Bioshock Creator Reacts to Closure of Developer

Ken Levine, director of BioShock Infinite, reflects on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the game's success. He describes the decision by Take-Two Interactive as "complicated," revealing that the studio's shuttering came as a surprise to most, including himself. While he intended to leave Irrational, he expected the studio to continue operating. "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company," he stated.

Levine acknowledges personal struggles during BioShock Infinite's development, impacting his leadership abilities. He emphasizes his efforts to ensure a smooth transition for the Irrational team, aiming for "the least painful lay-off we could possibly do," including providing transition packages and ongoing support.

The closure of Irrational, known for its contributions to the horror RPG genre (System Shock 2) and the BioShock franchise, contrasts sharply with the anticipation surrounding BioShock 4. Levine suggests a BioShock remake could have been a suitable project for a continued Irrational, stating, "That would have been a good title for Irrational to get their head around."

Speculation about BioShock 4, announced five years ago, is rife. Many believe the game, currently under development by Cloud Chamber Studios, could feature an open-world setting while maintaining the series' signature first-person perspective. Fans eagerly await its release, hoping it will learn from the experiences surrounding BioShock Infinite's launch.