Irrational Games' Closure: A Retrospective by Ken Levine
Ken Levine, director of BioShock Infinite, recently reflected on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the game's success. He described the decision by Take-Two Interactive as "complicated," revealing that the studio's shuttering came as a surprise to most, including himself. Despite his own desire to leave Irrational, Levine expected the studio to 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 critically 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, stands in stark contrast to the studio's legacy, which includes the influential System Shock 2 and the celebrated BioShock Infinite. Levine attributes his decision to depart, in part, to personal struggles during Infinite's development, admitting, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." He aimed to make the layoffs as painless as possible, providing transition packages and ongoing support for the team.
The impact of BioShock Infinite's unique atmosphere resonated deeply with players. Looking back, Levine suggests that Irrational could have undertaken a BioShock remake, a project he believes would have been a suitable undertaking for the studio.
With the announcement of BioShock 4, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the series. While a release date remains unconfirmed, speculation abounds, with many believing the game may feature an open-world setting, retaining the first-person perspective established by its predecessors. The development, under 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios, continues, five years after the initial announcement. This new installment has the potential to learn from the experiences and discussions surrounding BioShock Infinite.
