Electronic Arts (EA) has turned down a proposal for a fourth installment in the iconic “Dead Space” series from its original creator, Glen Schofield. This news emerged from an interview Schofield did with YouTuber Dan Allen Gaming, where he expressed his desire to continue the franchise that has left such a significant mark on gaming culture.
The trio discussed wanting to make Dead Space 4 in a recent interview with Dan Allen Gaming (via Resetera).
“We tried actually, you know, the three of us yeah, we tried Dead Space 4,” Schofield said.
“All three of us sat there and wanted to do it,” Stone added.
Schofield said discussions took place this year, but EA rejected the idea.
“Well we didn’t go too deep, they just said no, we’re not interested right now, we appreciate it, blah blah blah, and you know, we know who to talk to, so we didn’t go take it any further, and we respected their opinion you know, they know their numbers and what they have to ship and all that.”
“The industry is in a weird place right now,” Stone said. “People are really hesitant to take chances on things, so you’ve got to you know, take it with a grain of salt, who knows, maybe one day, I think we’d all love to do it.”
“Yeah, we’ve got some ideas,” Schofield added.
The Proposal and Rejection
Glen Schofield, known for his pivotal role in conceptualizing the original “Dead Space” and later creating “The Callisto Protocol,” approached EA earlier this year with a pitch for “Dead Space 4.” Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the concept from Schofield and his team, including Bret Robbins and Christopher Stone, both of whom have deep roots with the franchise, EA decided not to move forward with the idea. Schofield noted in the interview that the discussions didn’t delve deep because EA quickly made it clear they were not interested at the moment, saying, “They just said ‘We’re not interested right now, we appreciate it blah blah blah’ and we know who to talk to, so we didn’t take it any further.”
Why the Rejection?
EA’s decision could be attributed to various factors including financial projections, market analysis, or strategic shifts within the company. The “Dead Space” series, while critically acclaimed, has had a tumultuous journey with sales. The last game in the series, “Dead Space 3,” didn’t meet commercial expectations, and even the 2023 remake of the original game didn’t perform as hoped in terms of sales, leading EA to reconsider further investments in the franchise. Moreover, Schofield’s recent project, “The Callisto Protocol,” which was often compared to “Dead Space,” did not meet critical or commercial expectations, potentially influencing EA’s decision.
Fan Reaction and Industry Impact
The news has ignited a wave of disappointment among the “Dead Space” community. Fans have taken to social media platforms to express their dismay, with many posts reflecting a longing for more content in this beloved universe. However, there’s also a sentiment of cautious optimism, suggesting that industry dynamics could shift, and perhaps in the future, EA might revisit its decision. Some speculate that EA’s current business model or focus might not align with new entries in established, niche genres like survival horror, especially when compared to the push for live-service games or ongoing IPs.
What Next for Schofield and Dead Space?
Despite the setback, Schofield remains keen on returning to the “Dead Space” universe if given the opportunity. His passion for the horror genre and the legacy of “Dead Space” is well-documented. Meanwhile, Schofield has teased working on another project, indicating his career in game development is far from over. For “Dead Space,” the future is uncertain. The franchise has a loyal fanbase eager for more, but without EA’s green light, the continuation of Isaac Clarke’s story seems on hold.
Conclusion
The rejection of “Dead Space 4” by EA marks another chapter in the saga of the franchise’s ups and downs. While it’s a blow to fans and to Schofield, the gaming industry is known for its cycles of revival and innovation. Whether “Dead Space” will return in some form remains to be seen, but for now, fans can only reminisce about past terrors and hope for a future where the lights in space might flicker back to life.
Sources:
https://www.vg247.com/dead-space-4-pitch-shot-down-glen-schofieldEA Rejected a Dead Space 4 Pitch by Series Creator Earlier This Year
