BioShock Father Amazed by Irrational Games Shutdown

Ken Levine reflects on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite, describing the decision as complex and surprising. He reveals that while he intended to leave Irrational, he believed the studio would continue operating. The shutdown, however, came as a shock to most, including Levine himself, as he states, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."

Levine, creative director and co-founder of Irrational Games, spearheaded the BioShock franchise, including the original game, BioShock Infinite, and its DLC. The studio's closure was announced in 2014, later rebranding as Ghost Story Games in 2017 under Take-Two Interactive. This closure occurred amidst a challenging period for the video game industry, marked by significant layoffs at various companies.

In a recent interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer), Levine elaborated on his personal struggles during BioShock Infinite's development, contributing to his decision to depart. He admits, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." Despite his departure, he aimed to ensure a smooth transition for the Irrational team, prioritizing a humane layoff process with support packages.

Looking back, Levine suggests that Irrational could have been tasked with a BioShock remake, believing it would have been a suitable project for the team. The legacy of Irrational Games, renowned for System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, continues to influence the anticipated BioShock 4.

The upcoming BioShock 4, announced five years ago, remains without a firm release date. However, fan speculation points towards an open-world setting, retaining the series' signature first-person perspective. Many believe BioShock 4 will benefit from lessons learned during the development and release of BioShock Infinite.