Irrational Games' Closure Stuns BioShock Developer

Ken Levine on Irrational Games' Closure: A Retrospective

Following the success of BioShock Infinite, Irrational Games' closure remains a complex issue for its creator, Ken Levine. In a recent interview, Levine revealed the studio's shutdown came as a surprise to most, stating, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."

Levine, Irrational's creative director and co-founder, had personally struggled during Infinite's development, leading to his departure. However, he envisioned the studio's continued operation. The closure, he explained, was a "complicated" decision. He highlights the impact of personal pressures on his leadership abilities during that period, admitting, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader."

Despite the unforeseen circumstances, Levine aimed for a smooth transition for his team, striving for "the least painful lay-off we could possibly do," including comprehensive severance packages and ongoing support. He even suggests that Irrational could have successfully handled a BioShock remake, stating, "That would have been a good title for Irrational to get their head around."

The legacy of Irrational Games, known for titles like System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, continues to resonate. The anticipation for BioShock 4 is high, with fans hoping the developers learn from the experiences surrounding BioShock Infinite's release. While an open-world setting is speculated, the first-person perspective is expected to remain a core element. The game's release date, however, remains unannounced.