Irrational Games Closure Stuns Bioshock Creator

Ken Levine reflects on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite, calling the decision "complicated." He reveals the studio's shutdown surprised most, stating, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."

Irrational Games, co-founded by Levine, Chey, and Fermier, created the acclaimed BioShock franchise. Levine's 2014 announcement of the studio's closure, after BioShock Infinite's release, led to its 2017 rebranding as Ghost Story Games under Take-Two Interactive. This closure comes amidst a challenging period for the video game industry, marked by significant layoffs at various companies.

In a recent interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer), Levine elaborated on the closure, highlighting the personal difficulties he faced during BioShock Infinite's development. These struggles led to his departure, but he hoped Irrational would continue. The unforeseen closure was a shock, and Levine acknowledges his inability to effectively lead during that time: "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." Irrational's legacy includes its contributions to the horror RPG genre with System Shock 2 and the critically acclaimed BioShock Infinite.

Levine's Post-Infinite Reflections and BioShock 4 Anticipation

Despite BioShock Infinite's melancholic tone, its impact on gamers remains significant. Levine believes Take-Two could have leveraged Irrational's expertise on a BioShock remake, suggesting, "That would have been a good title for Irrational to get their head around." He strived to ensure a smooth transition for the team, providing support packages during the layoffs.

With the announcement of BioShock 4, fans anticipate the next installment. While an official release date remains elusive, speculation points towards an open-world setting, retaining the first-person perspective of previous titles. The development by 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios is ongoing, and many believe BioShock 4 will learn from the experiences of BioShock Infinite's release.