Summary
- Ken Levine reflects on the closure of Irrational Games after the success of BioShock Infinite, describing the decision as "complicated."
- Levine believed the studio would continue, but the closure came as a shock to most, as he stated, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."
- Anticipation grows for BioShock 4, which may feature an open-world setting, with fans hoping it learns from the lessons of BioShock Infinite's release.
BioShock Infinite director Ken Levine has provided insights into the closure of Irrational Games under Take-Two Interactive, reflecting on the studio's termination which came unexpectedly to many involved. Levine, the creative director and co-founder of Irrational Games alongside former Looking Glass Studios employees Jonathan Chey and Robert Fermier, spearheaded the development of the acclaimed BioShock series, including the original 2007 game, 2013's BioShock Infinite, and the follow-up BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea.
In 2014, Levine announced the closure of Irrational Games following the release of BioShock Infinite. The studio was later rebranded as Ghost Story Games in 2017, continuing as a Take-Two subsidiary. The video game industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, with widespread layoffs affecting companies like Riot Games and Ubisoft.
In a recent interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer), Levine described the decision to close Irrational Games as "complicated." He shared his personal struggles during the development of Infinite, which ultimately led to his decision to leave the company, although he hoped it would continue without him. "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company," Levine said, highlighting the unexpected nature of the studio's closure. Irrational Games was renowned for its work on System Shock 2, a landmark in the horror RPG genre, and its success with BioShock Infinite. However, Levine's personal challenges during Infinite's development made it difficult for him to lead effectively, as he admitted, "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
BioShock Infinite, known for its poignant and somber narrative, left a significant mark on the gaming community. Reflecting on its success, Levine suggested that Take-Two could have tasked Irrational with a BioShock remake, which he believed would have been a suitable project for the team. Despite the closure, Levine aimed to mitigate the impact on employees by offering transition packages and continued support, striving for "the least painful lay-off we could possibly do."
The anticipation for the next installment in the BioShock series, BioShock 4, continues to build. Announced five years ago, the game is still in development by 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios, with no official release date yet set. Fans speculate that BioShock 4 might adopt an open-world setting while maintaining the series' signature first-person perspective. Many hope that the new game will incorporate lessons learned from BioShock Infinite's reception, enhancing the overall experience.
