Starbreeze Cancels Co-op Dungeons & Dragons Project Known as Project Baxter
The game studio Starbreeze revealed this Thursday that it has terminated its co-op Dungeons & Dragons game, referred to as Project Baxter. This decision forms a key element in the studio's shift to re-focusing on its Payday series, whose latest installment was released in 2023 with Payday 3.
A Tough yet Essential Choice
"It was a difficult but required decision," Chief Executive Officer of Starbreeze stated in an announcement. Part of the Project Baxter team will be reassigned to other projects, primarily within the studio's work on the Payday series. A number of staff, though, will apparently be laid off as part of this termination, with the statement explaining, "In cases where internal roles are scarce, Starbreeze will offer assistance for affected employees to transition to different positions across the industry."
Project Baxter: Initial Vision and Development
Project Baxter was originally announced in 2023. The developer noted at the time it would "include the signature game cornerstones" of the company, which it identified as co-op multiplayer, a "long-term dedication" to it as a games-as-a-service title, and community engagement. Baxter was scheduled to release in 2026. The studio hadn't shared much on Project Baxter since, though it did show off some concept art and an technical screenshot from the game approximately one year prior.
Focusing on the Payday Brand
Canceling Baxter is in service to Starbreeze's Payday franchise, which the developer is turning its focus toward. "We are doubling down on what our players love – and what we do best – dominating the heisting genre," the executive remarked.
The company launched Payday 3 in 2023 to a mixed reception, with certain evaluations pointing out that "Even if the moment-to-moment gameplay has been enhanced, the essence of the series is evidently in the systems that support it, which is where this threequel is sorely lacking." It reportedly did not achieve projected revenue.
What's Next for Dungeons & Dragons Video Games
As for D&D players looking to play more interactive titles inspired by the franchise, alternatives are available, such as Baldur's Gate 3 getting a native Steam Deck build. Moreover, the director of the Jedi series is also working on an untitled AAA D&D game, though it is probably a distant release.
