Shocking Revelations from Bioshock Creator on Irrational 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."

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

In a recent interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer), Levine elaborated on the circumstances surrounding Irrational's demise. He acknowledged personal challenges during BioShock Infinite's development that contributed to his desire to leave Irrational, but he expected the studio to continue operating. The unexpected closure, he confirmed, shocked many within the team. Levine explains, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." Irrational Games, renowned for its contributions to the horror RPG genre with System Shock 2 and the BioShock franchise, faced unforeseen pressures. Levine strived to make the layoffs as smooth as possible, providing transition packages and support.

BioShock Infinite's Legacy and BioShock 4 Anticipation

BioShock Infinite, despite its melancholic tone, left a significant mark on the gaming community. Levine believes Take-Two could have utilized Irrational's expertise on a BioShock remake, suggesting, "That would have been a good title for Irrational to get their head around."

The upcoming BioShock 4 has generated considerable excitement among fans. While announced five years ago, a release date remains unconfirmed as 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios continue development. Speculation points to a potential open-world setting, while retaining the series' signature first-person perspective. Fans hope BioShock 4 will learn from the experiences and discussions surrounding BioShock Infinite's release.