Payday developer Starbreeze Studios cancels its upcoming Dungeons & Dragons game, codenamed “Project Baxter,” to focus on its FPS heist franchise. The was due to launch in 2026.

Project Baxter was first announced in December 2023 and was set in the fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons, with Starbreeze Studios wanting to create a narrative-driven, co-op experience for fans.

Starbreeze confirmed in a press release that it had halted development on the game to concentrate on Payday and “accelerate the growth” of its flagship franchise.

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What Was the Dungeons & Dragons Project?

Very little information was available about Starbreeze’s Dungeons & Dragons project, except that the studio aimed to incorporate its “signature” cornerstones. The game was intended to feature cooperative multiplayer gameplay, a lifetime commitment through a Games as a Service model, community engagement, and a larger-than-life experience.

During the game’s announcement, Starbreeze slated it for a 2026 release, while Wizards of the Coast SVP of Digital Strategy and Licensing, Eugene Evans, said the company was attempting to “grow” its digital games portfolio with Project Baxter.

Why Was the Game Canceled?

In its statement, Starbreeze confirmed it was cancelling the Dungeons & Dragons game following a “strategic review.” CEO Adolf Kristjansson called it a “difficult but necessary decision” that was needed to refocus “investment and talent” to the Payday franchise to “reinforce Starbreeze’s position as the clear leader in the heisting genre.”

By reallocating resources, Starbreeze says it strengthens core projects and reduces the reliance on external recruitment. As for the company, Kristhansson says the company is “doubling down” on Payday and the genre it created.

What This Means for Starbreeze and D&D Fans

The cancellation means Starbreeze will have a “non-cash impairment of SEK 255 million” in the third quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, the developer has reduced its “headcount” by 44 employees and contractors, which it says will enable it “to become cash-flow positive in 2026.”

For Dungeons & Dragons fans, the cancellation is a disappointment, as hype for the franchise is at an all-time high following the massive successes of Baldur’s Gate 3 and the Honour Among Thieves movie.

Conclusion

Starbreeze has canceled its Dungeons & Dragons game, Project Baxter, after the studio revealed it was refocusing and doubling down on its Payday franchise. What do you think about the game’s cancellation? Do you believe Starbreeze has made the correct decision? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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