BioShock Creator Surprised by Closure of Irrational Games

Ken Levine on Irrational Games' Closure: A Surprise Ending to BioShock Infinite's Success

Ken Levine, director of BioShock Infinite, recently reflected on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the game's release. He described the decision by Take-Two Interactive as "complicated," revealing that the studio's shutdown came as a shock to most, including himself. While Levine intended to leave Irrational after BioShock Infinite, he anticipated the studio would continue operating. "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company," he stated in an interview with Edge Magazine.

Levine, co-founder and creative director of Irrational Games, led the development of the acclaimed BioShock franchise. The studio's closure in 2014, after the release of BioShock Infinite, followed by its rebranding as Ghost Story Games in 2017, was a significant event in the gaming industry, particularly given the recent wave of layoffs across the sector.

In the Edge Magazine interview (reported by PC Gamer), Levine discussed his personal struggles during BioShock Infinite's development, which contributed to his decision to depart. He acknowledges his leadership shortcomings at the time, stating, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." Despite the difficult circumstances, Levine aimed to make the layoffs as smooth as possible, providing transition packages and support for his team. He even suggested that Irrational could have handled a BioShock remake, believing it would have been a suitable project for the studio.

Looking Ahead to BioShock 4

With the announcement of BioShock 4, fans eagerly await the next installment in the beloved series. Many believe the upcoming game can learn from the experiences surrounding BioShock Infinite's release and subsequent fallout. While an official release date remains unannounced, speculation abounds, with many anticipating an open-world setting, while maintaining the series' signature first-person perspective. The development continues under 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios.