Glen Schofield Dreams of an Alien Game, But Only with Creative Freedom
Glen Schofield, the acclaimed mind behind horror classics like Dead Space and The Callisto Protocol, has revealed his strong interest in developing a game set in the iconic Alien universe. However, Schofield's passion comes with a crucial condition: he would only take on such a project if he were given full creative control.
Schofield emphasized that this level of creative autonomy is non-negotiable for him to deliver a truly exceptional game. “I must completely own the creative process. That’s not even debatable,” he explained. “Because I won’t be able to make a great game if it’s not mine and if I’m not fully immersed in it. Then I’ll give 130%.” This deep immersion, he believes, is essential for him to commit fully and produce the high-quality, atmospheric horror experiences his fans expect.
His affection for the Alien franchise runs deep, with Schofield admitting he's spent the last two years designing hundreds of his own Xenomorphs using Midjourney, purely for enjoyment. Despite this specific fascination, he generally prefers to work on original intellectual properties rather than adaptations of existing licenses. The Alien universe appears to be a rare exception that truly captures his imagination.
The prospect of Schofield returning to direct a new game, whether Alien or an original IP, remains uncertain. In July, he shared that he and his daughter, environment artist Nicole Schofield, had been working on a new project with a promising $17 million budget. While investors were initially impressed with the prototype, the funding requests were later reduced to a mere $2-5 million. Ultimately, the team decided to abandon the idea rather than compromise their vision by developing it “cheaply.”
This situation highlights the challenging climate currently facing the video game industry, with major studios undergoing restructuring and publishers becoming increasingly risk-averse. Schofield himself departed from his role as head of Striking Distance Studios after The Callisto Protocol’s sales did not meet Krafton’s expectations, a move that regrettably led to job losses for many developers on the project.
Reflecting on his career, Schofield expressed a longing for the game development process. “I miss all of it. The team, the chaos, the joy of creating something for the fans,” he shared. He continues to engage in art, writing stories, and generating new ideas, maintaining his support for the industry. Yet, he also mused, “But perhaps I’ve already made my last game. Who knows? If that’s the case, thank you for playing my games.”
For fans of Schofield’s distinct brand of horror, the idea of him tackling the Alien universe is tantalizing. However, his comments underscore the significant hurdles even celebrated creators face in bringing ambitious visions to life amidst an unpredictable industry landscape. While an Alien game from Schofield remains a hopeful possibility, it hinges on finding a partner willing to trust his creative instincts completely.
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