New CEO Announced as Glen Schofield Departs Striking Distance Studios
Glen Schofield, the founder of Striking Distance Studios and director of its first game, The Callisto Protocol, has announced his departure from the company. Known for his work as the co-creator of the Dead Space franchise and co-founder of Sledgehammer Games, Schofield leaves behind a successful legacy in the gaming industry. Steve Papoutsis, who previously served as chief development officer and general manager for Striking Distance Studios, has been appointed as the new CEO.
A Rich History in the Games Industry
Schofield has been a prominent figure in the games industry since the early 1990s, working at esteemed companies such as THQ, Crystal Dynamics, and Eidos Interactive. In 2008, he gained recognition for co-creating the Dead Space franchise, a critically acclaimed sci-fi-horror game. After the success of Dead Space, Schofield left Electronic Arts and Visceral Games to co-found Sledgehammer Games. Under his leadership, Sledgehammer Games contributed to the development of notable titles in the Call of Duty franchise, including Modern Warfare 3, Advanced Warfare, and WWII.
Founding Striking Distance Studios
In 2019, after taking a break from active development, Schofield founded Striking Distance Studios. The studio began working on The Callisto Protocol, a game that served as a spiritual successor to the original Dead Space. Schofield took on the role of director for the project, aiming to create a thrilling gaming experience. However, upon release, The Callisto Protocol received mixed reviews and fell short of sales projections, leading to disappointment within the industry.
New Challenges and Leadership
Alongside Schofield’s departure, Striking Distance Studios has faced layoffs, letting go of 32 employees. To steer the company through these challenging times, Steve Papoutsis, who also worked on the Dead Space series, has been appointed as the new CEO. Papoutsis had previously worked on the original Dead Space trilogy as well as assumed a leadership role after Schofield’s departure from Electronic Arts and Visceral Games.
A Bittersweet Departure and Promising Future
Commenting on his departure, Schofield expressed mixed emotions. He stated, “Creating Striking Distance Studios has been an incredible journey, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved with The Callisto Protocol, a game close to my heart.” Schofield acknowledged the bittersweet nature of his departure but trusted that the studio was in excellent hands under Papoutsis’ leadership. The two have a history of working together, with Papoutsis successfully taking the reins at Visceral Games after Schofield’s departure.
The Future Beyond Striking Distance Studios
While it remains uncertain what Schofield’s next career move will be, the official statement indicates that he has decided to pursue new opportunities. With his talent and experience, the industry eagerly awaits Schofield’s next endeavor.
For a more in-depth understanding of the creation of Striking Distance Studios and The Callisto Protocol, check out our comprehensive cover story on the game.