"A creative idea can save more money than AI can right now" – Glen Schofield on his retirement, Callisto Protocol's development, and the state of AAA

Glen Schofield, a veteran game developer, recently announced his retirement from the gaming industry after an illustrious career that began in 1992. He had worked with notable studios such as Sledgehammer Games, Crystal Dynamics, and EA's Visceral studio, including leading Striking Distance Studios for Krafton. Now, Schofield spends his time creating art in his garage-studio, crafting epoxy skulls, paintings, and driftwood sculptures.

Despite retiring from game development, Schofield remains passionate and creative. He discusses his decision to either pursue another career or continue in the gaming industry, ultimately deciding to remain involved. His last project was The Callisto Protocol, a sci-fi survival horror game developed in 2022. COVID-19 disrupted the development process, forcing the team to adapt to remote work, which Schofield found challenging.

The project faced additional setbacks when Krafton decided to launch it months earlier than initially promised, resulting in the removal of content and features due to delays. Schofield expressed his frustration with the decision, stating that the pandemic had already caused significant losses in the company and that the health of his team was of utmost importance. The game's launch received mixed reviews, and Krafton showed no interest in pursuing a sequel, which would have been a larger project set in a space station.

Overall, Schofield's career in the gaming industry was marked by numerous challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 and poor management decisions. However, his passion for creativity and leadership remained strong, driving him to continue creating art and contributing to the gaming world in other ways.