Irrational Games Shuts Down, Shocking BioShock Creator

Irrational Games' Closure: A Retrospective by Ken Levine

Ken Levine, creative director behind the acclaimed BioShock series, recently reflected on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite. He described the decision by Take-Two Interactive as "complicated," revealing that the studio's shutdown came as a surprise to most, including himself. Despite his own planned departure, Levine believed Irrational would continue. "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company," he stated in a recent interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer).

Levine's personal struggles during BioShock Infinite's development contributed to his decision to leave Irrational. He acknowledges his inability to effectively lead the studio during this challenging period: "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." The closure, however, wasn't his intended outcome. He aimed to ensure a smooth transition for the team, prioritizing "the least painful lay-off we could possibly do," including comprehensive transition packages and ongoing support.

The legacy of Irrational Games, known for titles like System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, remains significant. Levine even suggests a BioShock remake could have been a suitable project for the studio to undertake after Infinite.

Looking ahead to the anticipated BioShock 4, currently in development at Cloud Chamber Studios, many fans hope the developers will learn from the experiences surrounding BioShock Infinite's release. While an official release date remains elusive, speculation points towards an open-world setting, retaining the series' signature first-person perspective. The game's development, announced five years ago, continues under 2K's umbrella.