Striking Distance Studios, the game development studio known for its title The Callisto Protocol, is embarking on a new project as indicated by recent job postings. The studio has listed nine job openings, with one for the position of Lead Gameplay Animator explicitly mentioning the development of a new, unannounced UE5 (Unreal Engine 5) title. The job descriptions for gameplay engineers also emphasize a preference for candidates with experience in melee combat.

This initiative follows a challenging period for Striking Distance Studios, marked by layoffs and the departure of its CEO, Glen Schofield, in 2023. In August of that year, the studio confirmed the layoff of 32 employees, leaving an approximate headcount of 90. Subsequently, Glen Schofield, a veteran in the industry known for co-creating Dead Space, announced his departure after The Callisto Protocol, the studio’s debut game, did not meet expectations.

The Callisto Protocol, released in December 2022, received mixed reviews. Despite initial ambitions of achieving five million sales, it reportedly fell short, reaching around two million sales according to an analyst in January 2023. Striking Distance Studios’ new job listings suggest a fresh start and the beginning of a new development phase for the studio.