Dead Space Co-Creator Glen Schofield Leaves Callisto Protocol Studio

The CEO and co-founder of Striking Distance Studios, Glen Schofield, is departing from the company, less than a year after the launch of their debut game, The Callisto Protocol. Additionally, the studio’s chief operating officer and chief financial officer are also leaving.

As reported by Bloomberg and confirmed by Krafton, the parent company of Striking Distance Studios, Schofield has “chosen to pursue fresh opportunities.” Krafton also stated that his resignation, along with those of the chief operating officer Stacey Hirata and chief financial officer Johnny Hsu, was voluntary.

Steve Papoutsis, the chief development officer, will now take on the role of CEO, previously held by Schofield. Papoutsis has an extensive background in game development, having worked on titles like Dead Space 2 and Battlefield Hardline during his time at Electronic Arts. He has also contributed to franchises such as Medal of Honor, Legacy of Kain, and Gex.

In a statement provided to GameSpot, Schofield expressed, “Establishing Striking Distance Studios has been an extraordinary journey, and I am immensely proud of our accomplishments with The Callisto Protocol, a game that holds a special place in my heart. While embarking on a new adventure is exhilarating, leaving SDS is bittersweet. However, I have full confidence that the studio is in capable hands.”

He further added, “Steve and I have a long history, having worked together at Visceral Games. I witnessed his success in taking charge after my departure and how he continued to drive the studio’s growth and achievements. That is why I believe he is the ideal person to lead the studio into its next chapter.”

Schofield also confirmed that he had been planning his departure from the studio and aimed for a seamless transition. He assured that the studio’s plans would remain unaffected by his exit.

Earlier in August, Striking Distance Studios made the decision to lay off over 30 employees, possibly due to the negative reception and underwhelming commercial performance of The Callisto Protocol. This downsizing is not an isolated incident, as Ascendent Studios recently laid off nearly half of its workforce due to the lackluster sales of Immortals of Aveum.