Irrational Games Closure Stuns Bioshock Creator

Summary

• Ken Levine reflects on the complicated closure of Irrational Games after the success of BioShock Infinite, a decision that surprised him.
• He reveals that he expected the studio to continue operating, despite his departure, but ultimately, it wasn't his decision.
• Anticipation for BioShock 4 is high, with speculation of an open-world setting and hopes that lessons learned from BioShock Infinite's development will be applied.

BioShock Infinite director Ken Levine recently offered a retrospective on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games under Take-Two Interactive. Levine, creative director and co-founder of Irrational Games (alongside Jonathan Chey and Robert Fermier), spearheaded the critically acclaimed BioShock series, including the original 2007 title, 2013's BioShock Infinite, and its DLC, Burial at Sea.

In 2014, following BioShock Infinite's release, Levine announced Irrational Games' closure. The studio was later rebranded as Ghost Story Games in 2017, remaining a Take-Two subsidiary. This closure occurred amidst a challenging period for the video game industry, marked by significant layoffs at various companies.

In an interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer), Levine described the Irrational Games closure as "complicated." He discussed personal struggles during BioShock Infinite's development, which led to his own departure, but he believed the studio should continue. "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company," he stated, highlighting the surprise felt by most at the studio's shutdown. Irrational Games, renowned for System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, faced unforeseen pressures stemming from Levine's personal challenges during Infinite's development, prompting his decision to step down. He explained, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader."

BioShock Infinite's Ken Levine Explains Why Irrational Games' Closure Came as a Shock

Despite the somber tone of BioShock Infinite, its impact on gamers is undeniable. Reflecting on its success, Levine suggested that Take-Two could have allowed Irrational to work on a BioShock remake, stating, "That would have been a good title for Irrational to get their head around." He prioritized a smooth transition for his team, aiming for "the least painful lay-off we could possibly do," providing transition packages and ongoing support.

With the announcement of BioShock 4, fans eagerly anticipate the next installment. Many believe it can benefit from the lessons learned during BioShock Infinite's development. Although announced five years ago, an official release date remains elusive as 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios continue development. Speculation points towards a potential open-world setting, while maintaining the series' signature first-person perspective.