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Exciting news is brewing in the gaming world as Starbreeze Studios announces a fresh collaboration that fans didn’t see coming. The new team-up brings the 2012 indie hit Hotline Miami into the Payday 3 universe. Though the two franchises have joined forces before, many players thought Hotline Miami had faded into the background. Seeing this iconic game make a comeback in Payday 3 is a delightful surprise for fans.
Payday 3, however, hasn’t had the smoothest journey. Having debuted to a sharply divided reception, it lacked the robust content of its predecessor, leaving many players asking why they should make the transition from Payday 2. Briefly, in 2024, it managed to secure “Mostly Positive” reviews on Steam but soon slipped back to a “Mixed” rating. Despite these setbacks, Starbreeze Studios is committed to refining Payday 3, even amid its rocky start in the market.
The announcement came with a trailer unveiling Hotline Miami’s entry into Payday 3, marking its arrival in the heist-themed shooter. This crossover introduces players to Jacket, a silent but memorable character from the indie game, along with a selection of new weapons. Among these, the Sociopath, a bat that mirrors Jacket’s choice in his original game, stands out. Gamers across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC can look forward to diving into this collaboration when the Jacket Character Pack releases on February 3.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time these games have crossed paths. Back in 2014, Payday 2 launched a Hotline Miami DLC, capitalizing on the peak popularity of the original game. While it’s been a while since Hotline Miami was in the spotlight, this partnership brings a welcomed breath of nostalgia. As surprising as it might be to see it resurface, there’s an appreciation for this unexpected return—more Hotline Miami is always a treat.
Looking forward, the future of Payday 3 remains uncertain. The series continues to have strong name recognition among gamers, but the shaky start of this latest installment has taken its toll. By late 2024, it was announced that the investment into Payday 3 would be reduced, casting a shadow over its future prospects. Yet, Starbreeze Studios is hopeful about turning things around and delivering worthwhile experiences to players, even though they know it’s a tough path to match the success and standing of earlier titles.
Returning to the core of what it means to be part of the Payday Gang, players will find themselves back in the thick of heists. This time, they’re uprooted from Washington D.C. and setting their sights on New York City, bringing new challenges and opportunities. As ever, the game promises player-driven choices, whether opting for stealth or full-blown chaos, making the heisting experience personal and varied.
