Top Gaming Legend Glen Schofield Shocks Industry with Unexpected Departure from Callisto Protocol Studio
Glen Schofield, co-creator of Dead Space, has recently resigned along with two others from the Callisto Protocol studio, marking a significant departure for the team
Striking Distance Studios CEO and co-founder Glen Schofield, along with the studio's chief operating and chief financial officers, is departing the company. This comes less than a year after the release of their first game, The Callisto Protocol. The decision was confirmed by Striking Distance Studios parent company Krafton, stating that Schofield, Hirata, and Hsu have all chosen to pursue new opportunities.
Steve Papoutsis, the Chief Development Officer, will now take on the role of CEO previously held by Schofield. Throughout his time at Electronic Arts, Papoutsis has contributed to the development of popular games like Dead Space 2 and Battlefield Hardline. He has also been involved with well-known franchises such as Medal of Honor, Legacy of Kain, and Gex.
Schofield expressed his thoughts in a statement shared with Our Website, stating, "Creating Striking Distance Studios has been a remarkable journey, and I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments with The Callisto Protocol, a game that holds a special place in my heart. Although it is bittersweet to leave SDS, I am confident that the studio is in exceptional hands as I embark on a new adventure."
"He and I have a long history together, starting back when we both worked at Visceral Games. I witnessed firsthand how Steve thrived in his leadership role after I left, driving the studio's success and growth. That's why I have complete confidence in him to guide the studio into its next phase."
Schofield further disclosed his intentions of leaving the studio and expressed his desire for a seamless transition. He assured that his departure would not impact the studio's plans, which will continue unaffected.
In August, over 30 employees were laid off by Striking Distance Studios, potentially as a result of The Callisto Protocol's underwhelming critical reception and commercial performance. This trend of layoffs is not unique to Striking Distance Studios, as Ascendent Studios also recently let go of nearly half its workforce due to the lackluster sales of Immortals of Aveum.
