Bummer news for fans of fantasy role-playing games: Starbreeze, the game studio known for its action-packed Payday series, has hit the brakes on its upcoming Dungeons & Dragons title. This project, which went by the codename "Project Baxter," is now completely canceled.
The initial buzz about a Dungeons & Dragons game from the Payday creators first surfaced in late 2023. Back then, hopes were high for a fresh take on the classic universe. The game had even been pegged for a 2026 release date. But big plans sometimes change in the fast-moving tech world.
Starbreeze confirmed that letting "Project Baxter" go was a tough decision. However, they view it as a necessary step for the company. The main reason? They want to shift all their creative power and funding back to the Payday series. This franchise is, after all, Starbreeze’s biggest and most important product. It’s their main draw.
So, what happens to the people who were working on the canceled D&D game? Some members of the "Project Baxter" team will move to other projects within Starbreeze. Many are expected to join existing Payday development efforts. On the flip side, the company also announced job cuts. About 44 positions will be eliminated. This move aims to lower future operating costs for the studio.