Striking Distance Studios (SDS), an overseas development subsidiary of KRAFTON that developed “The Callisto Protocol,” has unexpectedly unveiled a new game.
On the 20th of the month, SDS released the first video of this new game on their official YouTube channel. The game is titled “Project Birdseye.”
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SDS, established in 2019, is a game development company. Glen Schofield, the former Executive Producer of the horror adventure game “Dead Space,” led the development of the new horror adventure game called “The Callisto Protocol” as the company's CEO and Director. In 2020, KRAFTON made an investment to incorporate SDS as a subsidiary.
After three years and an investment of 200 billion won, “The Callisto Protocol” was launched on December 2, 2022, as KRAFTON's first console package game. However, the game did not perform well, and in September 2023, Glen Schofield, along with the COO and CFO, left the company. Since then, there has been no news from the company or any mention of ongoing projects from KRAFTON, making this new game reveal a surprise.
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“Project Birdseye” is a top-down style shooting game set in Black Iron Prison, featuring fast action. The visuals in the released video appear closer to a cartoon style, showing the exploration of confined spaces and moving to the next area after eliminating enemies.
As the players progress through levels, they can equip and upgrade various weapons, while the game also introduces rivals during play, with the goal of capturing them.
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SDS has stated that the aim of the project, which was started last year through a small internal team, is to provide easy enjoyment while mastering the fun of roguelike gameplay.
While this game is not a sequel to “The Callisto Protocol”, SDS has described it as a side quest concept project that brings true resonance to the team. However, they have clarified that the game not only expands the universe of “The Callisto Protocol”. but also extends the creativity without affecting the upcoming AAA-grade development.
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In fact, Black Iron Prison is the main setting of “The Callisto Protocol,” and the characters in the game bear a resemblance to those who could appear in “The Callisto Protocol.” SDS has also commented that "Black Iron Prison is the perfect cyberpunk playground for our team's vision."
“ it is expected that “Project Birdseye” will take some time before it becomes available for players. The strategy is to gather feedback from users through the video that has been released.
김태만 기자 ktman21c@gamevu.co.kr
