Striking Distance Studios, known for their work on The Callisto Protocol, has initiated the production of a new game using Unreal Engine 5.
After the completion of The Callisto Protocol, Krafton’s US-based studio, Striking Distance Studios, seems to be in a positive position and is now gearing up for a new project based on Unreal Engine 5, suggest new reports. The reports indicate that the studio is actively hiring a Lead Animator to contribute to the development of this undisclosed UE5 title.
MauroNL, a games industry analyst, has noticed that the studio has published nine new job postings that are related to the new project. And the fact that the studio is developing a new game based on Unreal Engine 5 is confirmed by one of the job advertisements for a Lead Gameplay Animator.
The description emphasizes the goal of creating dynamic and engaging player and enemy experiences. The job description says, “Striking Distance Studios is looking for a Lead Gameplay Animator to help us create the most dynamic and engaging player and enemy experiences for a brand new, unannounced UE5 title.”
Additional job postings for gameplay engineers mention that experience in melee combat is advantageous, hinting at potential combat elements in the upcoming title.
These job listings signal a fresh start for a studio that faced challenges, including layoffs and the departure of its CEO in the past year.
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While details about the new project are scarce, it is presumed to be a AAA production, given the use of Unreal Engine 5. Although we do not yet have confirmation, we wouldn’t rule out them trying their hand at the horror genre again given the conflicting reactions Callisto Protocol received.
With this new project, fans expect significant improvements from Striking Distance Studios. Fans disliked the Callisto Protocol’s excessively repetitive material and were also anxious about gameplay, narrative, and combat flaws in addition to the PC issues. The hope is that the studio will learn from past mistakes and deliver a more refined and well-received experience in its upcoming title.
Striking Distance Studios, founded by industry veteran Schofield, who played a key role in creating Dead Space (co-creator of Dead Space and former general manager of Sledgehammer Games and Visceral Games), initially aimed to develop an original story within the PUBG setting. This vision materialized into The Callisto Protocol, a standalone sci-fi survival horror game. However, the game faced challenges at launch, with issues stemming from a mistaken patch release affecting the studio’s and the game’s introduction to the public.
The financial shortcomings of The Callisto Protocol were evident, leading to the layoffs of 32 employees at Striking Distance in August, and there were reportedly about 90 people left on the payroll. Subsequently, CEO Glen Schofield also announced his departure from the studio in the following month. It is obvious that the Callisto Protocol’s errors contributed to its inability to reach monetary targets.
Despite the setbacks, fans are optimistic that Striking Distance Studios will redeem themselves with this upcoming Unreal Engine 5 game, consolidating the belief that the second time around might bring success.
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