Dead Space Franchise Creator Glen Schofield Really Wants to Make the Fourth Game, Thinks EA May Sell the IP
During the Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show, veteran game designer Glen Schofield, the original creator of the Dead Space franchise, shared his strong desire to develop a fourth installment in the acclaimed sci-fi horror series. Speaking to IGN, Schofield revealed that he recently approached Electronic Arts (EA) with a proposal to make Dead Space 4.
According to Schofield, he offered EA a plan that would reunite several former Visceral Games developers who worked on the original trilogy. More importantly, he claimed that by reusing the assets from Motive Studio’s 2023 Dead Space remake, he could help the company save between 30 and 40 million USD in development costs. Despite his passion and cost-efficient proposal, EA reportedly turned down the pitch. It remains unclear whether this rejection was related to the idea Schofield had mentioned nearly a year ago or if it stemmed from a newer attempt made sometime in 2025.
Despite the setback, Schofield remains undeterred. He told IGN that he still believes there is hope for the franchise, especially after EA’s $55 billion leveraged buyout by a consortium of investors. He mentioned that he is already “making calls” to explore possible opportunities to revive Dead Space under new ownership.
“We’ll see. I don’t know where EA’s head is right now. I don’t think they made money on the Dead Space remake. Dead Space needs to be adapted to different mediums — movies, TV series, it would be great. But I am more optimistic, because somebody new could buy the IP.”
— Glen Schofield
His remarks come amid widespread industry discussion about EA’s financial position following the leveraged buyout. Analysts suggest that, in order to reduce its mounting debt, EA may be forced to make significant cost-cutting measures that could include layoffs, studio closures, or even franchise divestitures. This has fueled speculation that less profitable IPs like Dead Space, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age could be sold off to allow EA to focus on its highest-performing series such as FIFA, Madden, and Battlefield.
Schofield’s comments also align with earlier reports that EA declined Motive Studio’s internal pitch to remake Dead Space 2 after the first remake’s modest commercial performance. While the 2023 remake received strong critical acclaim for its faithful modernization of the original game, it did not achieve the sales expectations EA had hoped for.
For Schofield, this moment represents both a reflection and a second chance. After leaving Striking Distance Studios, where he directed The Callisto Protocol, Schofield had stated in July that it might have been his last game. The title, which shared many thematic similarities with Dead Space, unfortunately failed to meet both critical and financial expectations despite substantial investment from Krafton.
Still, his passion for the genre and the franchise he helped create remains unwavering. By expressing renewed optimism about a potential sale or revival of the Dead Space IP, Schofield has reignited fan hopes that the series may yet continue — possibly under new stewardship.
As of now, there has been no official statement from EA regarding the potential sale of Dead Space or its future development plans. However, Schofield’s determination and industry experience could play a pivotal role in breathing new life into one of gaming’s most beloved horror franchises.
Would you like to see Glen Schofield return to lead Dead Space 4 if EA decides to sell the IP? Share your thoughts and tell us what you’d hope to see in the next chapter of the franchise.
