Summary
The developer ofThe Callisto Protocol,Striking Distance Studios, has recently laid off 32 employees, including some senior staff. Founded in 2019,Striking Distance StudiosreleasedThe Callisto Protocolat the end of 2022 as its first game. With the project being led by Glen Schofield, the co-creator of theDead Spaceseries, hopes were high among many gamers for the studio’s inaugural release. Unfortunately, the game’s reception was mixed.
The Callisto Protocolmostly received poor to average reviews. Further, its release came shortly before the remake ofDead Spacewhich was very similar in terms of themes and gameplay. In general, fans felt thatThe Callisto Protocolwas less impressive thanDead Space, the game it drew inspiration from. As a result, Striking Distance Studios was faced with a commercial and critical flop for its debut.
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Now, less than a year after the release ofThe Callisto Protocol, Striking Distance Studios has confirmed that it has laid off 32 employees. First revealed publicly when Twitter user Timur222 revealed posts from LinkedIn, the studio has since offered more details and an explanation for the decision. It seems that the studio as well as Krafton, the holding company which owns it, made the choice in order to “realign the studio’s priorities to better position its current and future projects for success.”
There’s currently no complete list of what positions have been cut but at least some senior staff have been impacted. One Senior Environment Artist at the studio has since posted on LinkedIn, announcing his layoff and search for a new job. While the company is framing the decision as a move that will set it up for future accomplishments, it’s difficult to not see this as a worrying sign. After the poor reception of the last game, many felt thatfans shouldn’t hold their breath for aCallisto Protocolsequel. This news could be a cause for more pessimism.
Since the disappointing launch ofThe Callisto Protocol, Striking Distance Studios has failed to turn things around. TheFinal Transmission DLC forThe Callisto Protocolwas controversialand the studio has not done anything since to reassure fans or win back their support. Given this recent history, it’s not surprising to see the studio beginning layoffs.
WhileKrafton has announced it’s opening a new AAA studio, its subsidiary appears to be struggling. Whether Striking Distance Studios bounces back and releases a new title or begins a decline leading to closure remains to be seen. Gamers and fans of horror will want to keep an eye out for future developments.
The Callisto Protocolis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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