The Callisto Protocol Dev Striking Distance Hit with Layoffs, But Future Projects Confirmed

The future of developer Striking Distance has been a bit of an open question recently. Founded by Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield and backed by PUBG publisher Krafton, the studio launched The Callisto Protocol last year to… less than enthusiastic reviews. Since then, we haven’t heard much about what Striking Distance might be doing next, if anything. Considering the studio was purpose-built to make The Callisto Protocol, what happens when the game doesn’t do so well?

Well, for starters, you get layoffs. Recently, it was noticed that a number of top Striking Distance employees has been laid off, including senior environment artist Matthew Smith, production coordinator Sebastian Marlow, and more. Krafton provided IGN with a statement saying 32 Striking Distance employees had been said off.

“Striking Distance Studios and Krafton have implemented strategic changes that realign the studio’s priorities to better position its current and future projects for success. Unfortunately, these changes have impacted 32 employees. 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.”

Striking Distance likely had between 200 and 250 employees, so this is a blow, but not a fatal one. Notably, the new statement mentions “future projects,” indicating Striking Distance is working on a new game or games, despite The Callisto Protocol not working out so well.

Haven’t been keeping up with The Callisto Protocol? Wccftech’s Kai Powell actually liked it more than most, with a review in the 7 range…

“The horror elements stand out as reason alone to play Striking Distance's debut horror game, but you might want to find yourself getting thrown back into Black Iron Prison rather than see the journey through to the end. […] The Callisto Protocol, throughout all of the tension and suspense, can't mask the terrors within might only be surface deep.”

What do you think? Would you like to see more from Striking Distance? Do you think they can improve on what they offered with The Callisto Protocol?

Written by Nathan Birch