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 shuttering surprised most of its employees, stating, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."
This retrospective account from the creative director and co-founder of Irrational Games sheds light on the events leading to the 2014 closure, which saw the studio later rebranded as Ghost Story Games in 2017 under Take-Two Interactive. The gaming industry's recent history of significant layoffs adds context to Irrational's fate.
In a recent interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer), Levine described his personal struggles during BioShock Infinite's development, which ultimately led to his desire to leave Irrational. However, he anticipated the studio's continued operation in his absence. The unforeseen closure, therefore, came as a shock. Levine explains, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader," acknowledging his own role in the situation. Irrational Games, renowned for System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, faced unforeseen pressures during Infinite's production. Levine aimed to minimize the impact of the studio's closure, implementing what he describes as "the least painful lay-off we could possibly do," providing transition packages and ongoing support.
The Legacy of BioShock Infinite and the Anticipation for BioShock 4
While BioShock Infinite is known for its melancholic tone, its influence on the gaming community is undeniable. Levine believes Take-Two could have utilized Irrational's expertise on a BioShock remake, stating, "That would have been a good title for Irrational to get their head around."
The announcement of BioShock 4 offers fans a glimmer of hope. Five years after its announcement, the game's release date remains unconfirmed as 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios continue development. Speculation points towards a potential open-world setting, while retaining the series' signature first-person perspective. Many believe BioShock 4 will learn from the experiences surrounding BioShock Infinite's release.
