Stacking Up with the Striking Distance Studios the Developers of [REDACTED]

Interviewer: Roberto Nieves

Interviewee: Steve Papoutsis (CEO) and Ben Walker (Creative Director) of Striking Distance Studios.

In 2022, Striking Distance Studios released The Callisto Protocol. The action horror game invited players into a nightmarish adventure in deep space, with mutants running amok. The game set the stage for a larger, grand world of interstellar conspiracy and science gone wrong. Two years later, the team is entering the universe again with [REDACTED], a side experience that sees the player as an unnamed guard fighting for their lives in a twin-stick roguelike adventure.

I had a moment to catch up with Striking Distance Studios’ Steve Papoutsis (CEO) and Ben Walker (Creative Director) as the game is set for launch.

For those that don’t know, what is [REDACTED]?

Papoutsis: [REDACTED] is a fresh, punk-rock twist on the roguelike genre, set in a chaotic sci-fi world. You play as a security guard fighting for survival in Black Iron Prison, using a mix of fast-paced twin-stick shooting and strategic combat. It’s action-packed and gritty, but with a style and attitude that's more irreverent than horrifying.

Why set [REDACTED] in the same universe as The Callisto Protocol?

Papoutsis: We wanted to build on the world of The Callisto Protocol but from a very different angle. Black Iron is a brutal setting that lends itself well to intense gameplay, but this time, we’re looking at the survival story of regular folks—people who just want to make it out alive rather than be the hero. It’s not about saving the world; it’s about surviving in this gritty universe, but with a fun, chaotic twist.

What inspired [REDACTED]'s punk-rock comic book aesthetic?

Papoutsis: The style really evolved from the combat pace we developed while working on The Callisto Protocol DLC. We wanted something fast and intense, and the punk vibe just fell into place. Many of us here are fans of comic books and that DIY, irreverent style, so it all came together pretty naturally. The visual aesthetic really complements the game’s gritty yet humorous tone.

Why make [REDACTED] a twin-stick shooter roguelike as opposed to another genre like a platformer?

Walker: We felt a twin-stick shooter matched the intensity and pacing we wanted to explore. With the prison setting and the chaos of survival, the gameplay needed to be fast and responsive, something a twin-stick shooter delivers well. It gives players a satisfying, quick-response combat style that makes each run feel different and exciting.

What separates [REDACTED] from other roguelikes?

Walker: One big standout is our Rivals system. While you're fighting your way through Black Iron, you're also racing against other NPCs trying to escape. It adds another layer of tension because they can interfere with you remotely or even directly challenge you. It’s this constant push and pull of trying to survive while outsmarting these unpredictable Rivals.

What was the reasoning behind the game’s title, [REDACTED]?

Papoutsis: The title reflects both the raw, irreverent attitude we wanted for this game and its place within The Callisto Protocol universe. It’s bold, unconventional, and immediately stands out, just like the game itself.

What do you hope players experience with [REDACTED]?

Walker: We want players to feel the thrill of constant action, intense combat, and the unpredictability of surviving against all odds. Every run is an opportunity to try something new, and whether it’s the combat, the Rivals, or the punk-rock world, we hope players are excited to dive back in, again and again.

Thank you for your time and good luck on the launch.

[REDACTED] is available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S