Ken Levine reflects on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite, calling the decision "complicated." He reveals the studio's shutdown surprised most, stating, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."
Irrational Games, co-founded by Levine, Jonathan Chey, and Robert Fermier, created the acclaimed BioShock series. Levine's 2014 announcement of the studio's closure, after BioShock Infinite, shocked the industry. The studio was later rebranded as Ghost Story Games in 2017, remaining a Take-Two subsidiary.
In a recent interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer), Levine elaborated on the closure. He acknowledged personal struggles during Infinite's development, leading to his departure but with a hope for the studio's continued existence. He admits, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." The studio, known for System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, faced unforeseen pressures stemming from Levine's personal circumstances. Levine aimed for a "least painful lay-off," providing transition support to the team.
The Legacy of BioShock Infinite and the Anticipation for BioShock 4
Despite its melancholic tone, BioShock Infinite left a lasting impact. Levine believes Take-Two could have leveraged Irrational's expertise on a BioShock remake, stating, "That would have been a good title for Irrational to get their head around."
With BioShock 4 on the horizon, fans anticipate lessons learned from BioShock Infinite's development. Announced five years ago, the game's 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.
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
