Starbreeze Entertainment has announced plans to adapt its cooperative bank-robbing simulator, Payday, into a television series. The project will see Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, through his G-Unit Film & TV production company, serve as an executive producer. Variety reported that Jackson's production company will collaborate with Payday studio Starbreeze Entertainment and Vice Productions on the series.
Adolf Kristjansson, CEO of Starbreeze Entertainment, stated that "Payday has always been about the fantasy of getting away with it. Curtis and G-Unit don’t do subtle, and neither do we." This partnership aims to bring the high-stakes heists and chaotic gameplay of Payday to the small screen. G-Unit Film & TV has a proven track record in television, having produced the successful Starz crime drama franchise, "Power," in which Jackson also stars.
The adaptation will shift focus from building a drug empire, as seen in "Power," to the intricate planning and execution of elaborate bank robberies that define the Payday games. It remains to be seen how the series will capture the frenetic energy of a typical Payday heist or if it will lean towards a more serious, prestige drama tone. This television series is part of a broader strategy by Starbreeze Entertainment to expand the Payday franchise beyond its core video game offerings, which also includes an upcoming VR title, "Payday Aces High," slated for release later this year. Details regarding the show's release date and broadcasting platform have not yet been disclosed.