Is Payday the heist canon?

Is Payday: The Heist Canon?

Payday: The Heist is a cooperative first-person shooter video game developed by Overkill Software. Released in 2011, the game received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and clever heists. But is the game’s storyline considered canon in the PAYDAY universe? The answer is not straightforward, and it depends on which aspect of the game’s storyline we’re looking at.

Payday: The Heist’s Storyline

The game’s storyline revolves around the crew of four professional thieves – Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf, and Chains – who work for a mysterious figure known as Wolf. Their goal is to pull off various heists, including stealing gold from a museum, robbing a jewelry store, and infiltrating a vault in a high-rise building. The story is not overly complex, but it does introduce some interesting characters and plot twists.

The Virus and PAYDAY 2

One significant event in Payday: The Heist’s storyline is the introduction of the virus. During the heist at the First World Bank, the crew discovers a strange virus that has been stolen from a government facility. The virus is later found to be the same one that is plaguing Bain, the main character of PAYDAY 2. This has led to speculation that Payday: The Heist is canon to PAYDAY 2, as the events of the two games seem to be connected.

PAYDAY 2’s Canon to Payday: The Heist

While PAYDAY 2’s storyline is influenced by the events of Payday: The Heist, it’s not explicitly stated that Payday: The Heist is canon to PAYDAY 2. However, there are several nods to the original game throughout PAYDAY 2’s campaign. For example, the character of Houston (originally called Hoxton) from Payday: The Heist is also a playable character in PAYDAY 2. Additionally, the two games share some similar story beats, such as the introduction of a virus and the crew’s efforts to stop its spread.

Payday 2’s Storyline and Payday: The Heist

PAYDAY 2’s storyline takes place several years after the events of Payday: The Heist, and it introduces new characters and plotlines. However, the two games share some common themes, such as the struggle against a corrupt government agency and the crew’s efforts to stop a catastrophic event. While PAYDAY 2’s storyline is not a direct continuation of Payday: The Heist, it’s clear that the developers drew inspiration from the original game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not Payday: The Heist is canon to the PAYDAY franchise depends on how one defines "canon." From a narrative perspective, PAYDAY 2’s storyline is heavily influenced by the events of Payday: The Heist, and the two games share many similarities. However, it’s not explicitly stated that Payday: The Heist is canon to PAYDAY 2. Instead, the games are connected through their shared themes and characters.

Important Points to Consider

• Payday: The Heist’s storyline is not overly complex, but it does introduce some interesting characters and plot twists.
• The virus is a significant plot point in both Payday: The Heist and PAYDAY 2, and its connection to the two games is an important aspect of the franchise’s storyline.
• While PAYDAY 2’s storyline is influenced by Payday: The Heist, it’s not a direct continuation of the game’s narrative.
• The two games share common themes, such as the struggle against a corrupt government agency and the crew’s efforts to stop a catastrophic event.

Table: PAYDAY Games and Their Storyline Connection

Timeline: Payday Games and Their Release Dates

By examining the storyline connections between Payday: The Heist and PAYDAY 2, it’s clear that the two games are closely tied together. While Payday: The Heist is not explicitly canon to PAYDAY 2, its influence can be seen throughout the franchise’s narrative. Ultimately, whether or not Payday: The Heist is considered canon is up to interpretation, but its significance to the PAYDAY franchise is undeniable.