This week, The Callisto Protocol’s last piece of DLC titled “Final Transmission” will be available on all platforms (it’s been available on PlayStation platforms since June 27, with PC and Xbox getting it on June 29), which puts an end to Striking Distance’s debut game. If you’re curious about the DLC’s conception, we had the chance to talk to Striking Distance Studios’ boss Glen Schofield.
In our The Callisto Protocol Final Transmission interview, we asked Schofield about the new weapon, whether there’s a stinger at the end of it, and even what the future holds. If you haven’t played the DLC yet, this is a safe read, as there is no spoilers in it.
The Callisto Protocol Final Transmission Interview With Glen Schofield:
MP1st: It’s been a little over six months since the Callisto Protocol launched, and the game has received some substantial updates addressing several gameplay mechanics, as well as adding some quality-of-life improvements based on feedback from players. With this being the final DLC, and a story one at that, there’s an opportunity for the studio to now address some of the feedback around the narrative. Is there something that might be noticeable in the DLC that the team did/change based on feedback on the narrative?
Glen Schofield: I wanted to start out by just saying a massive thank you to all the fans for sticking with us over the past six months, providing feedback, and just being there for us. We never stopped working on this game, and if anyone out there was on the fence about checking out the game, now is the time. We’ve shipped dozens of updates and made hundreds and hundreds of improvements based on feedback directly from the community, and a few things that just didn’t make it in for launch. Me and the team couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together. We hope players enjoy it.
In terms of narrative, we had a pretty strong vision, but we definitely took player feedback to heart. I don’t want to give anything away, but we’ve made a few bold choices in the story that I hope the community will really find satisfying. I can’t wait to hear from players once the game is live.
MP1st: Did the studio already know what story DLC Last Transmission would be, or did it evolve post-release of the base game?
Glen Schofield:We had a really good idea about the shape of the DLC story, but of course it evolved over the course of development. That’s just kind of the way I’ve always worked – you just massage every little detail until it’s time to get the game out. Again, I don’t want to give anything away, but I can’t wait to hear what people think!
MP1st: What’s the targeted length of the story? Are there any replayable elements in it?
Glen Schofield: It’s a couple of hours long. Some people may rip through it faster than others, and some people may take their time exploring every dark corner and trying the hardest difficulties, but we wanted to focus on delivering an awesome story first and foremost. The whole game is really built to reward replay, with multiple paths to explore, collectibles, and some pretty challenging combat. While Riot and Dismemberment modes were fun, we know players have been dying to get this story content, and we’re excited to deliver!
MP1st: This DLC takes place immediately where the game ended. No surprise; I suppose we’d want to keep this as spoiler-free as possible. Can we expect a definitive conclusion with this DLC? Also, what of Dani? The last we saw her was being shot into space in an escape pod. Will we learn what happened to her?
Glen Schofield: I mean, I hate to say it again – but I really don’t want to spoil the details. The game is out this week, so all your plot questions will be revealed. I don’t think anyone will consider the ending to be a cliffhanger, though. I can tell you that Final Transmission picks up the story where players left Jacob at the end of the main game.
MP1st: The fates of the characters aren’t the only loose end that players want to see. The Commonality specifically. What will their role be in this DLC? Can players expect to see more of the curtain pulled back on this mysterious cult? Duncan Cole’s story didn’t seem “finished” by the end of the game.
Glen Schofield: The Final Transmission will definitely take players deeper into the terrible things that have been happening at Black Iron Prison – and without spoiling anything, there will definitely be some familiar faces for players looking to go deeper into the world.
MP1st: The new monster is described as a mix between the Biophage Pathogen and machine. What was the inspiration behind it?
Glen Schofield: I’ve always been a huge fan of sci-fi and horror – movies like Event Horizon have always been a huge inspiration for me, going all the way back to the original Dead Space. I’m sure that influence is written all over this new creature we’re unleashing in the DLC. This thing is terrifying, and I think players are going to have a great time finding out about where it came from, and figuring out how to take it out.
MP1st: Is this new monster going to be the “big bad” guy of this DLC, or is it more of a new standard type of enemy that we’ll face throughout?
