Devastating Cuts at The Callisto Protocol Studio: Reports Emerge of Widespread Layoffs Affecting Many Developers
Job reductions necessary to “stay flexible,” asserts parent company Krafton.
The Callisto Protocol studio Striking Distance has faced additional layoffs, with parent company Krafton confirming reports that “most” of its developers have lost their positions.
Reports of job reductions at Striking Distance began emerging earlier today as employees took to social media to share their experiences. Former art director Jesse Lee stated that “most of the devs were laid off,” while former cloud devops engineer Seth Spitkoski reported that “many” had been affected.
Krafton subsequently confirmed the layoffs within the studio in a statement provided to PC Gamer. “Striking Distance Studios has downsized its workforce to maintain flexibility,” the company noted, “which creates a sustainable setting for the studio at its present stage of development.”
“The studio continues to operate,” the publisher emphasized, “and these alterations will not affect any planned ongoing support. No additional changes are intended at this moment.” Krafton did not disclose the total number of employees impacted by the layoffs.
Striking Distance was originally established by Dead Space creator Glen Schofield in 2019, and the California-based studio went on to release the sci-fi horror game The Callisto Protocol in 2022. However, following disappointing sales, Schofield parted ways with Krafton in 2023, and 32 employees were laid off as part of efforts to “realign the studio’s priorities.”
Since then, Striking Distance has launched its roguelike spin-off The Callisto Protocol, titled [REDACTED], although no further projects have been announced.
The confirmation of layoffs at Krafton arrives as job reductions and studio closures continue across the gaming industry. February alone has seen companies like Monolith Productions, Participant First Games, Warner Bros. Games San Diego, and Liquid Swords shut down, with layoffs confirmed at Marvel Rivals’ US development team and Surgeon Simulator studio Bossa Games.