Swedish games firm Starbreeze has landed a publishing deal with Koch Media for its upcoming Payday 3.

The firm revealed the news on its website, saying that the title was going to employ a service-based business model. Payday 3 is set to launch for both PC and consoles in 2023.

“We are excited to announce this exclusive long-term Payday 3 co-publishing deal with Koch Media who shares our passion for the Payday franchise and the 'Games as a service' model," Starbreeze's acting CEO Tobias Sjögren said.

"In addition to securing the continued development, this deal secures global publishing of Payday 3 as well as the marketing efforts through the entire game life cycle. We now have a strong foundation for a successful launch of Payday 3."

Koch Media boss Klemens Kundratitz added: “We are delighted to welcome Starbreeze as a new partner for our global publishing business. PAYDAY 3 is shaping up to be an incredible game. Based on what we’ve seen already, PAYDAY 3 is going to take the franchise to new heights and will delight Payday fans as well as new audiences alike with innovative multiplayer gameplay."

Starbreeze has been trying to find a publisher for Payday 3 for some time now. Last year, the company said that the coronavirus pandemic had impacted discussions it was having with potential partners. The Swedish games company has had a troubling few years, going into administration at the end of 2018 and emerging 12 months later. Recently, the company has confirmed that work is progressing on Payday 3. 

The firm has valued the Payday IP at close-to $162.3 million.