The creator of Dead Space and co-founder of Sledgehammer Games has acknowledged the challenges faced in the industry, stating, "Maybe I've directed my last game"

Glen Schofield, known for co-founding Sledgehammer Games and creating the Dead Space series for EA, has expressed challenges he faces in bringing games to life amid today's industry conditions. He conveyed his concerns in a reflective LinkedIn post, questioning if he might have directed his final game.

Schofield discussed difficulties in acquiring funding for a high-budget horror game that he has been developing with his daughter, Nicole, over the past eight months. He coordinated a team of skilled professionals from the UK and the U.S. to develop a prototype. Despite initiating discussions, he chose to abandon the project, stating that some concepts are better to leave unfinished than to compromise on quality.

"We reduced our budget to $17 million and crafted a prototype with a compact, talented team, starting to meet potential partners," he explained. While the concept was well-received, interest faltered when suggested budgets began dropping, affecting the feasibility of the project.

Schofield ultimately decided to withdraw from the project when discussions indicated a budget as low as $2–5 million. Following this decision, his team members are now seeking new opportunities.

He shared his reflections on the situation, noting the pleasure he found in creating large-scale AAA games over the past two decades, and expressing that the current pause in the industry casts uncertainty over such projects in the future.

"I miss the creativity and collaboration," he stated. "I'm back to personal art, storytelling, and supporting the industry as it evolves. Whether my directing days are over, I'm grateful to everyone who enjoyed my work."

Previously, Schofield joined Krafton in 2019 to establish Striking Distance Studios after leaving Sledgehammer in 2018. There, he launched The Callisto Protocol, intended to follow the legacy of Dead Space. However, the game's sales did not meet expectations, influencing Schofield to depart Striking Distance Studios in 2023 to explore new paths.

The studio later announced the layoff of 32 employees, pointing to a shift in business strategies.