“They’re not dead,” that’s how Glen Schofield, the mind behind Dead Space, responds to those claiming the AAA industry is on its last legs. While executives insist blockbuster titles are fading, Schofield argues the opposite, insisting that big games are still essential to gaming’s future.

Glen Schofield has left a permanent mark on gaming. His most recent project, The Callisto Protocol, didn’t win over every horror fan, but his earlier work, the legendary Dead Space, terrified countless players. After his time at Striking Distance Studios and Krafton, Schofield has pitched multimillion-dollar ideas to publishers, hoping to secure funding. Though he’s had no luck, he’s noticed a disturbing trend: more and more executives declaring the so-called “death” of AAA games. Schofield couldn’t disagree more.

Speaking with The Game Business, Schofield reflected on The Callisto Protocol and his current challenges. He’s no stranger to projects costing over $100 million, yet in pitching new ideas he keeps hearing a narrative that clashes with his own beliefs. “I wanted to do something big. But even then, we were dropping the price. I thought maybe I could get it for $85 million. Now I’m reading articles saying AAA games are dead. You’re dead. Anyone in AAA should retire. And some of those statements were coming from video game executives.”

Schofield rejects this idea outright: “AAA games paved the way for every new console for years. The big games always came first. They used the newest engines, experimented with technology, and paved the way for other titles. AAA did a lot of great things.” Now, the veteran director is determined: “I want to show people AAA isn’t dead. It’s not dead just because some executive says so.”

Funding Still Out of Reach for Schofield’s New Projects

Despite his passion, Schofield has yet to secure funding. He’s pitched a project codenamed Hellion as well as an adventure game he hoped to build with his daughter. Neither has landed a deal. “It was a tough time. We all agreed… I don’t want to do this anymore. Could I shrink the project? Yes. But that’s not the game we want to make.”

Source: 3djuegos