Striking Distance Studios CEO Glen Schofield has announced that he’s leaving the studio he founded after the company’s last game, The Callisto Protocol, failed to meet expectations. Schofield is best known as the co-creator of the acclaimed sci-fi survival horror franchise, Dead Space, which The Callisto Protocol tried to emulate to varying degrees of success. Unfortunately, it didn’t manage to live up to the company’s expectations.
As reported by Bloomberg, Schofield is leaving Striking Distance to “pursue new opportunities.” Striking Distance’s chief operating officer and chief financial officer are also leaving the company voluntarily.
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The Callisto Protocol launched last December to a mixed reception from fans and critics who felt like it failed to reach the ambitious heights of Dead Space. Praise was given to its visuals and grim atmosphere but the gameplay was criticised for being too repetitive and unable to generate the same intense sense of dread that Dead Space successfully achieved.
Schofield’s departure comes in light of layoffs at Striking Distance Studios last month that saw 32 employees terminated from the company. “Honoring the invaluable contributions of each departing team member with material support in the form of outplacement services and meaningful severance packages is our top priority during this difficult moment,” said Krafton in response to the layoffs.
It’s not known what the future of Striking Distance will hold now that several key developers have parted ways with the studio. Fans speculate that this might lead to the company shutting its doors for good in the coming months, while others believe new roles will be assigned that gives Striking Distance a second life and potentially a second shot at making another game. Meanwhile, EA seems to be gauging whether or not to move ahead with remakes for Dead Space 2 and 3 following the success of the first game’s remake earlier this year.
Source: Bloomberg
