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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Video Games

The Callisto Protocol

The Callisto Protocol is a 2022 survival horror video game developed by Striking Distance Studios and published by Krafton.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Callisto Protocol is a 2022 survival horror video game developed by Striking Distance Studios and published by Krafton. Set on Jupiter’s moon Callisto, it follows Jacob Lee as he tries to survive an outbreak at Black Iron Prison and uncover the facility’s secrets.

Gameplay

The game is a third-person survival horror title with action and adventure elements. Players control Jacob Lee, who is trapped in Black Iron Prison after a crash landing on Callisto. Gameplay combines shooting, close-quarters combat, scavenging, and resource management. Players explore confined environments, gather resources, and fight hostile mutated enemies using both ranged and melee combat.

Plot

The story is set roughly 300 years in the future on Callisto, where Jacob Lee is imprisoned in Black Iron Prison after a crash landing. An outbreak turns inmates into monstrous creatures, and Jacob must escape while learning more about the catastrophe. The main character is Jacob Lee, a cargo pilot who is imprisoned after a crash landing.

Development and release

The Callisto Protocol was developed by Striking Distance Studios, a studio founded by Glen Schofield, co-creator of Dead Space, and published by Krafton. It launched on December 2, 2022 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Reception and legacy

The game was widely discussed as a spiritual successor to Dead Space because of its atmosphere, third-person survival horror design, and Schofield’s involvement. It generated attention for its visual presentation, combat system, and comparisons to earlier genre titles.

Key facts

  • The game is a third-person survival horror title with action and adventure elements.
  • Players control Jacob Lee, who is trapped in Black Iron Prison after a crash landing on Callisto.
  • Gameplay combines shooting, close-quarters combat, scavenging, and resource management.
  • The project was led by Glen Schofield, a co-creator of Dead Space.
  • It was released in 2022 for major console and PC platforms.
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Canadian context

The game was released in Canada on the same major international platforms as elsewhere, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows PC, and is part of the broader Canadian audience for AAA horror and science-fiction games.

Frequently asked questions

What type of game is The Callisto Protocol?
It is a third-person survival horror game with action and adventure elements.
Who developed The Callisto Protocol?
It was developed by Striking Distance Studios.
Who published The Callisto Protocol?
It was published by Krafton.
When was The Callisto Protocol released?
It was first released on December 2, 2022.
What is the setting of the game?
The game is set on Jupiter’s moon Callisto, mainly inside Black Iron Prison.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Jacob Lee, a cargo pilot who is imprisoned after a crash landing.

References

  1. PlayStation — https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/the-callisto-protocol/
    Supports: Setting, genre, main character, combat style, and release platform information
  2. IGN — https://www.ign.com/games/the-callisto-protocol/gameplay
    Supports: Developer, publisher, genre, platforms, and initial release date
  3. Steam — https://store.steampowered.com/app/1544020/The_Callisto_Protocol/
    Supports: Game description and survival horror framing
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Callisto_Protocol
    Supports: Plot, gameplay perspective, and general release/platform details