Summary
- Ken Levine reflects on the "complicated" closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite, expressing surprise at the studio's shuttering.
- Levine believed Irrational would continue post-Infinite, but as it was not his company, the closure came unexpectedly to most involved.
- Anticipation for BioShock 4 grows, with speculation about an open-world setting and hopes that it will incorporate lessons from BioShock Infinite.
Ken Levine, the director behind BioShock Infinite, has provided insights into the closure of Irrational Games, a studio under Take-Two Interactive. Levine, who co-founded Irrational Games with former Looking Glass Studios employees Jonathan Chey and Robert Fermier, was instrumental in creating the acclaimed BioShock series, including the original 2007 game, 2013's BioShock Infinite, and its expansion, BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea.
In 2014, Levine announced the closure of Irrational Games, a decision that shocked many in the industry. The studio was later rebranded as Ghost Story Games in 2017, continuing as a Take-Two subsidiary. This closure occurred amidst a challenging period for the video game industry, marked by significant layoffs at companies like Riot Games and Ubisoft.
In a recent interview with Edge Magazine, Levine described the decision to close Irrational as "complicated." He shared personal struggles during the development of BioShock Infinite, which influenced his decision to step away from the studio. Despite his departure, Levine hoped Irrational would continue operating. "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company," he explained, underscoring the surprise the closure brought to those involved. Irrational Games, known for its contributions to the horror RPG genre with System Shock 2 and the success of BioShock Infinite, faced unforeseen pressures during Infinite's development, leading Levine to admit, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader."
Reflecting on the closure, Levine believed that Take-Two could have tasked Irrational with a BioShock remake, a project that might have been suitable for the team. Despite the closure, Levine aimed to minimize the impact on the staff, offering transition packages and continued support.
Looking ahead, fans eagerly await BioShock 4, announced five years ago by 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios. While an official release date remains undisclosed, speculation suggests the game might feature an open-world setting while maintaining the first-person perspective of its predecessors. Fans hope that BioShock 4 will learn from the discourse surrounding BioShock Infinite, ensuring a successful continuation of the beloved steampunk series.
