Payday 2 Dev Signs 24-Month Deal for New Content and More

Fans of the heist-themed Payday series worried that the franchise might come to an end sometime soon can breathe a sigh of relief. Developer Starbreeze has reached a new agreement with 505 Games parent company Digital Bros that will see the series live on for (at least) another two years.

This agreement covers the cost of Payday 2's ongoing development, including the main game, expansions, and the Crimewave Edition coming to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 this summer.

505 Games' total investment is $13.4 million, spread across 24 months.

In addition, Starbreeze and 505 Games have reached an agreement to extend the Payday publishing rights for an additional ten years through 2032. Starbreeze chairman Michael Hjorth says this new deal with 505 Games allows for more in-game innovation (a new car driving mode is planned) and ensures that Payday will live on for the foreseeable future.

"We've said that we'll never stop making Payday and the board is extremely happy to see where the franchise is today," Hjorth said. "The strategic partnership with 505 Games continues to strengthen us and the Payday investment alone doubles down on our previous spend."

"We will yet again see the Payday franchise being expanded with more heists, weapons, characters, and even new game modes such as driving cars. Payday as a franchise is here to stay and with it we are building a solid financial foundation for the company for years to come."

As part of the agreement, Digital Bros will acquire 3.9 million Starbreeze shares for $5 million. This acquisition will take place in three rounds (April 1, July 1, October 1), and when the buy is complete, Digital Bros will own 2.67 percent of Starbreeze's outstanding shares.

As of December 31, 2014, the Payday series had sold more than 9 million copies.

Payday 2 is developed by Starbreeze and Overkill Software. 505 Games serves as its publisher.