Glen Schofield the creator and executive producer of the original Dead Space shared details of his recent pitch for Dead Space 4 to Electronic Arts during an interview at the Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show. Schofield who served as executive producer at EA Redwood Shores for the 2008 launch of Dead Space explained that he proposed reassembling the original leadership team accessing models from EA Motive’s 2023 Dead Space remake and achieving cost savings of 30 to 40 million dollars on the project.
Electronic Arts declined the proposal stating no further interest in the franchise. Schofield currently serves as director at Pinstripe Games following his departure from Striking Distance Studios in late 2023 after leading development of The Callisto Protocol in 2022. The announcement comes amid Electronic Arts’ recent acquisition by a consortium including PIF Silver Lake and Affinity Partners for 55 billion dollars in September 2025.
If you were not aware before, Glen Schofield originated the Dead Space concept while working as executive producer at EA Redwood Shores leading the development of the 2008 title. The game established the franchise as a sci fi survival horror series focusing on engineer Isaac Clarke combating necromorphs on a mining spaceship. Schofield did not participate in Dead Space 2 released in 2011 or Dead Space 3 released in 2013 but returned to the genre with The Callisto Protocol in 2022 through his studio Striking Distance Studios.
That title received mixed reviews and underperformed commercially leading to Schofield’s exit from the studio. His experience spans over two decades in game development including roles at Visceral Games formerly EA Redwood Shores. Schofield’s pitch for Dead Space 4 aims to revive the series which has sold over 11 million units across three main entries and spin offs since 2008.
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What went down in the Pitch
Schofield presented the Dead Space 4 concept to Electronic Arts earlier in 2025 emphasizing efficiency and familiarity to minimize risks. The plan involved reuniting key personnel from the original team utilizing pre existing 3D models and environments from the 2023 remake to cut development expenses by 30 to 40 million dollars compared to a full from scratch project. Schofield highlighted the potential to deliver a sequel that builds on the remake’s positive reception which earned an 89 percent score on Metacritic for its faithful recreation of the 2008 gameplay and atmospheric horror elements. Electronic Arts responded by declining further involvement citing lack of interest in expanding the franchise at this time.
The remake itself generated over 2 million players in its first week but did not meet EA’s financial expectations leading to no immediate plans for additional titles. Schofield’s proposal positioned the project as a direct continuation focusing on new story arcs within the Dead Space universe.
What is Schofield currently doing?
Following his departure from Striking Distance Studios Schofield joined Pinstripe Games as director a studio focused on narrative driven titles though no projects have been publicly announced as of October 2025. Striking Distance founded by Schofield in 2019 developed The Callisto Protocol a spiritual successor to Dead Space emphasizing survival horror mechanics in a prison facility setting. The game launched with a 70 percent Metacritic score and sales of approximately 2 million units falling short of publisher Krafton’s targets.
Schofield’s tenure at Striking Distance ended amid reported internal challenges including delays and scope changes. His experience includes executive production on titles like The Godfather The Game in 2006 and contributions to Dante’s Inferno in 2010 both under EA subsidiaries. At Pinstripe Games Schofield oversees creative direction with potential opportunities to pursue independent pitches for established IPs like Dead Space.
Schofield described multiple concepts ready for development with Dead Space 4 as a primary focus aiming to expand the series’ lore while retaining core survival horror elements. The proposed sequel would address fan feedback from the remake incorporating refined combat mechanics atmospheric tension and narrative depth. Potential expansions include adaptations to other media such as films or television series to broaden the franchise’s reach beyond gaming.
Schofield expressed optimism that new ownership could facilitate IP transfer allowing external development or licensing deals. He noted the remake’s critical success with over 95 percent positive Steam reviews but acknowledged its commercial shortfall against EA’s benchmarks. The vision emphasizes cost effective production using existing assets to deliver a high quality entry estimated at 60 to 80 million dollars in development budget. As of today, Schofield remains available for collaboration with interested parties, so if you happen to have an interest in the Dead Space franchise and also have a few million dollars to spare, you can approach him.
History of the Dead Space franchise
The Dead Space series launched in 2008 with the original title selling 2.3 million copies in its first year and earning a 89 percent Metacritic score for its innovative limb severing combat and immersive zero gravity sequences. Dead Space 2 in 2011 sold 2 million units and Dead Space 3 in 2013 sold 1.2 million marking declining interest due to multiplayer additions and less horror focus. The 2023 remake by EA Motive revitalized the IP with updated graphics and controls achieving 2.7 million players but revenue below expectations led to no sequel commitment.
The franchise has generated over 11 million units in sales across mainline games spin offs and mobile titles since inception. Current market trends favor horror revivals with titles like Silent Hill 2 remake succeeding commercially indicating potential viability for Dead Space 4. EA holds full ownership of the IP with no public sales discussions as of October 2025.
