Glen Schofield's Three-Point Plan to Fix the Video Game Industry
Last Updated: November 16, 2025
Glen Schofield, the acclaimed creator behind the iconic Dead Space franchise, has issued a stark assessment of the video game industry, describing it as "broken, beaten, and battered." His blunt diagnosis, delivered in late 2023, came with a clear prescription: a three-point plan designed to revitalize and repair the foundational issues he perceives within the expansive world of gaming. This pronouncement from such a seasoned figure continues to send ripples through the community, fueling critical conversations about the challenges facing developers, publishers, and players alike.
A Veteran's Candid Diagnosis of the Industry
Schofield's declaration that the games industry is "broken, beaten, and battered" is a powerful statement from someone whose career spans decades and includes some of gaming's most revered titles. His words carry significant weight, stemming from a career defined by pushing boundaries in horror and action-adventure. When a creator of his caliber speaks so forthrightly, it signals a deeper malaise that warrants serious attention.
The sentiment of an industry under strain is not new, but Schofield’s directness highlights a growing concern among veterans, especially in the wake of widespread layoffs and studio closures that marked 2023. His comments followed the difficult launch of his studio's game, *The Callisto Protocol*, and subsequent restructuring at Striking Distance Studios, giving his reflections a personal and timely poignancy. Schofield’s concise yet impactful description encapsulates the multi-faceted difficulties of modern AAA development—from intense crunch culture and escalating costs to the constant pressure to innovate in a crowded market—suggesting not just isolated problems, but a fundamental systemic breakdown.
Schofield's Revealed Path Forward
Crucially, Schofield’s critique was paired with a constructive vision. Speaking on the *Game Maker's Notebook* podcast, he outlined a detailed "three-point plan" intended to mend what he sees as broken. This roadmap moves beyond simple criticism to offer tangible principles for steering the industry towards a more sustainable and creatively vibrant future.
1. A Return to Quality
Schofield's first point is a call to "get back to quality." He argued that the pressure to meet release dates and financial quarters has led to a trend of shipping games before they are truly ready, resulting in a lack of polish and originality. He advocates for studios to take the necessary time to refine ideas, innovate on gameplay, and deliver a truly finished, high-quality experience, believing that players will reward excellence over speed.
2. Reigniting the Passion
The second pillar of his plan is to "get the passion back." Schofield fears that the industry has become overly dominated by business metrics, focus testing, and risk-averse decision-making, stifling the creative spark that leads to groundbreaking games. He calls for a renewed focus on empowering development teams to pursue their artistic visions, celebrating game creation as a craft, and trusting the instincts of creators who are passionate about the projects they are building.
3. Recapturing the Magic of Studio Culture
Finally, Schofield urged the industry to "get back to what we were." This point addresses the erosion of positive and collaborative studio culture. He reminisced about a time when studios felt more like tight-knit, creative teams on a shared mission, rather than siloed, corporate environments. He believes that fostering a fun, respectful, and collaborative atmosphere is essential for creativity to flourish and for developers to feel invested in their work.
Why Schofield's Voice Matters in Gaming's Evolution
Glen Schofield is not just any developer; he is synonymous with some of gaming’s most impactful experiences. As the creator of *Dead Space*, his influence on the survival horror genre is undeniable. His long and varied career, including co-founding Sledgehammer Games and leading the development of multiple *Call of Duty* titles, provides him with a unique vantage point to assess the industry's health.
His perspective is invaluable because it comes from someone who has navigated the creative, technical, and business complexities of game development at the highest levels. His three-point plan is not abstract theory; it's a reflection of decades of hands-on experience. His call for quality echoes the meticulous world-building of *Dead Space*, while his emphasis on passion and culture speaks to his experience building successful studios from the ground up. When Schofield identifies a core issue, it’s a seasoned observation backed by a proven track record.
The Broader Conversation on Industry Sustainability
Schofield's compelling statement and plan feed directly into a broader, urgent conversation about the future of the video game industry. Developers, analysts, and players continue to express deep concerns about the human cost of "crunch," the viability of ever-expanding AAA budgets, and the creative stagnation that can result from a purely commercial mindset.
Voices like Schofield's are crucial in moving these discussions from abstract concerns to actionable dialogue. His direct challenge to the status quo serves as a catalyst, encouraging studios and publishers to critically evaluate their practices. The gaming world thrives on innovation and passion, but for that to continue, the underlying structures supporting its creators must be robust and equitable. Schofield’s intervention reinforces the idea that the industry’s greatest assets—its talent and creativity—require a healthier environment to flourish, ultimately benefiting everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly did Glen Schofield say about the games industry?
Glen Schofield stated that he believes the games industry is "broken, beaten, and battered," citing issues with quality, passion, and development culture.
What is Glen Schofield's "three-point plan"?
Schofield's three-point plan, which he detailed on the *Game Maker's Notebook* podcast, consists of:
- Get Back to Quality: Focusing on polish and taking the time needed to make great, finished games.
- Get the Passion Back: Prioritizing creative vision and artistic craft over purely business-driven decisions.
- Get Back to What We Were: Rebuilding positive, fun, and collaborative studio cultures.
Why is Glen Schofield's opinion on the industry important?
As the creator of *Dead Space* and co-founder of Sledgehammer Games, Glen Schofield has a long, distinguished career leading high-profile projects. His extensive firsthand experience in both creative and leadership roles gives significant weight and authority to his observations on the industry's challenges.
Where did Glen Schofield reveal his plan?
Glen Schofield detailed his three-point plan during an interview on the *Game Maker's Notebook* podcast with Insomniac Games' Ted Price in October 2023.