The Evolution and Prospects of the Payday Series
Alison Anderson
28 Jul 2023
he Payday series, a popular franchise amongst action video game enthusiasts, was developed by the Swedish firm, Overkill Software, a subsidiary of the larger Starbreeze Studios. The inception of the Payday series dates back to 2011 when Payday: The Heist was launched. The narrative draws gamers into the adrenaline-filled life of crime and heists, wherein the player takes on the role of a member of the "Payday Gang". The gameplay primarily focuses on robbery-style missions where the player, accompanied by AI or other players, must complete tasks such as stealing a particular item or infiltrating a specific location, all whilst battling law enforcement.
A Closer Look at the Games in the Series
Payday: The Heist
The first installment, Payday: The Heist, was released in 2011 for the PlayStation 3 and Windows-based platform. It relied heavily on cooperative gameplay, with up to four players banding together to fulfil six high-stakes heists. Each player would be granted specific characters and roles, all with their unique skill-set and equipment.
Payday 2
Following the success of The Heist, Payday 2 was released two years later in 2013. The second installment maintained the heist-centric premise but expanded on virtually every feature of the original game. With a significant upgrade, Payday 2 offered more maps, improved AI, new and more complex missions, and introduced an enriching progression system. This game was a commercial success and was well-received by the fan community for its deep, engaging gameplay and cooperative elements.
Payday: Crime War
Expanding the series into the mobile gaming sphere, Payday: Crime War was released in 2019. This game diverged from the co-op PvE style gameplay, adopting a PvP (Player versus Player) strategy. Players could now choose to be either the heisters or the law enforcers, adding a fresh dynamic to the series.
The Future of the Payday Series
The evolution of the Payday series, marked by its continued success, is promising. Overkill Software has publicly committed to delivering continuous updates for Payday 2, solidifying the series' place in the gaming industry. The developers have also announced the development of Payday 3, much to the excitement of its fan community. Though still in its early stages, anticipation runs high for another groundbreaking installment, keeping the notorious Payday Gang's legacy alive. The Payday series promises a continually immersive and gameplay-rich experience with its nail-biting heist adventures and intense combat scenes.
Whatever course the future Payday installments may take, the core magnetic element of the camaraderie in crime remains intact, promising the series a dedicated player base and exciting prospects.