Summary
- Ken Levine reflects on the closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite, describing the decision as "complicated."
- Levine was surprised by the studio's closure, stating, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company," indicating the unexpected nature of the shutdown.
- Anticipation grows for BioShock 4, which may feature an open-world setting, with fans hoping it will incorporate lessons from BioShock Infinite's release.
Ken Levine, the director of BioShock Infinite and co-founder of Irrational Games, recently shared insights into the studio's closure under Take-Two Interactive. Levine, alongside Jonathan Chey and Robert Fermier, former employees of Looking Glass Studios, established Irrational Games and spearheaded the renowned BioShock series, which includes the original 2007 release, BioShock Infinite in 2013, and its expansion, BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea.
In 2014, Levine announced the closure of Irrational Games, which was a surprising move following the success of BioShock Infinite. The studio later rebranded as Ghost Story Games in 2017, continuing to operate under Take-Two. The closure came amidst a tumultuous period for the gaming industry, marked by significant layoffs at companies like Riot Games and Ubisoft.
In an interview with Edge Magazine, as reported by PC Gamer, Levine described the decision to close Irrational Games as "complicated." He revealed personal struggles during the development of BioShock Infinite that led to his desire to leave 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 stated, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the closure. Levine acknowledged that his personal challenges affected his leadership capabilities, saying, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader."
Despite the sadness surrounding BioShock Infinite, the game left a significant mark on the gaming community. Reflecting on the aftermath, Levine believed that Take-Two could have allowed Irrational to work on a BioShock remake, suggesting it would have been a suitable project for the team. In an effort to mitigate the impact of the closure, Levine aimed to facilitate "the least painful lay-off we could possibly do," providing transition packages and continued support to the affected employees.
Looking ahead, fans of the BioShock series eagerly await the next installment, BioShock 4, announced five years ago. While an official release date remains undisclosed, 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios are actively developing the game. Speculation suggests that BioShock 4 might feature an open-world environment while maintaining the first-person perspective that defined its predecessors. Fans hope that the new game will learn from the discourse surrounding BioShock Infinite, enhancing the series' legacy.
