Striking Distance Studios, the developer behind 2022’s The Callisto Protocol, is laying off some developers. The company confirms it has left 32 employees go in a move to “realign” the studio, for current and future projects.
Twitter user @bogorad222 first spotted LinkedIn messages discussing the layoffs and, in a statement sent to IGN, Striking Distance confirmed the news. The studio, known for 2022’s The Callisto Protocol, says 32 employees are affected by the layoffs which were implemented “to better position its current and future projects for success.”
“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. Honoring 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.”
Striking Distance suffers layoffs
The Callisto Protocol was released to lukewarm critical reception. Though it has garnered a dedicated following, it was previously confirmed that Callisto failed to meet Krafton’s sales targets.
Striking Distance also mentioned that providing ex-employees with “outplacement services and meaningful severance packages” remains a top priority. However, this is not the first time the studio finds itself at odds with its employees. After the release of The Callisto Protocol, some employees complained that they had not been credited for their work. A post-launch update restored their omitted development credits.
The mention of “future projects” in the statement does suggest that Striking Distance is working on something new. Nevertheless, it appears the studio’s debut title hasn’t been the running start one would hope for.
The Callisto Protocol is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Published: Aug 3, 2023 11:00 am