LogInThe studio thinks they need a "different leadership".
Image credit: Starbreeze Studios, PAYDAY 3
As you may know, since its launch on September 21, 2023, Payday 3 failed to meet the expectations the developer Starbreeze had. The game was planned to be their next major success and secure the company's future, but the title's troubled launch was riddled with technical issues. For now, the game has "overwhelmingly negative" feedback from players on Steam, with over 59% of negative comments.
As a result, the Swedish company decided to get rid of its CEO Tobias Sjögren, who was at the helm of the studio for three years, saying that "the execution of strategy needs a different leadership," instead of directly pointing at the disastrous launch of Payday 3.
"The company has a clear strategy centered around creating attractive games on our own and licensed IPs. The board's consolidated assessment is that the execution of strategy needs a different leadership," Starbreeze Chairman Torgny Hellström stated.
"On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Tobias Sjögren for his achievements during the past three years. Tobias took over the helm of Starbreeze in a challenging phase of its journey and we wish him well in his future endeavors."
The board of directors at Starbreeze is convinced that a change in leadership is essential to boost the performance of its game franchises and is actively seeking a new, permanent CEO.
As for now, Juergen Goeldner, a veteran in the gaming industry with 40 years of experience, has been appointed as the interim CEO of Starbreeze. Before this role, Goeldner held leadership positions at Focus Home Interactive and has been a member of Starbreeze's board of directors since 2023.
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