Bioshock Creator Was Shocked by Irrational Games Closure

Ken Levine reflects on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite, describing the decision as "complicated." He reveals that the studio's shuttering came as a surprise, stating, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company." This unexpected turn of events followed Levine's own departure, driven by personal challenges during BioShock Infinite's development.

Levine, Irrational's creative director and co-founder, spearheaded the creation of the acclaimed BioShock franchise. The studio's closure in 2014, after BioShock Infinite's release, led to its rebranding as Ghost Story Games in 2017 under Take-Two Interactive. This event occurred amidst a challenging period for the video game industry, marked by significant layoffs at various prominent studios.

In a recent interview with Edge Magazine (as reported by PC Gamer), Levine elaborated on the circumstances surrounding Irrational's closure. He acknowledges his inability to effectively lead during the demanding development of BioShock Infinite, stating, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." Despite his departure, he hoped the studio would continue, suggesting a BioShock remake as a suitable project. He also prioritized a compassionate approach to the layoffs, aiming for "the least painful lay-off we could possibly do," including transition packages and ongoing support.

The anticipation for BioShock 4 remains high. While an official release date is still pending under 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios, fan speculation points towards an open-world setting, potentially incorporating lessons learned from BioShock Infinite's reception. The game is expected to maintain the first-person perspective of its predecessors.