load-balancing," Starbreeze says, assuring it's working hard for short- and long-term solutions.

In addition to "evaluating a new partner for matchmaking services", Starbreeze has stated its aim to make PAYDAY 3 "less dependent on online services". It's this quote that has fans hoping for offline functionality.

This has been backed up on X, where Starbreeze CEO Tobias Sjögren says the team is looking into adding "some sort of offline mode" in the future.

Obviously the situation is far from ideal, but it seems the team is on the right track. Hopefully an offline mode comes to fruition in the near future.

Have you been having trouble playing PAYDAY 3? Tell us in the comments section below.

[source videogameschronicle.com, via x.com]