Payday 3: Dev Diary Details all the Sociopathic Stuff
During the recent Xbox Games Showcase, the curtains were finally lifted on the eagerly awaited Payday 3. Starbreeze’s approach to the sequel is commendably reserved. The studio, recognizing the successful formula that has captivated a vast, dedicated audience, chose not to revolutionize the game’s core mechanics. Instead, Payday 3 seems to focus on refining its iconic heist sequences and enriching the exhilarating gameplay rhythms.
For those new to the Payday series, the game alternates between covert operations where players stealthily execute their heist plans and intense confrontations aptly referred to by Starbreeze as the “loud” phases. These occur when the law enforcement engages the gang, leading to thrilling shootouts. A fresh gameplay element has been introduced in the recent developer diary: the “search” phase. As explained by producer Andreas Häll-Penninger, during this phase, “guards are on high alert, actively scouting for any threats or suspicious activities.”
This nuanced gameplay phase introduces a strategic element absent from its predecessors. Häll-Penninger elaborates on a gripping scenario showcased in the trailer, where a heister uses a civilian as a human shield and later abandons them in front of the law enforcement. This tactic, known as “negotiation,” is a strategic move allowing players to trade hostages, either to buy time or exchange them for valuable resources. This dynamic addition promises to seamlessly integrate into the game’s foundational mechanics. Given Payday’s emphasis on time-sensitive operations, the multifunctional use of hostages – as time extenders, shields, or bargaining chips – will undoubtedly lead to captivating strategic discussions among players.
Delving into the game’s narrative backdrop, Häll-Penninger explains the shift from Washington DC to New York City, describing the latter as the “epicenter of capitalism.” The city’s towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, iconic yellow taxis, and increased foot traffic are pivotal in augmenting the overall game experience.
Moreover, Starbreeze confirmed that while the game will debut with the original Payday quartet, two additional mysterious characters will join the gang. Although the initial setting will be New York City, post-launch expansions are set to take the gang on international adventures. Eager fans can mark their calendars for Payday 3’s release on September 12, 2023, with pre-orders currently available on Steam.