Starbreeze removes CEO following Payday 3’s poor performance

Payday 3 developer Starbreeze is searching for a new CEO following the removal of Tobias Sjögren.

In a notice to investors, the Stockholm-headquartered developer said that it “needs a different leadership,” following a difficult period of instability in the wake of Payday 3’s launch.

Juergen Goeldner has been appointed as interim CEO. Goeldner joined the board of Starbreeze in 2023.

“The company has a clear strategy centered around creating attractive games on our own and licensed IPs,” said Starbreeze chairman Torgny Hellström in a statement. “The board’s consolidated assessment is that the execution of strategy needs a different leadership.

“Juergen Goeldner has been part of the board since 2023 and, with over 40 years of industry experience, is a strong interim solution.”

The launch of Starbreeze’s most recent game, Payday 3, failed to meet publisher Embracer Group’s expectations.

Major server issues, which Starbreeze blamed on problems with external matchmaking software, marred the co-op game’s late September release, while fans were also left frustrated by an extended wait for the title’s first update.

Hellström continued: “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.”

Sjögren has yet to comment.

New interim CEO Goeldner said: “Starbreeze has a strong history of developing and publishing games globally. After launching Payday 3, the company is well-positioned to leverage the strengths of the organization to monetise and develop the IP portfolio.

“I am looking forward to assuming an operative position and, together with the management, ensure the execution of this strategy.”