Starbreeze Studios has pleasantly surprised the gaming community by announcing a collaboration that brings the gritty charm of the 2012 indie hit Hotline Miami to Payday 3. Though these franchises have teamed up before, it’s been quite a while since Hotline Miami was in the limelight, making this return in Payday 3 an unexpected delight.
Payday 3 hasn’t had a smooth ride since its release. It sparked a polarized reaction and lagged behind its predecessor in terms of content, leaving fans questioning why they should transition from Payday 2. At one point in 2024, it managed to climb to “Mostly Positive” on Steam, but has since slipped back to a “Mixed” rating. Despite not meeting critical or financial milestones, Starbreeze Studios continues to push forward with Payday 3 development.
A newly released trailer announces the forthcoming Hotline Miami collaboration for Payday 3, heralding the comeback of one of indie gaming’s greatest titles into the heist-centric world of Payday. Gamers will soon be able to step into the shoes of the enigmatic protagonist, Jacket, complete with several new weapons. Among them is the Overkill Weapon, Sociopath, which mirrors Jacket’s iconic baseball bat from Hotline Miami. The Jacket Character Pack is slated for release on February 3, extending its reach across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time these games have crossed paths. In 2014, during the high tide of Hotline Miami’s popularity and anticipation for its sequel, a similar collaboration occurred with Payday 2. Even though Hotline Miami’s grip on the gaming world has loosened over the years, this collaboration is still met with open arms—a return of Hotline Miami can never be a bad thing in the fans’ eyes.
The future trajectory of Payday 3 remains uncertain. Although the franchise holds substantial clout among players, Payday 3’s rocky reception has undoubtedly taken a toll. In the latter part of 2024, it was announced that Payday 3 would undergo a reduction in investment, a development that has stirred concern among its fanbase. While Starbreeze Studios asserts their confidence in delivering worthwhile content to players, the path ahead is long, especially in comparison to the revered legacy left by its predecessor.
