Striking Distance Studios, the developer behind 2022’s The Callisto Protocol, has laid off over 30 of its employees, with internet sleuths first picking up on a number of studio employees announcing their departure from Striking Distance on LinkedIn.
The studio has since issued a statement to IGN, confirming the layoffs and explaining that they were actioned along with publisher KRAFTON in an effort to implement “strategic changes that realign the studio’s priorities.”
The statement provided to IGN from the studio is below:
“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. Honouring 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.”
The move comes following the studio recently celebrating its 4th anniversary. After being founded in 2019 under the leadership of ex-Dead Space producer Glen Schofield, Striking Distance began developing its first game as a title set within the universe of the PUBG: Battlegrounds franchise, before changing course and turning it into an original IP with The Callisto Protocol. The game released in late 2022 to mixed reviews and didn’t meet KRAFTON’s initial sales target of 5 million units. The game has received a steady stream of updates since, adding new content and features and addressing player criticisms.
This week marks 4 incredible years of Striking Distance Studios! Thank you to our team, and to you all, for joining us on our journey. ?
Here's to many more years of pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable gaming experiences! pic.twitter.com/wrZUnCCLe1
— Striking Distance Studios (@sd_studios) June 29, 2023
Our own review of The Callisto Protocol scored the game an 8/10, saying “The Callisto Protocol is a modest starting point for what I hope will flourish into another heavy-hitting horror franchise. It’s gory and gratuitous, with an endlessly satisfying combat system. But the lack of enemy variety scares, and surprises, even if engaging, stop it from being the horror game masterpiece it’s trying to be. Despite all of its shortcomings, it’s an immensely enjoyable romp that’s left me desperate for more.”
