Glen Schofield, a prominent figure in the video game industry and co-creator of the Dead Space series, has announced his retirement from game development after a career spanning over 35 years. Schofield shared the news in an emotional video posted to his LinkedIn page, reflecting on his extensive work directing teams and bringing major titles to life.
"After 35 years of making games and directing them, running teams, it's time for me to officially retire from the day-to-day work," Schofield stated in the video. He expressed gratitude to his friends, family, and colleagues for their support throughout his career. Schofield also thanked the players who engaged with the games he and his teams developed, acknowledging their feedback as a crucial element in his growth as a developer.
Throughout his career, Schofield worked with various major publishers and studios, including EA and Activision. He specifically thanked EA for the opportunity to create Dead Space and Activision for entrusting him with three Call of Duty titles. He also dedicated significant thanks to his family, particularly his wife, Barb, for their unwavering support.
Schofield's most recent major project was 2022's The Callisto Protocol, a game often seen as a spiritual successor to Dead Space. The title did not meet its publisher's sales expectations. Following this, Schofield departed the studio he founded and explored independent ventures, including a pitch for Dead Space 4 to EA, which did not materialize.
Concluding his announcement, Schofield offered a positive outlook on the future of the gaming industry, despite current challenges. "I know times are tough right now, but man, the future ahead is really, really bright," he said. He encouraged the next generation of game developers to "explore, experiment, enjoy, and don't forget that the most important thing is the idea."