PAYDAY Invades PUBG: Starbreeze and KRAFTON sign strategic partnership

When two industry giants come together, it's impossible not to pay attention. The Swedish developer Starbreeze AB, responsible for the PAYDAY franchise, announced a strategic collaboration with the South Korean KRAFTON Inc., creator of PUBG: Battlegrounds. Under a work-for-hire contract, Starbreeze will dedicate about 25% of its development team to the project over the course of a year, bringing the cooperative heist experience to the battle royale world of PUBG.

PAYDAY, a franchise known for its cooperative gameplay and heist theme, will be incorporated into the universe of PUBG, one of the most popular games in the world, available for Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The goal? Expand the reach of PAYDAY to new audiences and regions, leveraging PUBG's global distribution and vast player base.

Despite the collaboration, Starbreeze retains full intellectual property of PAYDAY, while KRAFTON acquires adaptation rights for the PUBG universe. For Starbreeze, this move is part of a larger strategy: diversify the portfolio and explore new opportunities in the market.

"This partnership with KRAFTON offers a unique opportunity to elevate PAYDAY and introduce it to a broader global audience," commented Mats Juhl, interim CEO of Starbreeze AB. "KRAFTON's exceptional track record and wide reach make them an ideal partner."

Egil Strunke, COO of Starbreeze, highlighted the operational benefits:

"Entering into this agreement allows us to bring PAYDAY to new players while optimizing our efforts. We are excited to collaborate with the talented PUBG team over the next year. Our goal is to deliver a special experience for both old and new fans of the franchise, all within the universe of PUBG."

Currently, the two companies are defining the integration schedule, with more updates expected as the launch approaches. A bold bet that could change the way players perceive the world of heists and battle royale.