Striking Distance Studios, the creative force behind the acclaimed horror game The Callisto Protocol, is currently embarking on a new journey. While details remain shrouded in mystery, the studio has revealed its latest venture: a project developed with Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). This move signifies a significant technological leap from their previous title, which was crafted using Unreal Engine 4.
The revelation of this unannounced UE5 project stems from a recent job advertisement posted by Striking Distance Studios on LinkedIn. The studio is on the hunt for a lead gameplay animator to spearhead the creation of an engaging player and enemy experiences for this new title.
The job listing outlines the need for a candidate with experience in both Unreal Engine 4 and 5, hinting at the studio’s commitment to advancing its technical prowess. However, the genre of this upcoming game remains a tantalizing mystery. There is no clear indication whether the studio will continue to explore the horror genre, for which it has garnered significant acclaim, or venture into entirely new territory.
The job advert’s emphasis on dynamic gameplay and engaging experiences suggests that the studio is pushing the boundaries of its creative capabilities. This approach aligns with the advanced features and capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, known for its state-of-the-art graphics and highly realistic environments.
This ambitious project announcement comes in the wake of some turbulence within Striking Distance Studios. Recently, the studio and its publisher, Krafton, made headlines for laying off approximately 30 developers. Additionally, the departure of Glen Schofield, co-creator of Dead Space and director of The Callisto Protocol, marked a significant shift in the studio’s leadership.
Despite these changes, Striking Distance Studios has a solid foundation to build upon. The game was praised for its excellence as a horror shooter, though it faced criticism for its underwhelming plot. Fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating what the studio will deliver next, especially with the advanced capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 at their disposal.
