For enthusiasts of horror gaming, Glen Schofield needs no introduction. Rising to prominence as the visionary behind 2008’s groundbreaking Dead Space, he temporarily shifted focus to blockbuster franchises like Call of Duty before returning to his roots with 2022’s The Callisto Protocol. With a career spanning over 20 years in major studio projects, Schofield now contemplates an unexpected shift – potentially stepping away from game development altogether.

In a recent LinkedIn reflection (highlighted by VGC), Schofield reveals that his work on The Callisto Protocol might mark his final directorial effort. Over the past year, he collaborated with his daughter Nicole – an experienced game artist impacted by recent industry layoffs – on an innovative horror concept. Despite positive early reactions, securing adequate funding proved insurmountable.

“Nicole approached me with this brilliant vision – a hybrid horror experience pushing boundaries. We assembled a lean team, developed a prototype, and pitched at $17 million,” Schofield explained. “Feedback kept slashing the target: first to $10M, then $2-5M. We ultimately chose to preserve the idea rather than compromise it through underfunding.”

The veteran developer reflected on industry shifts: “I’ve built games ranging from indie passion projects to 300-person AAA productions. But current trends make large-scale projects feel distant. For now, I’m rediscovering my artistic roots – designing, writing, supporting peers. If this is the end of my directing journey, I’m grateful to every player who’s shared these worlds.”

Schofield’s update also highlighted broader challenges: his daughter was among those affected by workforce reductions at Striking Distance Studios, the developer behind The Callisto Protocol, which recently canceled an undisclosed title. His remarks underscore the precarious state of game development, where even seasoned creators face mounting barriers to realizing ambitious visions.

Should Schofield exit the industry, his departure would mark the loss of a distinctive voice in narrative-driven horror. While The Callisto Protocol faced mixed reception, its technical ambition exemplified the AAA craftsmanship that may grow increasingly rare as financial pressures reshape gaming’s landscape.