Ken Levine on Irrational Games' Closure: A Retrospective
Ken Levine, creative director behind the acclaimed BioShock series, recently reflected on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite. He described the decision as "complicated," revealing that the studio's shuttering came as a surprise to most, including himself. While he intended to leave Irrational after Infinite's release, he believed the studio would continue operating. "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company," Levine stated in an interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer).
Levine, along with Jonathan Chey and Robert Fermier, founded Irrational Games, building a legacy with titles like System Shock 2 and the BioShock franchise. However, personal challenges during BioShock Infinite's development led to his departure, and he admits, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." Despite the difficult circumstances, Levine strived to ensure a smooth transition for his team, aiming for "the least painful lay-off we could possibly do," including providing transition packages and ongoing support.
The closure of Irrational Games, later rebranded as Ghost Story Games in 2017, occurred amidst a challenging period for the video game industry marked by significant layoffs at prominent studios. This event further highlights the complexities and unforeseen circumstances that can impact even successful game development companies.
BioShock 4 and the Legacy of Infinite
The announcement of BioShock 4 offers a glimmer of hope for fans of the series. Levine himself suggested that a BioShock remake would have been a suitable project for Irrational, given its success. Anticipation for BioShock 4, currently under development at Cloud Chamber Studios, is high, with many speculating an open-world setting while retaining the first-person perspective established in previous games. The game's development, however, continues without a confirmed release date, five years after its initial announcement. The community anticipates that lessons learned from BioShock Infinite's development and release will shape the upcoming title. BioShock Infinite, despite its melancholic tone, left a lasting mark on the gaming world, and the future installment carries the weight of that legacy.