Glen Schofield: The BioBot isn’t Final Transmission’s “big bad,” they are a constant threat as you battle your way through Black Iron Prison toward the story’s conclusion. But I wouldn’t call the BioBot standard – every encounter is a life-or-death situation and will put your skills to the test – they get in close and can really do some damage.
But Final Transmission does have a “big-bad,” that will feel familiar and new at the same time. I wish I could tell you more but it’s a surprise.
MP1st: There’s a new weapon, the Kinetic Hammer. I’m going to assume there will be a lot of skull smashing, limb breaking, and several new killing animations introduced with it, as well as new death animations from the new monster. Is this weapon (and enemy assuming they’re a “standard” type we’ll keep seeing) exclusive to the story DLC, or will we be able to use it in the main campaign, be that after the DLC completion or as a new pickup? Are there new death animations even for the old enemies when you use the new weapon? Does Jacob have new death animations too?
Glen Schofield: Hit the nail on the head there! We wouldn’t bring in new, terrifying monsters without giving players powerful new ways to kill them. That’s where the Kinetic Hammer comes in. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill melee weapon – it’s a game-changer. It hits like a truck. It has arcing swings that can keep foes at bay and an area of effect ground slam.
But the Kinetic Hammer isn’t just about crowd control. It also has a powerful charge attack that can take down a single target quickly. It’s this blend of crowd management and targeted assault that makes the Kinetic Hammer so much fun.
The Kinetic Hammer is a DLC-specific tool. It’s something that players will have to earn throughout their journey in the Final Transmission. It won’t come easy, but trust me, it’s worth every ounce of effort. The hammer helps to even the playing field and give you a fighting chance against the monstrous threats you’ll face. You won’t want to miss getting your hands on this one.
MP1st: I know you’ve spoken in the past about already thinking about ideas for a sequel. Not that we’re expecting a confirmation here, BUT with this being the final DLC and all, for the fans of the universe, will this be farewell? Is there a stinger of sorts for the end of it? Or maybe a post-credits scene? What’s next for the team?
Glen Schofield: Right now we’re totally focused on giving players the awesome DLC they’ve been asking for, so I don’t want to get into what’s next. But look, I’m never short on ideas. There’s so much depth to The Callisto Protocol that we could dig into, so many more stories to tell, more characters to meet, and more dark corners to explore.
I won’t beat around the bush – we absolutely love the world we’ve built. It’s been a labor of love, something that we’ve poured our hearts and souls into. We’ve crafted a universe that we believe is teeming with potential and it’s one that we’re incredibly passionate about.
Am I going to confirm anything today? Nope, PR would kill me. But we never stop thinking about this game and what might come next.
Now, as for the hint of a stinger or a post-credits scene in the Final Transmission… I’m afraid you won’t get any spoilers out of me.
MP1st: Last question. As development begins winding down on The Callisto Protocol, it’s been a long and emotional journey for you, the team at Striking Distance, as well as the fanbase. Care to share a final message with everyone?
Glen Schofield: Taking a moment here, I want to again extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Striking Distance Studios, and to all the fans who’ve embarked on this journey alongside us. Creating The Callisto Protocol has been more than just a project – it’s been a deeply rewarding adventure that speaks volumes about the team’s shared love for immersive gaming and riveting storytelling.
You know, it’s not just about the hard work that goes into a project like this. It’s also about the passion, the shared vision, the collective drive to create something truly special, and seeing that all come to fruition has been nothing short of incredible.
The dedication from our team has been matched only by the unwavering support and invaluable feedback from our fans. You guys are at the heart of everything we do, and your engagement has been instrumental in helping us shape and improve The Callisto Protocol over the last few months.
Everything we do is for the fans. We’ve listened, we’ve learned, and we’ve worked diligently to refine our game based on your insights and experiences. It’s because of you that we’ve been able to evolve and enhance The Callisto Protocol to where it stands today, and for that, we are immensely grateful.
We’re immensely proud of what The Callisto Protocol has become, and we hope that you, our fans, are thoroughly enjoying every moment, every scare, every challenge it offers. Thank you, from all of us at Striking Distance Studios.
The Callisto Protocol’s Final Transmission DLC is out now on PS4, PS5, and will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC on June 29.