The Callisto Protocol‘s Striking Distance Studios have been hit with layoffs, according to ex-Striking Distance Studio member Patrick Bostwick. The move comes shortly after the release of The Callisto Protocol‘s DLC titled Final Transmission, and it seems to mark the end of the IP altogether. The studio had a lot riding on the success of this successor to Dead Space, and although it wasn’t necessarily a failure, it failed to live up to their massive expectations.
How Did the Striking Distance Studios Layoffs Happen?
The Callisto Protocol layoffs come just seven months after the game’s initial reliefs. It comes as a surprise as the game was backed by a considerable budget and star power, so it’s fair to say that Striking Distance Studios thought this was going to be the beginning of a new franchise on the level of creator Glen Schofield’s original space horror series Dead Space. Unfortunately, The Callisto Protocol met with mixed reviews, currently sitting at a 69 on Metacritic, and was criticized for its repetitive combat and lackluster narrative.
Striking Distance Studios attempted to salvage what was left of the IP in June with the release of the Final Transmission DLC, but this served to frustrate fans even further, with claims of IP abandonment thrown the studios’ way due to the DLC’s unsatisfying conclusion. The layoffs have been widespread in the company, affecting not only narrative designers but also VFX artists. This is a surprise as one area of the game that was consistently praised was the outstanding graphics and animations in the combat and movement.
Details on plans for the IP’s future remain scarce, but with this move, it’s clear that Striking Distance Studios is heading in a different direction. The Callisto Protocol currently offers a 1-hour PS Plus trial for players with the PS Plus Premium.
The Callisto Protocol is available on PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
